Tom Smothers, a beloved comedian and half of the iconic Smothers Brothers duo, passed away at the age of 86. He died peacefully at his home in Santa Rosa, California after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer.
The death of the comedy legend was confirmed by The National Comedy Center, who released a statement on behalf of Smothers’ family.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Tom’s brother and the other half of the duo, Dick Smothers, expressed his devastation over the loss. “Every breath I’ve taken, my brother’s been around,” said Dick, who had performed with his brother for many years on their hit television show “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.”
The iconic comedy show debuted on CBS in 1967 and was an immediate hit, despite the network positioning it against the top-rated show “Bonanza.” The show was a turning point in television history, with its sharp eye for pop culture trends and young rock stars such as the Who and Buffalo Springfield.
More than just a comedy show, “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” was groundbreaking for its daring sketches that ridiculed the Establishment and protested against the Vietnam War. Members of the era’s hippie counterculture were portrayed as gentle, fun-loving spirits, which found an immediate audience with young baby boomers.
Tom Smothers was a true icon of comedy and a pioneer in his field, shaping television and inspiring generations to come. He will always be remembered as a gifted comedian and beloved entertainer who brought laughter and joy to millions of fans around the world.