Gene Shalit Turned 100 — and Yes, the ‘Today’ Alum’s Famous Mustache Is Still Going Strong
If you spent your mornings with a cup of coffee and NBC’s Today show, you know Gene Shalit. The handlebar mustache. The colorful bow ties. The puns that made you groan and grin at the same time. The beloved film critic turned 100 years old on March 25, and his old Today show family made sure the occasion didn’t pass quietly.
‘Today’ Shared a Milestone Birthday Tribute for Gene Shalit
Al Roker delivered a birthday shout-out during a recent segment that felt less like a news update and more like a toast to an old friend.
“Happy 100th birthday to Today show legend Gene Shalit,” Roker said, calling him “a prominent presence here at Today for 41 years.”
Roker shared a warm update on Shalit’s life, revealing he was “ringing in 100 by enjoying that fresh air in the Berkshires with his six kids, five grandchildren and getting ready to watch his beloved New York Mets as they gear up for opening day.”
A recent photo of the centenarian appeared on screen. “He looks fantastic,” Roker said. Coanchor Craig Melvin had the reaction we were all thinking: “I love that he kept the stache.”
The birthday tribute clearly struck a chord. On Today’s Instagram page, fans shared their memories.
“Stop! This is awesome. I remember him reviewing movies so long ago. Happy birthday !” one person commented. Another wrote, “The fabulous gene shalit. What a great presence for America every day on Today.” And one fan captured the generational connection perfectly: “Happy Birthday Gene! I was born in 69 and I grew up with you!! Sending you so much love 💕.”
Remembering Gene Shalit’s Most Iconic ‘Today’ Interviews
The tribute included clips and photos from some of Shalit’s most memorable celebrity interviews, including moments with the cast of Star Wars.
Roker recalled how Shalit had a gift for drawing people out in conversation. “Gene could pull out from people so much, to the point where Gene actually lost it almost during the Carol Channing [interview],” he shared. And apparently, “Even Sophia Loren couldn’t resist putting her hands into Gene’s hair.”
If you remember watching those interviews live, those anecdotes probably bring back a flood of memories.
Roker also offered a more personal recollection: “I ran into him a few years ago at a Stop & Shop up in the Berkshires. He was buying cat food.” A broadcasting legend living a perfectly normal, quiet life.
Gene Shalit’s Career Defined Morning TV
Shalit originally joined Today in 1969 as a regular contributor before replacing Joe Garagiola on the Today desk in 1973. Before television, he contributed to publications like The New York Times and TV Guide.
Over four decades, he became one of the most recognizable faces in American film criticism. His reach extended beyond movies — he also hosted segments on books, theater and other cultural topics. His style, mixing humor, charm and accessible criticism, made him both beloved and occasionally parodied in media.
He retired from Today in October 2010 at 87. His statement, delivered through a PR representative, was classic Shalit: “It’s enough already,” per The Hollywood Reporter. He said he would “pursue other activities” including publishing, radio and commercials.
After retiring, Shalit made only a few known TV appearances, including showing up on Today for the retirement of his longtime colleague Willard Scott in 2015.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
