Movie critic Gene Shalit leaving 'Today'

[November 10, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Gene Shalit has panned or praised his last movie for the "Today" show.

The critic who's known for his bushy hair and mustache said Tuesday that he's leaving the show where he's reviewed movies for 40 years. The last time his "Critic's Corner" appeared on the morning show was in May, when he reviewed "Shrek Forever After."

The "Today" show said it would air a salute to the 84-year-old Shalit on Thursday. Executive Producer Jim Bell says 40 years on the same show is "a feat unlikely to ever be matched."

In a news release, Shalit says he wasn't retiring, and that he'll do work on the Internet and in commercials.

[Associated Press]

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