The world of comedy has lost one of its brightest stars. Tom Smothers, the older half of the famous Smothers Brothers duo, died on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at his home in Santa Rosa, California, after a battle with cancer. He was 86 years old.
Tom, along with his younger brother Dick, revolutionized the genre of musical comedy with their witty and satirical songs, sketches, and routines. They also challenged the status quo of television with their groundbreaking and controversial show, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, which aired on CBS from 1967 to 1969.
The Smothers Brothers were not only comedians, but also musicians, actors, composers, and activists. They influenced generations of performers and fans with their humor, talent, and courage. They were honored with multiple awards, including a Grammy, an Emmy, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In this article, we will pay tribute to Smothers and his remarkable career, life, and legacy. We will also share some of the reactions and condolences from his family, friends, and fellow comedians.
A Life of Laughter and Music
Tom was born on February 2, 1937, on Governors Island in New York City, where his father, Thomas B. Smothers Jr., was a U.S. Army officer. His father died in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp in 1945, when He was eight years old. He and his brother Dick were raised by their mother, Ruth, in the Los Angeles area.
Tom Smothers was a gifted athlete and a competitive unicyclist. He also excelled in gymnastics and pole vaulting. He attended San Jose State University, where he met his future wife, Louise Palanker. They married in 1959 and had two sons, Thomas and Bo.
Tom and Dick Smothers developed a passion for folk music and comedy. They started performing as a duo in 1959 at The Purple Onion in San Francisco. They soon became a popular act in clubs and on television, appearing on shows like The Jack Paar Show, The Judy Garland Show, and The Ed Sullivan Show. They also released several successful albums, such as Curb Your Tongue, Knave! and It Must Have Been Something I Said.
A Show That Changed Television
The Smothers Brothers reached the peak of their fame and influence with their variety show, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, which debuted on CBS in 1967. The show featured musical guests, comedy sketches, and political satire. The brothers often clashed with the network censors over their content, which tackled topics like religion, drugs, sex, and the Vietnam War.
The show was a hit with the viewers, especially the young and countercultural audience. It also attracted some of the best writers and performers of the time, such as Steve Martin, Rob Reiner, Bob Einstein, Pat Paulsen, Mason Williams, and Leigh French. The show won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing Achievement in Comedy, Variety or Music in 1968.
However, the show also faced backlash from the conservative and establishment forces, who accused the brothers of being unpatriotic, subversive, and disrespectful. The show was canceled by CBS in 1969, after three seasons and 72 episodes. One episode was left unaired, due to its controversial segments, such as a mock funeral for the Bill of Rights and a song by Pete Seeger about the My Lai massacre.
The Smothers Brothers sued CBS for breach of contract and won the case in 1973. They also became icons of free speech and artistic expression, inspiring other comedians and shows to challenge the boundaries of television.
Tom Smothers Death and Obituary
After the cancellation of their show, the Smothers Brothers continued to work in various media, both together and separately. They starred in another sitcom, The Smothers Brothers Show, in 1975, and hosted several specials and talk shows. They also appeared in movies, such as Get to Know Your Rabbit, The Informant, and Casino Jack. They also pursued solo projects, such as Tom’s involvement with the Plastic Ono Band and his composition of the theme song for the film The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming.
The Smothers Brothers never stopped performing live, touring across the country and around the world. They also reunited for several occasions, such as the 20th anniversary of their show in 1988, the 40th anniversary of the Summer of Love in 2007, and the 50th anniversary of their debut album in 2011. They announced their retirement from touring in 2010, after 51 years of entertaining audiences.
Tom Smothers was diagnosed with cancer in 2022 and underwent treatment. He remained optimistic and hopeful, and even planned to resume touring with his brother in 2023. However, his condition worsened and he passed away peacefully at his home on December 26, 2023.
His brother Dick Smothers, 84, announced his death on social media, saying, “It is with great sadness that I share the news of my brother Tom’s passing. He was my best friend, my partner, and my hero. He was also a loving father, grandfather, uncle, and brother-in-law. He touched so many lives with his humor, his music, and his courage. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.”
Many other celebrities and fans also expressed their grief and admiration for Tom, calling him a legend, a pioneer, and a genius. Here are some of the messages:
- Steve Martin: “Tom was one of my comedy heroes. He was smart, funny, and fearless. He gave me my first break as a writer on his show. He was also a kind and generous mentor. I will always be grateful for his friendship and influence. Rest in peace, Tom.”
- Rob Reiner: “I am heartbroken to hear about the passing of Smothers. He was a brilliant comedian, a courageous satirist, and a wonderful human being. He and his brother Dick changed the face of television and comedy forever. They were also my friends and colleagues. I will miss him terribly.”
- Pat Paulsen: “Tom Smothers was a comedy legend and a political hero. He and his brother Dick allowed me to run for president on their show and to make fun of the absurdity of the system. He was also a loyal and supportive friend. He was a true patriot and a great American. God bless him.”
- Pete Seeger: “Tom was a musical and comedic genius. He and his brother Dick were among the few who dared to speak the truth and to stand up for peace and justice. He was also a fellow musician and a collaborator. He sang with me on his show, and he played guitar on my song “Give Peace a Chance”. He was a brother in spirit and in song. He was a light in the darkness. Farewell, Tom.”
A Final Farewell
Smothers was a comedy legend and a cultural icon. He and his brother Dick made history with their show, their music, and their activism. They also made millions of people laugh and think. They were pioneers of musical comedy, political satire, and television variety. They were also brothers, friends, and heroes.
He left behind a legacy of humor and courage, of creativity and freedom, of love and peace. He also left behind a family, a brother, and a world of fans who will always remember him and his work.
We at CNN magazine salute Tom and his amazing career, life, and legacy. We also send our deepest condolences to his brother Dick and his family. We thank him for his laughter, his music, and his courage. We wish him peace and happiness in the next world.
Tom Smothers, you were a comedy legend and a Smothers brother. You were also a Smothers lover. And we loved you back. Goodbye, Tom.
