Gene Shalit Leaving Today Show

One of the longest continuous on-air runs by anyone on a network program in the history of television is about to come to an end. After 40 years, Gene Shalit is saying goodbye to the “Today” show on Thursday — Veteran’s Day.

Known for his pun-laden movie reviews — and his out-sized hair and mustache and bow-tie — Shalit said in a statement obtained by THR, “It’s enough already.” Producers are putting together a retrospective which will air Thursday.

Shalit’s movie reviews have only been turning up occasionally recently, but as this YouTube look-back shows, Shalit once had a prominent role on the show.

“Today” show EP Jim Bell tells TVNewser: “Gene is not just a Today show treasure but a television legend and an American icon. We salute him for his unprecedented 40-year run on a single television program, a feat unlikely to ever be matched.”

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