4 Things You Never Knew About Gene Shalit (He’s 99!)
Gene Shalit is one of those pop culture figures who made an unforgettable mark on television, even if you didn’t always agree with his reviews. Born on March 25, 1926, he became a household name with his signature bushy mustache, wild hair and love of puns as the film critic on The Today Show for nearly four decades. His unmistakable look and enthusiastic delivery made him an easy target for parody, with comedians frequently exaggerating his already exaggerated style.
Shalit was spoofed on Saturday Night Live by Jon Lovitz and Horatio Sanz, portrayed on Second City Television by Eugene Levy, and even inspired a Muppet character in The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence. He also voiced a character based on himself in The Critic and was depicted as the fishy food critic “Gene Scallop” in SpongeBob SquarePants. Even Late Night With David Letterman got in on the fun, once squashing his head between two giant comedy hammers. Plenty of fascinating details about his life and career may surprise you, especially if you’re equally surprised that he is still alive at 99 years old!
1 He started writing humor columns in high school
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As a teenager in Morristown, New Jersey, he wrote a humor column for his school newspaper, titled The Korn Krib. Even at that young age, he had a knack for entertaining readers with his puns and playful writing style. His passion for writing led him to study journalism at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. At The Daily Illini, he took on multiple roles, from sports editor to humor columnist, proving that he could make just about any topic entertaining.
2 He worked as Dick Clark’s press agent, and it didn’t end well
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In the early ’60s, before American Bandstand, Shalit worked as Dick Clark‘s press agent, helping promote the young television host’s growing career. However, their professional relationship didn’t end on the best of terms. When Clark was investigated during the payola scandal, a controversy involving DJs and industry insiders being paid to play certain songs, Shalit distanced himself from the situation. Clark never forgave him, later calling him a “jellyfish” and reportedly never spoke to him again.
3 He hosted his own home video collection
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If you ever wandered the aisles of a video rental store in the ’80s, you might have come across Shalit’s unmistakable face staring back at you. In 1986, he lent his name and expertise to Gene Shalit’s Critic’s Choice Video, a collection of classic films released on VHS and laserdisc. His curated selections included timeless hits like Touch of Evil, Double Indemnity and Destry Rides Again. His enthusiasm for cinema was infectious, and while most people knew him from his television critiques, this project gave fans a chance to experience his recommendations in a more personal way.
4 He’s been living a quiet life since retirement in 2010
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After 40 years on The Today Show, Shalit decided it was time to step away from the spotlight. In 2010, he officially announced his retirement, summing up his decision with his trademark humor: “It’s enough already.” Having spent decades bringing his unique brand of criticism to morning television, he was ready for a slower pace. Since then, he has kept a remarkably low profile, making only one public appearance in 2015 to celebrate the retirement of his longtime colleague Willard Scott. Now 99 years old, Shalit resides in the quiet town of Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Though he may no longer be cracking jokes on television, his legacy as one of America’s most recognizable and entertaining critics lives on.
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