Gene Shalit, Longtime ‘Today’ Show Movie Critic, Dies at 100

Film critic Gene Shalit during a toast with "Today" show cast and crew at the end of Katie Couric's final show in New York on May 31, 2006. Richard Drew/AP Photo

NEW YORK—Gene Shalit, a movie critic and arts reporter for the “Today” show over four decades who was known for his puffy hair, oversized handlebar mustache and affection for groan-inducing puns, has died. He was 100.

Shalit’s family announced the death Friday to NBC News, saying in a statement that he “passed away peacefully today after 100 years of an amazing life.”