The Smothers Brothers duo, consisting of brothers Thomas “Tom” and Richard “Dick” Smothers, were among the most famous entertainers in the USA in the 1960s. The two were actors and musicians and were celebrated for making fun of the establishment with satirical numbers. The older of the two, Tom Smothers, died on Tuesday (December 26th) at the age of 86 in California after suffering from cancer for the last few years.
The Smothers Brothers changed television
As a comedy duo, the brothers shaped the entertainment industry in the 1960s and 1970s. They are best known for their innovative and politically engaged content. Tom and Dick Smothers began their career in the early 1960s and quickly gained popularity for their mix of music, stand-up comedy and social commentary.
Tom Smothers played an integral role in the duo. Born on February 2, 1937, he was not only a talented comedian but also a versatile artist. He acted as a singer, actor and entertainer. Together with his brother Dick Smothers, he created a characteristic stage presence that was characterized by their musical interludes and humorous dialogues.
Brothers controversy
The comedians gained particular fame through their television show “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” which aired from 1967 to 1969. The show was notable for its approach to comedy. It brought innovative elements such as political satire and social commentary to television.
However, the brothers also came into conflict with network executives because of their critical stance toward the government and social issues. This ultimately led to the cancellation of the comedy show. In 2001, the now deceased spoke about the cancellation of the show. He believes that the station was ordered by President Richard Nixon to cancel the “Comedy Hour.” “When Nixon said, ‘I want these guys gone,’ they were deposed,” he said in an interview at the time.
Watch a clip from “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” here:
Despite some friction, the Smothers Brothers helped change the comedy landscape and influenced subsequent generations of comedians. Her legacy lies in her ability to combine humor with social issues while reaching a wide range of audiences. In 2010, the brothers announced the end of their career. Tom Smothers received the 2011 Jack Green Civil Liberties Award from the American Civil Liberties Union’s Sonoma County Chapter for his work against censorship and political activism.