Gene Shalit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gene Shalit
|
|
|---|---|
Shalit on Today, 1973
|
|
| Born | March 25, 1926 New York City, New York, U.S.
|
| Education | Morristown High School |
| Alma mater | University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign |
| Occupation |
|
| Years active | 1960–2010 |
| Television | Today |
| Spouse(s) |
Nancy Lewis
(m. 1950; died 1978) |
| Children | 6, including Willa |
Gene Shalit (born March 25, 1926) is an American journalist and critic who is now retired. He was well-known for his work as a film and book critic. From 1973 until his retirement in 2010, he was a familiar face on NBC's The Today Show. People often recognized him for his funny puns and his unique "absent-minded professor" look. This look included a big handlebar moustache, fuzzy hair, large glasses, and colorful bow ties.
Early Life and Education
Gene Shalit was born in New York City on March 25, 1926. He grew up in Newark and Morristown, New Jersey. His family has Jewish roots.
When he was in high school, Shalit wrote a humor column. It was for his school newspaper, and it was called "The Korn Krib."
Shalit later attended the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. While there, he wrote for the student newspaper, The Daily Illini, from 1945 to 1949.
Career Highlights
In the early 1960s, Gene Shalit worked as a press agent for Dick Clark. A press agent helps public figures share their news with the media.
Shalit began reviewing arts and entertainment in 1967. He wrote for many popular magazines. These included Look, Ladies' Home Journal, Cosmopolitan, TV Guide, Seventeen, Glamour, McCall's, and The New York Times.
From 1970 to 1982, Shalit had a daily radio show. It was called Man About Anything and was broadcast on the NBC Radio Network. This show was very popular and was heard on many radio stations.
In 1986, Shalit hosted a collection of movies on videocassette and laserdisc. It was called Gene Shalit's Critic's Choice Video. He shared his reviews for classic films like Touch of Evil and Double Indemnity.
Gene Shalit announced his retirement from The Today Show in 2010. He had worked there for 40 years. His last day on the show was November 11, 2010. Since then, he has mostly stayed out of the public eye. He made one special appearance in 2015 for Willard Scott's retirement from NBC.
Personal Life
Gene Shalit was married to Nancy Lewis. They were married from 1950 until she passed away in 1978. For many years, he lived in Leonia, New Jersey.
Gene and Nancy Shalit had several children. Their daughter, Willa Shalit, is an artist and entrepreneur. Their son, Peter Shalit, is a doctor.
