Who was Tom Smothers? One Half of the Smothers Brothers Dead at 86
Tom Smothers, the elder half of the iconic comic folk duo, the Smothers Brothers, passed away at his Santa Rosa, California home on Tuesday at the age of 86. The announcement of his death, following a recent battle with cancer, was made by a spokesperson for the National Comedy Center on behalf of the family.
The Smothers Brothers, known for their distinctive folk act, brought a unique blend of humor and music to network television. With Tom on guitar and Dick on stand-up bass, their performances were characterized by as much banter as singing.
Tom, with his innocent expression and stammering delivery, often attempted to introduce songs with a story, only to face skepticism and teasing from his brother. As tensions rose, he would famously retort, “Mom always liked you best.”
In a bid to connect with a younger audience, CBS granted the brothers creative control over “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” a groundbreaking variety show that premiered in February 1967. Over the next three seasons, the show courted controversy as it fearlessly tackled topics such as American policy in Vietnam, religious fundamentalism, racial tensions, and recreational drug use.
The program featured segments like Leigh French’s “Share a Little Tea With Goldie,” replete with drug references, captivating or scandalizing viewers based on their age and political inclinations.
Reflecting on the show’s first year, Tom Smothers stated in a 2006 interview, “During the first year, we kept saying the show has to have something to say more than just empty sketches and vacuous comedy. So we always tried to put something of value in there, something that made a point and reflected what was happening out in the streets.”
Tom, leaning towards liberalism and largely overseeing the show’s production, enlisted writers attuned to the mindset of the Baby Boom generation, including Rob Reiner, Steve Martin, Pat Paulsen, and Mason Williams. Their contributions pushed the boundaries of taste, making “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” a trailblazer that paved the way for subsequent satirical shows like “Saturday Night Live” and “The Daily Show.”
Tom Smothers leaves behind a legacy of comedic brilliance, political activism, and a commitment to addressing societal issues through the lens of humor.
