Tom Smothers, one half of famed comedy duo, dies at 86

Tom Smothers, the comedian who along with his brother Dick formed the legendary Smothers Brothers duo, has passed away at the age of 86. He died of cancer at his home, according to a statement from his family.

Tom and Dick Smothers rose to fame in the 1960s with their musical comedy act, which combined folk songs, witty banter, and political satire. They hosted their own variety show, “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour”, on CBS from 1967 to 1969, which became a popular and controversial platform for their social commentary and criticism of the Vietnam War, civil rights, and censorship.

The show featured guest stars such as The Beatles, The Who, Joan Baez, and George Carlin, as well as a talented team of writers that included Steve Martin, Lorne Michaels, Rob Reiner, and David Steinberg. The show also introduced the catchphrase “Mom always liked you best”, which became a signature of the brothers’ sibling rivalry.

However, the show also faced constant clashes with the network executives, who objected to the brothers’ outspoken views and edgy humor. The show was eventually canceled in 1969, after the brothers refused to comply with the network’s demands to tone down their content. The brothers later sued CBS for breach of contract and won, but the show never returned to the air.

The Smothers Brothers continued to perform together for decades, appearing on TV, film, and stage. They also recorded several albums, winning a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album in 1962. They received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1988, and were inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 2008.

Tom Smothers was born in 1937 in New York City, and grew up in California. He served in the Army for two years, and then attended San Jose State University, where he met his future wife, Marcy Carriker. They married in 1990 and had two children, Bo and Riley. Tom also had two sons, Thomas and Steven, from his previous marriage to Rochelle Robley.

Dick Smothers, who is two years younger than Tom, said in a statement that his brother was “not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner”. He added, “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.”

Tom Smothers is survived by his wife, his four children, his brother, and his many fans and admirers. He will be remembered as a pioneer of comedy, a champion of free speech, and a beloved entertainer.