Santa Rosa, California – Tom Smothers, one half of the beloved musical comedy duo The Smothers Brothers, has passed away at the age of 86. The veteran performer, who shared the stage with his younger brother Dick Smothers, succumbed to cancer on Tuesday.
In an emotional statement, Dick Smothers expressed his grief, stating, “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.”
The Smothers Brothers initially embarked on their careers as folk musicians in the early ’60s before making a transition to comedy performances, with Tom showcasing his skills on the acoustic guitar and Dick on the double bass.
Their foray into television included fronting the sitcom “The Smothers Brothers Show” from 1965 to 1966, followed by the highly successful variety show “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” in 1967. Despite its acclaim, the program faced cancellation in 1969, only to be briefly revived between 1988 and 1989.
In recognition of their contributions to entertainment, Tom Smothers was presented with a special Emmy Award in 2008 by Steve Martin, a former writer for The Smothers Brothers. Both Tom and Dick were further honored with induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 2010.
Journey Gunderson, Executive Director of the National Comedy Center, paid tribute, saying, “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.”
Survived by his wife Marcy Carriker Smothers and his children Bo and Riley Rose Smothers, Tom Smothers leaves behind a legacy that resonates not only in the world of comedy but also in the broader cultural landscape.
