Tom Smothers, the older half of the legendary comedy duo the Smothers Brothers, died on Tuesday. He was 86.
The comedian died “following a recent battle with cancer,” according to a statement from a spokesman for the National Comedy Center.
The late star passed away peacefully at his home in Santa Rosa, Calif., with his family at his side, according to his younger brother and professional partner, Dick Smothers.
“Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner,” Dick, 84, said in a statement. “I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime together with him, on and off stage, for over 60 years. Our relationship was like a good marriage – the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected one another. We were truly blessed.”
The Post has reached out to the Smothers’ reps for comment.
The folk-singing brothers became household names as they pioneered the world of political satirical comedy on their CBS variety show “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” which ran from 1967 to 1969.
Tom played guitar and Dick played stand-up bass as part of the act which saw the duo sparring and singing in equal measure. Many believe they created the blueprint for popular television shows like “Saturday Night Live” and “The Daily Show.”
Journey Gunderson, executive director of the National Comedy Center, said in a statement that Tom was “not only an extraordinary comedic talent, who, together with his brother Dick, became the most enduring comedy duo in history, entertaining the world for over six decades — but was a true champion for freedom of speech, harnessing the power of comedy to push boundaries and our political consciousness.”
“Tom was a true pioneer who changed the face of television and transformed our culture with The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, which satirized politics, combated racism, protested the Vietnam War, and led the way for ‘Saturday Night Live,’ ‘The Daily Show,’ today’s network late night shows, and so much more,” Gunderson, who has helped preserve and showcase the Smothers Brothers career and legacy, continued.
“We were proud to bring Tom and Dick out of retirement and reunite them on stage in 2019 to celebrate their legendary careers, and we are honored to preserve Tom’s remarkable work and legacy here at the National Comedy Center for generations to come.”
A private memorial service for family and friends is set to take place sometime in 2024.
Dick and his wife, Marie, have requested memorial donations honoring Tom to be made to the National Comedy Center.
Tom is survived by his children, Bo and Riley Rose Smothers, grandson Phoenix, Marcy Carriker Smothers, sister-in-law Marie Smothers, and several nephews and a niece.
He is predeceased by his son Tom and sister Sherry Smothers.