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Tom Smothers, one half of the famed Smothers Brothers comedy and music duo who fought against racism, the Vietnam War and Fight against television censorship.
The 86-year-old’s death was announced Wednesday by his family and the National Comedy Center.
Brother Dick Smothers said in a statement: “Tom was not only the loving brother that everyone wanted to have in their lives, he was also a unique creative partner. “I am forever grateful to have spent this life together.” Taiwan I spent over 60 years with him on and off the stage. Our relationship was like a beautiful marriage – the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected each other. We are truly blessed.”
Tom Smothers and Dick Smothers were never shy about using their platforms to tit-for-tat authority, and in the conservative, anti-confrontational media of the 1960s, they would do so in any way possible.
In April 1969, CBS terminated the “Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” because its content consistently poked fun at those in power and inflamed Vietnam War critics and civil rights supporters.
At an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the firing in 2019, the pair still spoke with humor about their important role in pop culture history.
“It’s such an honor to be honored in this way,” Tom Smothers told The Associated Press in 2019. “At least we’re all alive and there’s no one talking for us. We can mutter to ourselves. Solution.”
Looking back on CBS’s demise in 1969, Dick Brothers said they believed their comedy was quite “virtuous” despite the backlash.
“Don’t tell a comedian not to say a certain word. They’re going to do it,” he said. “The funny thing is, I look back on these things. They were so kind, but at the time they were very unstable.”
This is a development story. Please check back for updates.
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