Gene Shalit, the legendary film critic best known for his long run on NBC's "Today" show, died Friday, June 12, NBC reported. He was 100 years old.
Shalit "passed away peacefully today after 100 years of an amazing life," his family told NBC News in a statement.
Shalit became a beloved figure in American media thanks to his distinctive, pun-filled takes on American film − and his on-air persona, including his handlebar mustache, glasses and bow ties.
His career started in print journalism, at publications like Ladies' Home Journal and The New York Times. He joined the "Today" show as a contributor in 1970 before becoming a full-time book and film critic three years later − and remained in the role for another 37 years.