Renowned comedian Tom Smothers, half of the iconic duo The Smothers Brothers and co-host of a groundbreaking television show, has passed away at the age of 86. The National Comedy Center, representing his family, announced his death on Wednesday, revealing that Smothers succumbed to cancer at his home in Santa Rosa, California.
In a heartfelt statement, Dick Smothers, Tom’s brother and the other half of the beloved comedy pair, described Tom as not only a loving older brother but also a one-of-a-kind creative partner. Their relationship, akin to a good marriage, deepened with time, love, and mutual respect, making them truly blessed, Dick Smothers expressed.
The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, which debuted on CBS in 1967, defied expectations and quickly became a hit, challenging societal norms and featuring performances by iconic rock stars like the Who and Buffalo Springfield. The show’s daring sketches took on the Establishment, criticized the Vietnam War, and portrayed the hippie counterculture of the era in a positive light, resonating with young baby boomers. Despite its success, the program faced constant battles with CBS censors.
The abrupt cancellation of the show in 1970, after years of creative clashes with the network, led to a legal battle. The brothers sued CBS for $31 million and were awarded $775,000. The story of their struggles with censorship was later chronicled in the 2002 documentary “Smothered: The Censorship Struggles of the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.”
Tom Smothers, recognized for his extraordinary comedic talent, was not only part of the most enduring comedy duo in history but also a champion for freedom of speech. At the 2008 Emmy Awards, where he received an honorary Emmy for his work on the show, Smothers used the opportunity to speak out against war and dedicated his award to those who refuse to be silenced.
Born on February 2, 1937, on Governors Island, New York, Tom Smothers, along with his brother, embarked on an unlikely journey to television history. Their offbeat comedy routine, blending folk music with sibling rivalry, eventually led to their success on stage and television.
Following the cancellation of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, the duo went through periods of separation, but they later reunited for various projects, including a successful 20th-anniversary special in 1988. Tom Smothers’ impact on comedy and his commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging political consciousness will be remembered as part of his enduring legacy.
Tom Smothers is survived by his wife Marie, children Bo and Riley Rose, brother Dick, and other relatives. He was predeceased by his son Tom and sister Sherry.
