Synopsis
In a statement released on Wednesday, Dick Smothers, Tom’s brother and the other half of the beloved comedy duo, expressed gratitude for a lifetime spent together both on and off stage for over 60 years. He described Tom not only as a cherished older brother but also as a unique and invaluable creative partner.
APTom Smothers, half of the iconic Smothers Brothers duo and co-host of a groundbreaking and socially conscious television show, passed away at the age of 86. The National Comedy Center, speaking on behalf of his family, confirmed his death on Tuesday at his residence in Santa Rosa, California, following a battle with cancer.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Dick Smothers, Tom’s brother and the other half of the beloved comedy duo, expressed gratitude for a lifetime spent together both on and off stage for over 60 years. He described Tom not only as a cherished older brother but also as a unique and invaluable creative partner. The statement reflected on their relationship, likening it to a good marriage where mutual love and respect deepened over time.
“The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” which premiered on CBS in 1967, defied expectations by becoming an instant hit despite being positioned against the top-rated “Bonanza.” The show, known for its keen observations of pop culture trends and featuring performances by rock icons like the Who and Buffalo Springfield, resonated with young audiences. Its daring sketches, which critiqued the Establishment, protested the Vietnam War, and portrayed hippie counterculture as gentle and fun-loving, quickly gained popularity, reaching No. 16 in the ratings during its first season.
However, the show faced challenges from network censors, and after ongoing disputes over creative content, CBS abruptly canceled it in 1970, alleging a failure to submit episodes for timely censorship review.
Nearly four decades later, Tom Smothers received an honorary Emmy for his contributions to the show, humorously crediting the writers he joked had gotten him fired. He used the opportunity to express his unwavering outspokenness, particularly on issues of war and the importance of speaking truth to power.
Throughout the show’s three-year run, the Smothers Brothers confronted CBS censors and occasionally angered viewers with their provocative content. Tom’s irreverent comments about Easter and Christmas, as well as the inclusion of blacklisted folk singer Pete Seeger performing an anti-Vietnam War song, sparked controversy. The brothers sued CBS for $31 million after the cancellation and were awarded $775,000.
Their battles with the network were documented in the 2002 documentary “Smothered: The Censorship Struggles of the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.” Before making television history, the Smothers Brothers honed their unique comedy routine mixing folk music and sibling rivalry on the nightclub and college circuits, setting the stage for a memorable era in entertainment.
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