- His brother Dick Smothers, 84, announced that his brother and co-star died Tuesday at home surrounded by family in Sonoma County, California.
- Dick said: ‘Tom was not only the loving older brother anyone would want in their lives, he was a unique creative partner’
- Dick and his wife Marie have requested that memorial donations be made in Tom’s honor to the National Comedy Center
Tom Smothers – half of the iconic comedy duo The Smothers Brothers – has died at the age of 86 after a battle with cancer.
His brother Dick Smothers, 84, announced that his brother and co-star died Tuesday at home surrounded by family in Sonoma County, California.
Dick said: “Tom was not only the loving older brother anyone would want in their lives, he was a unique creative partner.
“I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime with him, on and off stage, for more than 60 years.
Tom Smothers – half of the iconic comedy duo The Smothers Brothers – has died at the age of 86 after a battle with cancer; he is pictured in November 2003
His brother Dick Smothers, 84, announced that his brother and co-star died Tuesday at home surrounded by family in Sonoma County, California; the brothers are seen in January 2010
‘Our relationship was like a good marriage: the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected each other. We were truly blessed.”
Dick and his wife Marie have requested that memorial donations be made in Tom’s honor to the National Comedy Center.
The museum – which has a home base in Jamestown, New York – is the country’s official cultural institution dedicated to comedy and has showcased the career and legacy of the Smothers Brothers.
National Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson said in a statement: “Tom Smothers was not only an extraordinary comedic talent who, along with his brother Dick, became the most enduring comedy duo in history, entertaining the world for more than six decades – but a true champion for freedom of expression, who harnesses 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, fought racism, protested the Vietnam War and spearheaded Saturday Night Live, The Daily Show, current network late night shows and much more.
“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 continue Tom’s remarkable work and legacy here at the National Comedy Center for the upcoming to preserve for generations.’
Smothers 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 was predeceased by his son Tom and sister Sherry Smothers.
Tom and Dick Smothers perform in Chicago in February 1983
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