Gene Shalit was one of the great weird guys of our time as he bought life to all of us. He was full of joy and good times and he got to see his 100th birthday. Gene passed away June 12, 2026.
He had the ability to bring happiness to so many people with his eccentric personality and dress.
Shalit was known for his puffin hair, handlebar mustache, large bow tie and horn rim glasses.
For four decades he was a host and movie critic for the NBC “Today Show.”
He had the ability to bring humor to his reviews, and even though he saw hundreds of films Shalit commented, “I have suffered through a lot of movies, but I will never leave until it’s over, no movie is that bad.”
“Some films could only have been cast in one way, screen tests were given and the losers got the parts.”
He was born in New York City and live there most of his life, proving you can’t take New York out of a New Yorker.
On his 100 birthday Smucker’s jellies featured a picture of him on their jelly jars. The curtain would go down for him soon after, but making it to three digits is an accomplishment that many of us would like to accomplish.
Gene’s ability to live and enjoy life is something we all can appreciate. He helped make life fun for all of us.
He stands with Groucho Marx and W.C. Fields for having the ability to make people appreciate living.
Shalit changed the way movies were review, no matter what the show he got a smile out of his review.
Think I’ll go see a movie.
Thought for the Day:
“I am not in politics, I am for the party that is out of power, no matter which one is in.” Will Rogers
