George Shalit has died aged 100. The popular US movie critic was a household name across American homes as a firm fixture on NBC's flagship morning programme, the Today show, where he appeared on screens for four decades. According to his family, the longtime critic "passed away peacefully today after 100 years of an amazing life." Throughout his career, George cemented his place as a fan favourite for his humour, star-studded interviews and witty reviews during his Critics Corner segment.
In a statement shared with NBC, the TV star's family added: "The 'TODAY' Show was an extraordinary era for him." From the 70s up until his retirement in 2010, George fashionably stood among the broadcaster's suited hosts with thick-framed glasses, polka-dot bow ties and bushy hair. Fans were left heartbroken by the announcement, as one penned: "He was so full of laughter. A joy to watch."
Taking to x/Twitter, another added: "Lived 100 years!!! He has seen and witnessed so much!!! May he rest in peace."
"A brilliant, wonderful career. Gave us A LOT of enjoyment, and made going to the movies just a little bit more special. Thank you Gene," added a third.
As another remembered: "For a kid growing up in central Pennsylvania, he was a voice into another world of culture. His enthusiasm for film was infectious in a time before cable."
Marking his milestone 100th birthday earlier this year, the Today programme honours his work and compiled a montage of his famous celebrity interviews, including Hollywood legends such as Carol Channing, Liza Minnelli, and Steven Spielberg.
Before his stellar TV career, Gene worked as a senior film critic for Look Magazine, and continued to write columns in the New York Times, Ladies' Home Journal and TV Guide.
He was also a published author, through his 2002 book Great Hollywood Wit, an anthology which features a "glorious cavalcade of Hollywood wisecracks, zingers, japes, quips, slings, jests, snappers, & sass from the stars", as teased on the front cover.
Gene bid an emotional farewell to NBC viewers in 2010 and largely retreated from the public eye during his retirement.
The late critic was married to Nancy Lewis for 28 years, from 1950 until her death in 1978.
