Gina Heslop
Tom Smothers, a famous comedian and half of the Smothers Brothers duo, passed away at 86 after battling cancer. His brother, Dick Smothers, shared the sad news, saying Tom died peacefully at home in Sonoma County, California, surrounded by family.
Dick expressed his deep love and admiration for Tom, calling him a loving older brother and a unique creative partner. He said their relationship was like a good marriage, growing stronger and more respectful over their 60 years together. They felt truly blessed to have had such a long and fulfilling partnership.
To honor Tom’s memory, Dick and his wife, Marie, asked for donations to be made to the National Comedy Center. This request highlights Tom’s lifelong commitment to spreading joy and laughter to people around the world.
The Smothers Brothers started their comedy journey in 1959. Initially aiming to be folk musicians, Tom soon realized his talent for comedy was stronger than his musical skills. Their transition from music to comedy was almost accidental. In an interview, Tom recalled how he would make up funny stories while introducing songs, which led to the brothers’ comedic routine of playful arguments.
Their comedy act gained popularity, leading to Tom’s first TV appearance on “The Steve Allen Show” in 1961. Their big break came with their own CBS sitcom, “The Smothers Brothers Show,” in 1965. Their greatest success, however, was “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” which began in 1967.
“The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” was known for its bold content, featuring famous bands and addressing political issues like the Vietnam War. They openly criticized President Nixon and discussed controversial topics, making them pioneers in blending humor with political satire. Their show influenced many modern comedians, such as Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert.
In 1970, their show was suddenly canceled by the network, citing missed censorship deadlines. The Nixon administration had pressured the FCC to monitor and restrict content they found inappropriate. The brothers sued CBS, eventually receiving $775,000, though they had sought $31 million. Their battle against censorship was later detailed in the documentary “Smothered: The Censorship Struggles of the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.”
In the 1970s, Tom and Dick pursued separate careers but reunited in 1978 for the Broadway play “I Love My Wife.” They continued performing across the U.S. and briefly revived their comedy show in 1988.
Tom also acted in the 1990s and 2000s, appearing in TV shows and movies like “Suddenly Susan” and “The Informant,” and even voiced a character on “The Simpsons.”
The National Comedy Center, which celebrates the Smothers Brothers’ careers, called Tom “a true champion for freedom of speech.” His legacy will always be associated with using comedy to challenge societal norms and inspire change.
