Joel Siegel

Gene Shalit, a prominent movie critic and arts reporter for the "Today" show for over four decades, has passed away at the age of 100. He was widely recognized for his distinctive appearance, including his puffy hair and large handlebar mustache, as well as his penchant for wordplay and puns. Shalit's family announced his peaceful passing, marking the end of a long and notable career. He joined the "Today" show as a contributor in 1973, becoming a familiar face to viewers for his insightful, and sometimes humorous, film reviews and commentary. His tenure on the program spanned a significant period in television history, and he became a well-known figure in entertainment journalism. His death at 100 years old brings to a close the career of a long-standing television personality.