Devendra Kumar
Tom Smothers, one half of the legendary comedy duo the Smothers Brothers, has passed away at the age of 86. He died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on December 26th, following a recent battle with cancer. The Smothers Brothers, known for their irreverent humor and musical talents, were a beloved fixture on American television, with their groundbreaking variety show “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” airing from 1967 to 1969.
Smothers’ brother and co-star, Dick Smothers, paid tribute to his late sibling, describing him as “not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, but a one-of-a-kind creative partner.” The two brothers spent over 60 years working together, both on and off stage, and Dick expressed his gratitude for having shared that lifetime with Tom.
The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour was a revolutionary program that used comedy to push boundaries and challenge social norms. It satirized politics, combatted racism, and protested the Vietnam War, and is widely credited with paving the way for later shows like “Saturday Night Live” and “The Daily Show.” The show was also a launching pad for the careers of several notable comedians and actors, including Steve Martin and Rob Reiner.
In recognition of their groundbreaking work, the Smothers Brothers were inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 2010. They continued to perform and entertain audiences throughout their careers, and were brought out of retirement for a special reunion performance in 2019.
Tom Smothers will be remembered not only for his comedic talents, but also for his tireless efforts to use his platform to promote social change. His legacy will live on through the outpouring of tributes and memories from his fans and colleagues, and through the continued work of the National Comedy Centre, which he supported and was honored by in his lifetime. A private memorial service will be held for family and friends in 2024, and the centre has requested that memorial donations be made in Tom’s name to support its mission to preserve the art of comedy and the legacy of comedians who have made a lasting impact on the world.