Tom Smothers, the elder half of the iconic musical-comedy duo the Smothers Brothers, passed away at the age of 86. He died at his home in California after a battle with cancer. Tom, along with his younger brother Dick, started as aspiring folk singers but soon found their niche in comedy. Their act, blending music and comedy, became a hallmark of their style and led to the creation of “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” on CBS in 1967. This show became a forerunner to programs like “Saturday Night Live,” pushing the boundaries of television satire and social commentary in an era when such approaches were still largely uncharted.
Tom played guitar while Dick played the stand-up bass, and both sang. Their performances often veered into comedic bits or arguments, often ignited by Tom’s intentional mishaps with lyrics or offbeat comments. On stage, Tom portrayed the less astute, stammering older sibling, constantly at odds with his brother’s more composed character. This dynamic added a unique charm to their act.
Born in New York City in 1937, Tom’s early life was marked by the death of his father, an Army officer, during World War II. The family later moved to Southern California. The Smothers Brothers’ fame peaked in the late 1960s, with their show becoming immensely popular among young, liberal viewers. The program was known for hosting counterculture icons and addressing topics like religion, drugs, politics, and the Vietnam War, which often put them at odds with CBS executives.
One of the show’s notable moments was the appearance of folk singer and activist Pete Seeger, who had been blacklisted in the 1950s. Seeger’s performance of “Waist Deep in the Big Muddy,” an anti-war song, was initially censored but later allowed. Despite high ratings, the show was abruptly canceled in 1969, a decision Tom believed was influenced by political pressures from the Nixon administration.
Attempts to revive a network variety show by ABC and NBC in the 1970s had brief runs. Tom also made notable contributions to pop culture, such as playing guitar on John Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance.” The National Comedy Center lauded Tom as a pioneer who used comedy to challenge societal norms and promote freedom of speech. His influence extended to shaping modern television and cultural discourse.
Tom Smothers is survived by his brother Dick, his wife Marcy Carriker Smothers, his children Bo and Riley Rose Smothers, and his grandson Phoenix. His legacy as a comedian, musician, and advocate for social issues remains a significant part of American entertainment history.