Tom Smothers, the comedian and musician who rose to fame in the 1960s as one half of the legendary performing duo Smothers Brothers, has died, his brother said in a statement. Smothers was 86.
“Not only was Tom the loving older brother anyone would want in their life, he was also a unique creative partner,” Dick Smothers said in a statement released Wednesday by the National Comedy Center. “I am forever grateful to have shared a lifetime 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 each other. We were truly blessed.”
Tom Smothers (left) and Dick Smothers appear on “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” on CBS in 1988. CBS via Getty Images
According to the statement from the National Comedy Center, Dick Smothers said his brother died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday. His death followed a recent battle with lung cancer, which was diagnosed as Stage II.
Tom and Dick Smothers broke new ground with their hit show “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” which aired on CBS and won an Emmy in 1969.
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As folk singers and comedians, the brothers drew laughs and sparked controversy. Tom Smothers played guitar and Dick Smothers played bass while both made headlines on a range of topics. They were known for their typical sibling rivalry and the accompanying one-liner: “Mommy liked you best!”
In addition to their music and comedy, they did not shy away from tackling the political issues that were shaking the country at the time.
The duo “mocked politics, fought racism, protested the Vietnam War and pioneered Saturday Night Live, The Daily Show, today's network late-night shows and much more,” the National Comedy Center wrote in its tribute.
Last year, the brothers reflected on their iconic careers in an interview with “CBS Sunday Morning.”
Although Tom said in the interview that he didn't necessarily consider himself political during the airing of the variety show “Smothers Brothers,” he described himself as socially conscious and noted that the show's other writers – a team that included Steve belonged to Martin and Rob Reiner – they were too. The brothers looked back fondly on the show and its impact on audiences, as well as their relationship.
“People who laugh are holy,” said Tom. “And if you can be a part of it and control it and create it, it’s the best thing ever.”
Dick added: “When someone says, 'What's the happiest time in your life?' I'm standing on stage with my brother a few inches away to my right and I have that feeling with that audience. This defines my entire life. There is nothing better.” .”
Journey Gunderson, executive director of the National Comedy Center, praised Smothers' talent as an entertainer and the brothers' groundbreaking role in combining sketch comedy and performance with political satire.
“Tom Smothers was not only an extraordinary comedic talent who, along with his brother Dick, became the most enduring comedy duo in history and entertained the world for over six decades – but he was also a true champion of free speech by harnessing the power of Harnessing freedom of expression “comedy to push boundaries and expand our political consciousness,” Gunderson said in a statement.
Tom Smothers is survived by his wife, Marcy Carriker Smothers, two children, Bo Smothers and Riley Rose Smothers, and a grandson, Phoenix, as well as a sister-in-law and other nieces and nephews. A private memorial service will be held in 2024.
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Emily Mae Czachor