The $100 million legacy of a movie critic

Gene Shalit, a movie critic and arts reporter for the 'Today' show over four decades, has died at the age of 100. Known for his puffy hair, oversized handlebar mustache, and affection for groan-inducing puns, Shalit was instrumental in changing the balance of critical power in America.

Shalit joined 'Today' as a contributor in 1970 and became arts editor in 1973, later settling in for his segment, 'Critic's Corner.' When he left the show in 2010, he was one of the last high-profile film critics on a major network.

'What resonated above his unusual appearance was his incredible wit, his remarkable intelligence. But he didn't pound you over the head with it. He amused you. He enlightened and amused whatever subject he was on,' Guy Ludwig, Shalit's producer for more than 20 years, wrote in an essay at the time of Shalit's retirement.

Gene Shalit's impact on American cinema

Shalit's impact on American cinema cannot be overstated. When he began his 'Today' tenure, newspapers and magazines were the primary sources for movie reviews. That's where cinematic opinion was sparked and shaped.

'Shalit was instrumental in changing the balance of critical power in America. When he began his 'Today' tenure, newspapers and magazines were the primary sources for movie reviews. That's where cinematic opinion was sparked and shaped,' The Plain Dealer wrote in 2010, calling Shalit 'Daniel Boone in a bow tie and Groucho glasses.'

The highs and lows of Gene Shalit's career

Shalit's career was marked by both highs and lows. He was known for his wit and intelligence, but also for his occasional groan-inducing puns.. He drew condemnation from GLAAD for calling Jake Gyllenhaal's character, Jack,a 'sexual predator' in his review of 'Brokeback Mountain.'

Shalit apologized for the comment, but it was a rare moment of controversy in an otherwise illustrious career. He was a beloved figure on the 'Today' show, known for his ability to make even the most mundane topics entertaining.

Gene Shalit's lasting legacy

Shalit's legacy will be remembered for generations to come. He was a true original, a critic who brought wit and intelligence to the world of movie reviews. His impact on American cinema cannot be overstated.

As the 'Today' show's arts editor, Shalit was responsible for reviewing some of the biggest movies of the past few decades. He was a middle-of-the-road critic, known for his ability to balance praise and criticism .

Shalit's reviews were often late, and his interviews weren't always the most insightful. But he was a beloved figure on the 'Today' show,and his wit and intelligence entertained audiences for decades.

Editorial Take

Headlines Orbit's read of Gene Shalit's legacy is one of a true original, a critic who brought wit and intelligence to the world of movie reviews. His impact on American cinema will be remembered for generations to come.