Gene Shalit, a legendary figure in film criticism and a cherished voice on the Today show for four decades, has passed away at the age of 100. Known for his distinctive style and insightful reviews, Shalit was a beloved presence on the morning broadcast.

During his celebrated tenure, Shalit shared the spotlight with luminaries such as Barbara Walters and Katie Couric, and even worked alongside the controversial figure, Matt Lauer. His unique flair and warm personality made him a standout among his peers.

The news of his passing was confirmed by his family on Friday through an announcement on NBC News, marking the end of what they described as “an extraordinary era” on Today. Shalit’s contributions to the show left an indelible mark on viewers and colleagues alike.

In their heartfelt statement, his family reflected on his remarkable life, noting that he “passed away peacefully today after 100 years of an amazing life.” This somber announcement comes just shy of three months after Shalit celebrated his 100th birthday, a milestone that underscored his long and impactful journey in the world of entertainment journalism.

His death comes nearly three months after he celebrated his milestone centennial birthday.

The moment was commemorated on the Today show, with Al Roker announcing at the time: ‘He is ringing in 100 by enjoying that fresh air in the Berkshires with his six kids, five grandchildren.’

Former Today show critic Gene Shalit, who worked on the morning show for 40 years, has died at age 100; pictured in 1973

L-R Matt Lauer, Shalit, Bryant Gumbel, Willard Scott, and Katie Couric; pictured in 1999

Shalit, whose recognizable bold mustache became a signature part of his look, was born in New York City in 1926.

He was raised in New Jersey and graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign with a Bachelor of Arts degree in science and letters in 1949.

Before graduating, he showed promise as a writer while penning the columns What Shalit Be? and Campus Scout for The Daily Illini, per The Hollywood Reporter.

He went on to become Dick Clark’s press agent, before leaving the position and becoming a magazine writer.

Shalit, whose full name Eugene was shortened amid his public-facing career, first appeared on Today in a part-time capacity.

His Critics Corner segment became part of the show’s regular broadcast in 1968.

Shalit first reviewed books monthly, and later transitioned to a full-time role from 1973-1995.

He also notably interviewed big-name celebrities including Carol Channing, Sophia Loren, and Steven Spielberg.

The writer’s reviews were beloved and recognized for being rich in humor and wit.

He famously worked alongside Barbara Walters and Frank McGee; pictured in 1973

His Critics Corner segment became part of the show’s regular broadcast in 1968; seen in 1982

He notably interviewed big-name celebrities including Sophia Loren; pictured in 1980

In addition to a reputation for his punchy prose, he was also widely recognized for his unmistakable looks.

Eugene Levy parodied him on the Canadian sketch comedy show SCTV, while he was also portrayed by Horatio Sanz on Saturday Night Live.

A Muppets character was made in his likeness, and turned into an animated character on SpongeBob Squarepants, which he voiced.

He was even portrayed on an episode of Family Guy. 

Shalit wed Nancy Lewis in 1950 and they shared Peter, Willa, Andrew, Nevin, Emily and Amanda. 

The father of six was widowed upon his wife’s death from cancer in 1978, and he never remarried.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are keeping their fingers crossed that Shohei Ohtani’s recent knee inflammation won’t turn into a major setback. While optimism surrounds the situation, the potential implications of this ailment have certainly caught the team’s attention.

On the latest episode of the Dodgers Post podcast, California Post baseball writers Dylan Hernandez and Jack Harris delve into the ramifications of Ohtani’s early departure from Thursday’s game against Pittsburgh due to his knee issue. They explore whether this injury should lead the Dodgers to reconsider how they utilize Ohtani in his dual role this season.

The discussion touches on possible strategies to ease Ohtani’s workload while highlighting the importance of maintaining his dual-threat capabilities. Not only is his comprehensive role vital to the Dodgers’ current season aspirations, but it also holds significant value in the context of Ohtani’s remarkable career trajectory.

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Later, they go over the rest of the team’s series win in Pittsburgh, as well as other injuries to Justin Wrobleski and Will Smith.

They also open up the mailbag and answer some questions and comments from the audience, before finishing up with predictions for this coming week and Dodgers trivia as usual.

Also, Jack details his train trip from Pittsburgh to Chicago (from his room aboard Amtrak’s Floridian line).

All that and more, on the latest episode of the Dodgers Post podcast.

LOS ANGELES — In a video shared on Friday morning, Spencer Pratt, a former reality TV star and Republican, addressed his defeat in the Los Angeles mayoral primary with a stark warning about the city’s future, stating, “You have no idea how bad things are about to get for the city.”

In the video captioned “Saving LA-Phase III” posted on his social media, Pratt said he is not leaving town and is going to stay active in local politics.

Pratt, known for his outspoken nature, declared, “You thought you could get rid of me that easily? I didn’t enter this race for political power; I did it to expose this corrupt system, and nothing has changed.”

He continued, “Now, I don’t have to worry about offending CNN viewers. Without a campaign to constrain me, it’s war.”

The three-minute video, which featured clips from movies, news segments, and even a UFC fight, portrayed a bleak image of Los Angeles. Throughout, Pratt expressed his dissatisfaction with the city’s current state.

In his message, Pratt also criticized the remaining candidates, City Councilwoman Nithya Raman and Mayor Karen Bass, emphasizing his disapproval of the current political landscape.

“Angelenos are now stuck with two morons responsible for all their problems and now have to choose between dumb and dumber,” Pratt said, as images of Raman and Bass appeared.

He also said that “every problem that plagues Los Angeles because of these two corrupt communists is going to accelerate” under their leadership.

Pratt’s goal has not changed, he said, and he remains focused on stopping “these commie animals.”

“If you think we uncovered a lot of fraud and evil in the campaign, just wait,” Pratt said.

He went on to say that they have a recording of one of the candidates “doing or saying something that would make her resign in shame,” but did not directly say whether it was of Bass or Raman.

He calls them both out while looking directly at the camera, saying, “So, Karen, Nithya, ask yourself. Is it possible that one of your employees may have a recording of you doing or saying something that would force you to resign in disgrace?”

Pratt used the opportunity to discuss the Palisades Fire, which destroyed his home and was a recurring topic during his campaign.

“Hope you sleep well at night over the next five months, because you know who hasn’t slept well at all for the last 17 months? My mom. All my neighbors in the Palisades,” he said.

He also claimed major developers, hoteliers, business owners and entrepreneurs have told him they are leaving the city, which he argued would lead to more restaurant closures and less tax revenue.

“That means the city has to cut services. More potholes, less firefighters, less police patrols, more criminals, more drug addicts terrorizing your communities,” Pratt said.

“You have no idea how bad things are about to get for the city, look at this place already,” he added. “The city is a mess and you’re about to reward the arsonist who torched the place with four more years of destruction.”

Pratt competed against Bass and Raman in the primary election for a spot in the November runoff. He was eliminated after failing to secure enough votes to advance.

His video message comes just one day after Raman made a pledge to his supporters to deliver on the change they want in an effort to be their candidate come November.

The election was not a vote of confidence in Bass, who, according to incomplete returns, received under 35% of the vote, a vulnerable position for an incumbent. Still, she remains ahead of Raman with a more than 44,000 vote difference.

Raman holds a lead of more than 29,000 votes over Pratt in the latest election results, with 246,333 votes to Pratt’s 216,783.

Raman, who previously endorsed Bass for reelection, had been running in third until Sunday, but she gained more votes with every update provided by election officials in Los Angeles since June 2, primary day.

Eyewitness News reached out to Raman’s campaign, who had no comment about Pratt’s video.

The Bass campaign did not respond to our request for comment.

Pratt’s candidacy drew national attention due to his celebrity status and outspoken criticism of liberal leadership in a heavily Democratic city, but that attention did not translate into sufficient support at the polls.

Angelenos will decide in November whether Bass keeps her position as mayor or if voters turn the page and elect Raman as the new leader for the city.

Shia LaBeouf marked a significant personal milestone on Thursday, celebrating his 40th birthday alongside new girlfriend Nicole Mumphrey in the vibrant city of New Orleans.

The actor, who recently received a suspended sentence related to a Mardi Gras altercation, spent his special day in the company of his new romantic partner, following his 2025 break-up with Mia Goth.

Since the spring, LaBeouf and Mumphrey have been seen together, and the couple was spotted strolling through the city, fingers interlaced, enjoying each other’s company.

For the outing, LaBeouf opted for a casual look, sporting a light pink patterned short-sleeve button-up shirt paired with black shorts. He completed his ensemble with classic black Nike Cortez sneakers.

Mumphrey embraced the warm weather in a white summer dress, complemented by brown thong flip-flops, perfectly capturing the laid-back vibe of their day out.

The duo dined at a Mexican restaurant before stopping by a cookie shop.

Shia LaBeouf celebrated a major milestone with new girlfriend Nicole Mumphrey on Thursday in New Orleans

The actor spent his 40th birthday cozying up to his latest love interest following his split from Mia Goth in 2025

The new couple put on an affectionate display as Mumphrey rested her head on LaBeouf’s shoulder and he adoringly pet her chin.

Last week the filmmaker entered a guilty plea on three misdemeanor counts of battery in connection to a raucous bar brawl in February.

He was sentenced to two years’ probation, alcohol abuse rehabilitation, sensitivity training and anger management classes, according to People magazine.

After his arrest in the early morning hours of February 17 for battery, the Transformers actor was initially released on his own recognizance.

However, he was subsequently required to post a $100,000 bond after the judge was made aware of allegations that LaBeouf used a gay slur during the brawl. 

His second charge carried an additional $5,000 bond, and he was later hit with a third battery charge.

In a statement to the Daily Mail, LaBeouf’s lawyer Sarah Chervinsky responded to the severity of the charges and sentence.

‘The police and DA investigation proved exactly what Shia LaBeouf said from the beginning – that this was nothing more than a minor Mardi Gras bar tussle,’ said Chervinsky.

‘There is no evidence it was about bias or prejudice, which is why the state only charged these low-level misdemeanors,’ she continued. ‘Mr. LaBeouf came to court today wanting to take accountability for his part in what happened, and he has done so. Now he’s looking forward to focusing on family, work, and new creative projects.’

The duo dined at a Mexican restaurant before stopping by a cookie shop

The new couple put on an affectionate display as the star adoringly pet Mumphrey’s chin

It comes days after the actor was handed a suspended sentence for his Mardi Gras brawl

LaBeouf shockingly sat for an extensive Channel 5 interview on February 24, one week after Fat Tuesday, and published days later on February 28. 

In the wide-ranging conversation, the movie star briefly discussed the demise of his marriage to Goth. 

The exes share four-year-old daughter Isabel. 

LaBeouf relocated to New Orleans, where he has family roots, following their split in 2025. 

‘It’s not new heartbreak. I don’t want to talk too much about it. It’s not my story alone to tell, but my side is I failed my marriage, so I had to own up to that. So that’s why I moved out here,’ he said. 

LaBeouf detailed some family history elsewhere in the thorough interview. 

He explained that his paternal grandmother was a lesbian who married a man who served as her ‘beard,’ a partner meant to publicly disguise someone’s homosexuality.

His last name was originally spelled LeBoeuf but the spelling was changed by his grandmother in an effort to distance herself from her family, who had disowned her. 

Speaking on the subject of homosexuality, he stated: ‘I’m good with gay. Be gay over there though. Don’t be gay in my lap.’

In a heartfelt attempt to reconnect, Harper Beckham tried to visit her estranged brother Brooklyn Beckham’s Los Angeles home on Friday, but unfortunately, her efforts were in vain.

The 14-year-old, daughter of renowned couple Victoria and David Beckham, was seen arriving at her older brother’s property in an SUV. Exclusive photos acquired by Page Six captured her near the Beverly Hills residence around 2 p.m. PT, shortly after she attended her father’s star-studded Walk of Fame ceremony in Hollywood.

Harper seemed to have made an impromptu visit, but departed moments later without meeting Brooklyn. A source informed Page Six that neither Brooklyn nor his wife, Nicola Peltz, were present as they were reportedly out of town.

Harper was dressed in the same pink midi-dress and sweater ensemble she donned for David’s Hollywood Walk of Fame celebration, which began at 10 a.m. PT in Hollywood. The family gathered to support the soccer legend as he received the esteemed honor, though Brooklyn and Nicola were notably absent, as exclusively reported by Page Six.

Page Six has reached out to representatives for Brooklyn, David, and Victoria for their comments on the matter.

Harper’s attempt to connect with her estranged sibling comes five months after Brooklyn took to social media with a bombshell statement slamming his parents — most notably, his mother, alleging she hijacked his first dance with Nicola at their 2022 wedding and “controlled narratives in the press” about the famous family.

“Even though Brooklyn has made it clear he doesn’t want to see his parents, the rest of his family misses him desperately,” a source previously told Page Six of the ongoing feud.

In a previous statement, the 27-year-old chef bluntly said, “I do not want to reconcile with my family.”

“I’m not being controlled, I’m standing up for myself for the first time in my life,” he continued. “For my entire life, my parents have controlled narratives in the press about our family.”

He added in the lengthy screed, “For my entire life, my parents have controlled narratives in the press about our family [with] performative social media posts, family events and inauthentic relationships. … Recently, I have seen with my own eyes the lengths that they’ll go through to place countless lies in the media, mostly at the expense of innocent people, to preserve their own facade.”

Insisting that “the truth always comes out,” Brookyn claimed that Victoria, 52, and David, 51, “have been trying endlessly to ruin [his] relationship” with Peltz, 31 — prior to them walking down the aisle in a lavish Florida ceremony four years ago.

Brooklyn claimed the efforts “haven’t stopped” since then. “My mum cancelled making Nicola’s dress in the eleventh hour despite how excited she was to wear her design, forcing her to urgently find a new dress,” he wrote.

The photographer also accused his parents of “repeatedly pressur[ing] and attempt[ing] to bribe” him into “signing away the rights to” his name before his wedding celebration and alleged that “members of [his] family” told him that his bride- to-be was “not family” and “not blood.”

Brooklyn wrote that after his “holdout,” his parents have “have never treated me the same since.”

Most memorably, Beckham wrote that “In front of our 500 wedding guests, Marc Anthony called me to the stage where in the schedule was planned to be my romantic dance with my wife but instead my mum was waiting to dance with me.”

He added of the alleged moment, “She danced very inappropriately on me in front of everybody. I’ve never felt more uncomfortable or humiliated in my entire life.”

Brooklyn concluded the statement by defending his wife and writing that the couple does “not want a life shaped by image, press, or manipulation. All we want is peace, privacy and happiness for us and our future family.”

Since then, relations in the family seemed to have come to a standstill, with Brooklyn directing his family to only contact him through an attorney.

As for Brooklyn’s apparent Walk of Fame snub, a source told Page Six earlier this month that it would never have happened.

“Even if he did want to see them at the Walk of Fame, Nicola would not take too kindly to it,” the insider told Page Six.

Another source said, “Two things can be true; Nicola can be difficult and Brooklyn does not want to see his parents.”