Tom Smothers, half of the iconic Smothers Brothers comedy duo, dies at 86
OAN’s Brooke Mallory
1:19 PM – Wednesday, December 27, 2023
According to a statement from his brother, Tom Smothers, the comedian and musician who gained notoriety in the 1960s as one half of the renowned Smothers Brothers performance duo, has passed away.
Tom died at age 86.
“Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life; he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner,” said Dick Smothers in a statement published on Wednesday. “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.”
According to a statement from the National Comedy Center, Dick Smothers confirmed that his brother passed away quietly on Tuesday at home with his family. He had fought stage II lung cancer, which ultimately took his life.
With their popular CBS program “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” which debuted and earned an Emmy in 1969, Tom and Dick Smothers set new standards in television.
The brothers created both controversy and laughter as folk singers and self-labeled “clowns.”
Bassist Dick Smothers and guitarist Tom Smothers offered sharp remarks on a variety of subjects. They were well-known for their sibling rivalry routine and the quip that went along with it: “Mom liked you best!”
The two were not afraid to address political problems that were dividing the country at the time, in addition to their music and humor.
The brothers “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,” according to the National Comedy Center.
When Tom and Dick spoke with “CBS Sunday Morning” last year, they discussed the memorable years of their legendary careers.
In the interview, Tom asserted that he was not very political while the “Smothers Brothers” variety show was airing, but he did characterize himself as “socially conscious,” pointing out that the other writers on the program, which included Steve Martin and Rob Reiner, were.
The brothers had positive memories of the show, its effect on viewers, and their bond overall.
“People laughing is holy,” Tom said. “And if you can be part of that, control it, and create it, it’s the best thing ever.”
Dick then chimed in, saying, “When someone said, ‘What’s the happiest time in your life,’ it’s standing on that stage with my brother a few inches away on my right and having that feeling with that audience. That defines my whole life. There’s nothing better.”
The National Comedy Center’s executive director, Journey Gunderson, lauded the brothers’ innovative role in fusing political satire with sketch comedy and Smothers’ skill as an entertainer.
“Tom Smothers was not only an extraordinary comedic talent who, together with his brother Dick, became the most enduring comedy duo in history, entertaining the world for over six decades—but was a true champion for freedom of speech, harnessing the power of comedy to push boundaries and our political consciousness,” Gunderson said.
In addition to his sister-in-law, several nieces and nephews, Tom Smothers is survived by his wife, Marcy Carriker Smothers, two daughters, Bo Smothers and Riley Rose Smothers, and a grandson, Phoenix.
Sometime in 2024, a private memorial service will take place.
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How did Tom Smothers use his platform to address political issues and promote social consciousness?
Comedian and musician Tom Smothers, who rose to fame in the 1960s as one half of the renowned Smothers Brothers duo, has passed away at the age of 86. The news was confirmed by his brother, Dick Smothers, in a statement published on Wednesday.
In the statement, Dick Smothers expressed his gratitude for having spent a lifetime with his brother, both on and off the stage, for over 60 years. He described Tom as not only a loving older brother, but also a one-of-a-kind creative partner. The two had a strong and respectful relationship, growing to love and respect each other more as time went on.
Tom Smothers passed away at home with his family by his side after quietly battling stage II lung cancer. According to the National Comedy Center, the brothers’ creation of the popular CBS program “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” in 1969 set new standards in television. They were known for their satirical take on politics, as well as their music and humor.
The Smothers Brothers addressed political issues and used their platform to combat racism and protest against the Vietnam War. Their groundbreaking work paved the way for shows like Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show.
During an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Tom Smothers admitted that he wasn’t very political during the airing of their variety show, but he considered himself socially conscious. He emphasized the joy of making people laugh and being part of that laughter. His brother, Dick, echoed the sentiment, stating that standing on stage with Tom and sharing that experience with the audience defined his whole life.
Journey Gunderson, the executive director of the National Comedy Center, praised Tom Smothers’ comedic talent and his role in fusing political satire with sketch comedy. She also highlighted his commitment to freedom of speech and his ability to push boundaries through comedy.
Tom Smothers is survived by his wife, Marcy Carriker Smothers, two daughters, and a grandson. A private memorial service is scheduled to take place in 2024.
Tom Smothers’ passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes and memories from fans and fellow comedians on social media. His influence on comedy and his dedication to pushing boundaries will be remembered for years to come.
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