'Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour' star Tom Smothers dies at 86 after battling cancer
SONOMA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA: Tom Smothers, the older brother, and partner of Dick Smothers in the iconic 'Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,' died on Tuesday, 26 December.
At the time of his death, he was 86 years old and had been battling cancer while surrounded by his family at his residence in Sonoma County, California.
Dick Smothers remembers his brother as a ‘one-of-a-kind creative partner’
Dick Smothers, who shared the stage and screen with Tom for over six decades, announced his brother’s death in a statement as The Hollywood Reporter reported, on Wednesday.
He praised Tom as a loving sibling and a brilliant collaborator.
“Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner,” Dick said.
“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,” he added.
How Smothers Brothers rose to fame, suffered censorship
The Smothers Brothers rose to fame in the 1960s with their witty and irreverent musical comedy act, which often featured Tom playing the guitar and Dick playing the bass.
They hosted 'The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,' a variety show that aired on CBS from 1967 to 1969 and became a platform for political satire and social commentary.
It became an instant hit. The show tackled controversial topics such as racism, censorship, the Vietnam War, and the counterculture movement.
It was abruptly canceled in 1970 after Smothers Brother failed to submit an episode in time for censors to revive as reported by CNBC.
The Smothers Brothers sued CBS for breach of contract and won a settlement in 1973.
Forty years later, Smothers was awarded an honorary Emmy for his work on the show.
“It’s hard for me to stay silent when I keep hearing that peace is only attainable through war,” Smothers said at the 2008 Emmy Awards.
He dedicated his award to those “who feel compelled to speak out and are not afraid to speak to power and won’t shut up and refuse to be silenced.”
Tom Smothers was a 'pioneer' of political satire and social commentary in comedy
Journey Gunderson, executive director of the National Comedy Center, which has preserved and showcased the Smothers Brothers’ legacy, hailed Tom as an extraordinary comedian and a champion of free speech.
“Tom was a true pioneer who changed the face of television and transformed our culture with 'The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,' which satirized politics, combated racism, protested the Vietnam War, and led the way for 'Saturday Night Live,' 'The Daily Show,' today’s network late night shows, and so much more,” Gunderson said.
“We were proud to bring Tom and Dick out of retirement and reunite them on stage in 2019 to celebrate their legendary careers, and we are honored to preserve Tom’s remarkable work and legacy here at the National Comedy Center for generations to come.”
Tom Smothers is survived by his family and friends
Tom 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 is predeceased by his son Tom and sister Sherry Smothers.
A private memorial service for family and friends is set to take place in 2024. Dick and his wife, Marie, have requested memorial donations honoring Tom be made to the National Comedy Center.
