Tom Smothers, 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 brother, Dick Smothers, aged 84, announced Tom’s passing, revealing that Tom had peacefully passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family in Sonoma County, California on Tuesday.
Dick Smothers expressed his deep affection and appreciation for his brother, saying, “Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner. I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime together with him, on and off stage, for over 60 years. Our relationship was like a good marriage – the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected one another. We were truly blessed.”
In memory of Tom Smothers, Dick and his wife, Marie, have requested that memorial donations be made to the National Comedy Center, a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to bringing laughter and joy to people all around the world.
The journey of the Smothers Brothers began in 1959 when Tom and Dick started performing together. Originally, they aspired to be folk musicians, but Tom soon discovered that his comedic talent outshone his musical abilities. The transition from folk music to comedy was a serendipitous one, as Tom recalled in an interview with Comedy Couch: “It was a series of performances when we started out as a duet in Aspen. I did all the introductions. I’d just make up stuff for every song. And Dickie said, ‘Why don’t you try repeating some of that stuff?’ I said, ‘I don’t know.’ I didn’t know that you could repeat the stuff. And I started repeating it, and Dickie would say, ‘That’s wrong.’ And pretty soon he’d say, ‘That’s wrong, you’re stupid.’ It sort of became an argument.”
Their comedic partnership quickly gained recognition, and Tom made his television debut on The Steve Allen Show in 1961. The duo’s big break came when they landed their own CBS sitcom, The Smothers Brothers Show, from 1965 to 1966. However, their most significant success came with The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, which debuted in 1967.
The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour was groundbreaking television, featuring performances by iconic bands like The Who and Buffalo Springfield. The show was known for its edgy sketches that challenged the establishment and addressed pressing political issues, including opposition to the Vietnam War. It was not without controversy, as network censors frequently clashed with the brothers over the show’s content. They famously poked fun at President Nixon, featured controversial religious sermons, and even dared to perform anti-Vietnam War songs and highlight the riots at the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
Marc Freeman aptly described the impact of their show, stating, “Their antics turned television upside down, blending slapstick humor with political satire, making them comedic heroes who blazed the trail followed today by satirists such as Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, and Samantha Bee.”
In 1970, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour faced a sudden cancellation by the network, which accused the brothers of failing to meet censor deadlines. During this time, the Nixon administration had asked the FCC to monitor content it deemed inappropriate. The brothers subsequently sued CBS, seeking $31 million in damages but ultimately received $775,000. Their legal battle against CBS was later documented in the film, “Smothered: The Censorship Struggles of the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.”
During the 1970s, Tom and Dick pursued separate career paths before reuniting 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 made a brief return to CBS with a revival of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, though it lasted for just 16 episodes before being canceled.
Tom Smothers also ventured into acting during the 1990s and 2000s, appearing in shows like “Suddenly Susan” and “The Informant,” as well as lending his voice to an episode of “The Simpsons” in 2009.
In a statement issued by the National Comedy Center, Tom Smothers was hailed as “a true champion for freedom of speech.” His legacy will forever be linked to the power of comedy to challenge societal norms and bring about change.
The National Comedy Center, located in Jamestown, New York, stands as the official cultural institution dedicated to comedy. It has honored the remarkable careers and legacies of the Smothers Brothers, preserving their work for future generations to enjoy.
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 is predeceased by his son Tom and sister Sherry Smothers.
As the world mourns the loss of Tom Smothers, his contributions to comedy, his dedication to freedom of speech, and his enduring legacy as one half of the beloved Smothers Brothers will continue to bring laughter and inspiration to generations to come.