Tom Smothers, known and beloved as one-half of the iconic comedy duo, the Smothers Brothers, has passed away at the age of 86 after a courageous battle with cancer. His younger brother, Dick Smothers, aged 84, shared the heart-wrenching news, revealing that Tom passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family in Sonoma County, California, on Tuesday.
Dick Smothers expressed his profound affection and gratitude towards his brother, stating, “Tom was not just the loving older brother that everyone wishes to have, he was also an irreplaceable creative partner. I am forever grateful to have shared a lifetime—on and off stage—with him for over 60 years. Our bond was like a well-aged marriage; the longer we spent together, the deeper our love and respect grew. We were truly blessed.”
To honor Tom Smothers’ memory, Dick and his wife, Marie, have kindly requested that any memorial donations be made to the National Comedy Center. It is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to spreading laughter and joy worldwide.
The journey of the Smothers Brothers began in 1959, when Tom and Dick started performing together. They initially aimed to be folk musicians, but Tom’s comedic prowess quickly overshadowed his musical talents. Recalling their early days in an interview with Comedy Couch, Tom said, “When we started as a duet in Aspen, I did all the introductions. I’d make up stuff for every song, and Dickie said, ‘Why don’t you try repeating some of that stuff?’ I started repeating it, and Dickie would say, ‘That’s wrong, you’re stupid.’ It sort of became an argument.”
Tom and Dick’s comedic chemistry soon caught the public’s eye, and Tom made his television debut on The Steve Allen Show in 1961. Their big break came as they nabbed their own CBS sitcom, The Smothers Brothers Show, which ran from 1965 to 1966. However, their most significant success arrived with The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, launched in 1967.
The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour was revolutionary television, showcasing performances by notable bands like The Who and Buffalo Springfield. The show was celebrated for its daring sketches that took on the establishment and addressed crucial political issues, including opposition to the Vietnam War. It frequently ran into controversies, with network censors often clashing with the brothers over content. They humorously poked fun at President Nixon, featured controversial religious sermons, and even performed anti-Vietnam War songs, spotlighting the riots at the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
Marc Freeman described their impact perfectly: “Their antics turned television on its head, blending slapstick humor with political satire, making them comedic pioneers whose trailblazing acts paved the way for today’s satirists like Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, and Samantha Bee.”
In 1970, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour abruptly ended when the network accused the brothers of missing censor deadlines. At the time, the Nixon administration had urged the FCC to monitor content deemed unsuitable. The brothers sued CBS, seeking $31 million in damages but eventually settled for $775,000. Their legal battle was later depicted in the film, “Smothered: The Censorship Struggles of the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.”
In the 1970s, Tom and Dick went their separate ways career-wise but reunited in 1978 for the Broadway play “I Love My Wife.” They continued performing at various venues, including casinos, corporate events, and performing arts centers across the United States. In 1988, they briefly returned to CBS with a revival of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, which lasted for 16 episodes before being canceled.
Tom Smothers also explored acting during the 1990s and 2000s, appearing in shows like “Suddenly Susan” and “The Informant,” and even lending his voice to an episode of “The Simpsons” in 2009.
In a statement from the National Comedy Center, Tom Smothers was praised as “a true advocate for freedom of speech.” His enduring legacy will always be associated with the power of comedy to challenge societal norms and inspire change.
The National Comedy Center, based in Jamestown, New York, serves as the official cultural institution dedicated to comedy. It proudly preserves the remarkable careers and legacies of the Smothers Brothers, ensuring their work continues to entertain and inspire future generations.
Tom Smothers is survived by his children Bo and Riley Rose Smothers, grandson Phoenix, wife Marcy Carriker Smothers, sister-in-law Marie Smothers, and several nephews and a niece. He was predeceased by his son Tom and sister Sherry Smothers.
As the world mourns the loss of Tom Smothers, his contribution to comedy, his dedication to free speech, and his lasting legacy as part of the beloved Smothers Brothers will continue to bring joy and inspiration to generations.
