Gene Shalit, the beloved film critic and longtime TODAY contributor known for his trademark humor and distinctive style, has died at the age of 100.

In a statement released on June 12, Shalit’s family said he “passed away peacefully” after living what they described as an extraordinary life.

Born on March 25, 1926, Shalit became one of television’s most recognizable personalities thanks to his handlebar mustache, bow ties, and witty movie reviews filled with memorable puns. He joined TODAY as a part-time contributor in 1970 and became a full-time member of the show in 1973, remaining with the program until his retirement in 2010.

Throughout his career, Shalit interviewed countless celebrities and became known for his lighthearted, entertaining approach to film criticism. Beyond TODAY, he appeared on popular game shows, wrote for major publications including The New York Times and TV Guide, and hosted a daily radio feature called Man About Anything.

Shalit also authored several books celebrating humor and Hollywood, including Laughing Matters: A Celebration of American Humor and Great Hollywood Wit. His unique personality even earned him a voice role on SpongeBob SquarePants and frequent parodies on shows such as Saturday Night Live and Family Guy.

He is survived by his six children. His wife, Nancy, preceded him in death, as did their daughter Emily, who passed away in 2012.

Gene Shalit leaves behind a lasting legacy as one of television’s most memorable entertainment critics, remembered for bringing humor, warmth, and a love of movies to generations of viewers.