Entertainment

Gene Shalit to End "Today" Show Tenure

By Mary-Jayne McKay, CBSNews.com CBSNews.com

November 10, 2010 / 3:06 PM EST / CBS News

FILE - In this May 31, 2006 file photo, film critic Gene Shalit is seen during a toast with "Today" show cast and crew at the end of Katie Couric's final show, in New York. Shalit, 85, said Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010 that he's leaving the "Today" show, where he's reviewed movies for 40 years. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) — Gene Shalit is seen on "Today" show set in New York on May 31, 2006 . (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

NEW YORK (CBS) Gene Shalit, famous for his bushy handlebar mustache and pun-filled movie reviews, is leaving the "Today" show Nov. 11 after 40 years on the air.

"It's enough already," the 85-year-old film and book critic said through a representative. "Today" is planning a salute to him and his work on his final day Thursday.

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He joined the program in 1970 as film contributor.

"Gene is not just a 'Today' show treasure but a television legend and an American icon," said Jim Bell, executive producer of "Today,"

"We salute him for his unprecedented 40-year run on a single television program, a feat unlikely to ever be matched."

He is also known for his cameos on "Sesame Street," "Family Guy" and "Spongebob Squarepants."