Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

NJCher

(43,714 posts)
10. my friend was his niece
Fri Jun 12, 2026, 10:57 PM
11 hrs ago

On her father's side. She never married and thus had the same last name, "Shalit."

She told me funny stories about him. One was not so funny to the family , though, and that is that he lived in the woods and liked to feed animals, even bears. They were scared that a bear might break into his house and you know, that's not such an unrealistic fear.

She invited me to many of their family gatherings, which were often religious holidays such as Yom Kippur. Gene was never at any of them, though. One thing about this family that was fun is that they loved Broadway musicals and attended them regularly. At the dinners, they would often reminisce and sing songs from the shows.

It was so much fun to see them enjoying those good times all over again.

Recommendations

1 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

May he rest in peace LetMyPeopleVote 14 hrs ago #1
Wow. BumRushDaShow 14 hrs ago #2
Wow! gay texan 13 hrs ago #3
Long life Beringia 13 hrs ago #4
That mustache! TexasBushwhacker 13 hrs ago #5
It was a better world when a guy with that 'stache could get a network gig BeyondGeography 13 hrs ago #7
Wow, I had no idea that he was still alive. greatauntoftriplets 13 hrs ago #6
Me either. Aristus 12 hrs ago #8
Right. Who knew? chicoescuela 12 hrs ago #9
my friend was his niece NJCher 11 hrs ago #10
My personal favorite... Woodycall 11 hrs ago #11
As a kid, I thought he looked exactly like the guy in Welcome Back, Kotter Polybius 11 hrs ago #12
RIP area51 11 hrs ago #13
What a character BaronChocula 6 hrs ago #14
Gene Shalit was a real stand-up guy. no_hypocrisy 4 hrs ago #15
Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Gene Shalit, 'TODAY' show...»Reply #10