The Return of the Classic Films Obituary Thread

[CBHagman]

94. Film critic Gene Shalit, 100

You've probably heard about Gene Shalit on one of the other DU forums, but here's the story for our spot:

https://www.npr.org/2026/06/12/g-s1-128022/gene-shalit-movie-critic-dies

"What resonated above his unusual appearance was his incredible wit, his remarkable intelligence. But he didn't pound you over the head with it. He amused you. He enlightened and amused whatever subject he was on," Guy Ludwig, Shalit's producer for more than 20 years, wrote in an essay of his time.

It was no coincidence that Chicago critics Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel's local "thumbs-up, thumbs-down" movie-review program, "Sneak Previews," went national on PBS in the late 1970s and that "Today" show's ABC rival, "Good Morning America," hired Joel Siegel to be its movie critic in 1981.

"Shalit was instrumental in changing the balance of critical power in America. When he began his 'Today' tenure, newspapers and magazines were the primary sources for movie reviews. That's where cinematic opinion was sparked and shaped," The Plain Dealer wrote in 2010, calling Shalit "Daniel Boone in a bow tie and Groucho glasses."

There's more at the link.

Also see the following:

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/12/arts/television/gene-shalit-dead.html

https://www.today.com/video/look-back-at-gene-shalit-in-a-fit-of-laughter-while-interviewing-carol-channing-130590789920