The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour Star Tom Smothers Dead at 86

Tom Smothers, one half of the comedy duo Smothers Brothers, has died. He was 86 years old.

The comedian died at his home Tuesday after a “recent battle with cancer,” his brother and colleague Dick Smothers announced in a press release from the National Comedy Center.

“Tom was not only the loving older brother anyone would want in their life, he was also a unique creative partner,” said Dick. “I am forever grateful to have spent my life with him, on and off the stage, for more than 60 years.”

He continued: “Our relationship was like a good marriage – the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected each other. We were truly blessed.”

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Tom and Dick Smothers.

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National Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson also paid tribute to the late comedian, saying, “Tom Smothers was not only an extraordinary comedic talent who, along with his brother Dick, became the longest-running comedy duo in history, entertaining the world for more than six decades – but he was a true champion of free speech, using the power of comedy to push boundaries and our political consciousness.”

“Tom was a true pioneer who changed the face of television and transformed our culture The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hourwho satirized politics, fought racism, protested the Vietnam War, and led the way for Saturday night live, Daily showtoday’s late night shows on the network and more,” he added.

“We were proud to bring Tom and Dick out of retirement and reunite them on stage in 2019 to celebrate their legendary careers, and we are honored to preserve Tom’s extraordinary work and legacy here at the National Comedy Center for generations to come,” the statement read. concluded.

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Tommy Smothers and Dick Smothers during the US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado, United States.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour premiered on CBS in February 1967. The brothers showcased their musical and comedic skills in a one-hour variety show featuring Tom on guitar and Dick on bass.

During the two-year run, the couple also demonstrated their support for civil rights and opposition to the Vietnam War.

“There was never any premeditation for anything we did,” Tom told CBS News in July. “We never did it to get attention. We just did it. And if it got attention, I said, ‘I’ll do it again. Maybe we’ll get a little more attention.'”

The variety show was eventually canceled in April 1969 as CBS became increasingly concerned about the couple’s political views.

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The pair marked the 50th anniversary of their release in 2019 with appearances at the National Comedy Center and the Chautauqua Institution.

“It’s really an honor to be honored in this way,” Tom told The Associated Press at the time. “At least we’re both alive and we don’t have someone to speak for us. We can talk ourselves out.”

The brothers also addressed the controversy and the ban on using certain terms on camera, including “sex education”.

“Don’t tell a comedian not to say a certain word. He will certainly do that,” said Dick. “It’s funny that I look back on those things. They are so good-natured, but at the time they were fickle.”

George Schlatter, a longtime friend of Smothers who was a producer at NBC Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In around the same time the brothers’ show aired on CBS, tells PEOPLE: “I loved Tommy. Tommy and I were great friends. Tommy was praised for a lot of what I did. You see, we have to find places for the rebels. We have to find places for the people who don’t have a place. And Tommy is one and everyone will miss him terribly now.”

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Smothers is survived by his children Bo and Riley Rose Smothers, grandson Phoenix, Marcy Carriker Smothers, sister-in-law Marie Smothers and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his son Tom and sister Sherry Smothers.

A private memorial service for family and friends is planned for 2024. Dick and his wife, Marie, have requested memorial donations to the National Comedy Center.

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