Tom Smothers dies at the age of 86: comedy legend and one half of the iconic comedy duo The Smothers Brothers dies after a battle with cancer
Tom Smothers – half of the iconic comedy duo The Smothers Brothers – has died at the age of 86 after a battle with cancer.
His brother Dick Smothers, 84, announced that his brother and co-star died Tuesday at home surrounded by family in Sonoma County, California.
Dick said: “Tom was not only the loving older brother anyone would want in their lives, he was a unique creative partner.
“I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime with him, on and off stage, for more than 60 years.
Tom Smothers – half of the iconic comedy duo The Smothers Brothers – has died at the age of 86 after a battle with cancer; he is pictured in November 2003
His brother Dick Smothers, 84, announced that his brother and co-star died Tuesday at home surrounded by family in Sonoma County, California; the brothers are seen in January 2010
‘Our relationship was like a good marriage: the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected each other. We were truly blessed.”
Dick and his wife Marie have requested that memorial donations be made in Tom’s honor to the National Comedy Center.
Tom and Dick began performing as the Smothers Brothers in 1959 because they wanted to become folk musicians, but the older brother felt he was not good enough to be a professional but funny enough to do comedy.
The late star previously spoke about making that pivot in an interview with Comedy couch as he said, “It was a series of gigs when we started as a duet in Aspen. I’ve done all the introductions. I just made something up for each song.
“And Dickie said, ‘Why don’t you try to repeat some of those things?’ I said, “I don’t know.” I didn’t know you could repeat things. And I started repeating it and Dickie said, “That’s wrong.” And soon he said, ‘That’s wrong, you’re stupid.’ It became kind of an argument.’
Tom first appeared on television on The Steve Allen Show in 1961 before starring in a single episode of Burke’s Law.
The two siblings then made it big when they starred in their own CBS sitcom entitled The Smothers Brothers Show from 1965 to 1966.
They then launched another variety show on CBS that became an instant hit: The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, which debuted in 1967.
The series featured appearances from the likes of The Who and Buffalo Springfield, as well as sharp sketches mocking the establishment and pushing back against the Vietnam War.
Baby boomers embraced the show and the debut season landed at number 16 in the ratings.
However, the show was also controversial with network censors. It was suddenly canceled in 1970 by the channel, which accused the brothers of missing the censors’ deadline.
The museum – which has a home base in Jamestown, New York – is the country’s official cultural institution dedicated to comedy and has showcased the career and legacy of the Smothers Brothers.
Dick said: “Tom was not only the loving older brother anyone would want in their lives, he was a unique creative partner. I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime with him, on and off stage, for more than 60 years’; they are seen in Washington in October 2002
Tom and Dick Smothers are seen in Chicago in February 1983. They began performing as the Smothers Brothers in 1959.
National Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson said in a statement: “Tom Smothers was not only an extraordinary comedic talent who, along with his brother Dick, became the most enduring comedy duo in history, entertaining the world for more than six decades – but a true champion for freedom of expression, who harnesses the power of comedy to push boundaries and our political consciousness.
“Tom was a true pioneer who changed the face of television and transformed our culture with The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, which satirized politics, fought racism, protested the Vietnam War and spearheaded Saturday Night Live, The Daily Show, current network late night shows, and more.”
The brothers have quite a draw at the museum, as in 2019 the two reunited on stage ‘to celebrate their legendary careers, and we are honored to showcase Tom’s remarkable work and legacy here at the National Comedy Center for to be preserved for generations to come.’
Smothers is survived by his children Bo and Riley Rose Smothers, grandson Phoenix, 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.