Gene Shalit Marched To His Own Drummer & Conducted His Own Orchestra

 

(Screenshot of Gene Shalit interviewing Jim Henson in 1984)

Yesterday came the news of the passing of Gene Shalit at the age of 100. He reached his centennial birthday back in March.

Although Shalit had a long career in print journalism and as an author as a publicist, he is best remembered for his TV work as the film critic on NBC's Today Show from 1973 to 2010. 

Shalit isn't someone one would pick from central casting. But his look was so distinctive you could never forget it upon seeing him.

I do remember watching the Today Show in the mornings before elementary school. At the time, I don't think I fully appreciated the substance of what Shalit said. But I did sense his confidence. This was a man who not only accepted his being but embraced it and to hell with anybody who didn't like it. He was going to wear the hair, mustache, glasses and bow tie and annoy you with puns. So, you better get used to it. Not only did Gene Shalit march to his own drummer, but he also conducted his own orchestra.

For as long as I can remember, I have been a non-conformist out of necessity had to make my own music even if I could not play a note. It took me until my early 40s to fully embrace my physical appearance and took me until my late 40s to fully find my place in the world. Of course, there will always be challenges, perhaps difficult ones ahead, but I am at a place in my life where I can face those challenges with confidence. 

To be sure, I never met Gene Shalit and cannot know what ordeals he faced and how he faced them. But I suspect, despite find his calling early in life, that he was dismissed by many who did not appreciate him. But he persisted and found his place in the world, if not the whole wide world, in his late 40s. 

Gene Shalit lived a happy, successful and long life and did so on his own terms. It is something to which all can aspire. R.I.P.