Where Is Gene Shalit Now? Updates on Former ‘Today’ Anchor’s Life After 100th Birthday
The handlebar mustache. The colorful bow ties. The groan-worthy puns. For 41 years, Gene Shalit was appointment morning television, and on March 25, the beloved former Today show critic hit a birthday that even he might struggle to find a pun for: the big 1-0-0.
His former NBC colleagues made sure the milestone got the celebration it deserved.
Al Roker Shared an Update on Gene Shalit’s Life Now
Al Roker kicked off the on-air tribute by saying, “Happy 100th birthday to Today show legend Gene Shalit,” calling him “a prominent presence here at Today for 41 years.”
Roker also shared where the centenarian is these days, revealing Shalit 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.”
The segment featured a recent photo. Roker’s reaction? “He looks fantastic.”
Coanchor Craig Melvin had his own take, one that longtime fans will appreciate: “I love that he kept the stache.”
Roker shared a personal memory during the birthday segment — a chance encounter that feels perfectly on-brand for Shalit’s low-key post-retirement life: “I ran into him a few years ago at a Stop & Shop up in the Berkshires. He was buying cat food.”
Gene Shalit Won ‘Today’ Viewers Over for Decades
That trademark handlebar mustache, his glasses and those bow ties made Shalit one of the most instantly identifiable people on American TV. He started his career as a writer and columnist, contributing to publications like The New York Times and TV Guide before joining Today in 1969 as a regular contributor. By 1973, he had replaced Joe Garagiola on the Today desk.
From there, Shalit became famous for his puns and playful wordplay in film reviews. But his range extended well beyond movie criticism — he hosted segments on books, theater and other cultural topics. His style mixed humor, charm and accessible criticism in a way that made him both beloved and occasionally parodied.
During the birthday tribute, clips from some of Shalit’s celebrity interviews flashed on screen, including with the cast of Star Wars. The anchors recalled how “Gene could pull out from people so much, to the point where Gene actually lost it almost during the Carol Channing [interview]” and noted that “Even Sophia Loren couldn’t resist putting her hands into Gene’s hair.”
Why Gene Shalit Left ‘Today’
Shalit retired from Today in October 2010 at age 87. His parting words? Characteristically brief and witty. “It’s enough already,” he said, per The Hollywood Reporter. He also said in the statement he would “pursue other activities” which include publishing, radio and commercials.
He largely stepped away from the public eye after that, though he did show up on Today for the retirement of longtime colleague Willard Scott in 2015.
Fans Celebrated Gene Shalit’s Milestone Birthday
The celebration spilled onto social media, too. Shalit received birthday messages in the comments section of Today’s Instagram page. “Stop! This is awesome. I remember him reviewing movies so long ago. Happy birthday !” one person commented. A second wrote, “The fabulous gene shalit. What a great presence for America every day on Today.” A third said, “Happy Birthday Gene! I was born in 69 and I grew up with you!! Sending you so much love 💕.”
For a man who spent a lifetime making mornings brighter for millions of Americans, it’s clear the feeling is mutual.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
