Gene Shalit is an American icon.  With his giant handlebar mustache, glasses, and bushy hair, Shalit is known as much for his distinctive looks as he is for his incredible use of wonderfully bad puns, a Shalit trademark since his first review hit the airwaves in January 15, 1973.  After 40 years, Shalit is hanging up his bowtiw, retiring from NBC’s The Today Show as of this morning.

The question is, just who can replace one of the best-known and most distinctive-looking film critics of his generation?  Replacing Gene Shalit is kind of like replacing Siskel and Ebert on At The Movies, but not as hard since there’s only one Shalit versus two guys on the other show.  Disney tried that and it wasn’t very successful.  I’d say Ebert, but his new voice isn’t quite up to snuff and his health is poor according to his moving Esquire profile.

Personally, I’d make a great replacement.  I’ll watch any movie you put in front of me, and I’m already working on my handlebar mustache!

Tags: Gene Shalit, The Today Show, Gene Shalit retires, Gene Shalit leaves the Today Show, Gene Shalit retires after 40 years on The Today Show, NBC, movie critic Gene Shalit retires

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