Tom Smothers, of Smothers Brothers Comedy Duo, Dead at 86

Tom Smothers, who with his brother Dick performed as the Smothers Brothers comedy team, passed away peacefully on Dec. 26, following a recent battle with cancer. He was 86.

Dick Smothers said in a statement that Tom was at home with his family at the time of his death.

“Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner,” said Dick Smothers via the National Comedy Center. “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.”

In addition to his and brother Dick’s run on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, which debuted on CBS in 1967 and not long after was Emmy-nominated for Outstanding Variety or Musical Series, Tom Smothers acted on series such as My Brother the Angel and Fitz and Bones (both opposite his brother Dick), The Love Boat, Tales of the Unexpected, Suddenly Susan and, most recently, a 2009 episode of The Simpsons (voicing himself).

National Comedy Center executive director Journey Gunderson said in a statement, “Tom Smothers 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.”

Smothers is survived by his wife of 33 years, Marcy, his children Bo and Riley Rose Smothers, grandson Phoenix, sister-in-law Marie Smothers, and several nephews and a niece.