Born on February 2, 1937, at the Fort Jay army post hospital on Governors Island in New York City, a bundle of joy named Thomas B. Smothers III, or Tommy as he would later be known, came into the world. Little did anyone know that this baby would grow up to be a comedic legend and a passionate advocate for peace. Tommy was the son of Ruth (née Remick), a homemaker; and Major Thomas B. Smothers, an U.S. army officer who died a POW, of the Japanese, in April 1945.
Tommy’s early life was marked by a zest for entertainment. Raised in a family that appreciated the arts, Tommy and his younger brother, Dick, developed a love for comedy and folk music from a young age. The Smothers household was always filled with laughter, and it was clear that Tommy had a natural talent for making people smile. As he navigated through his education, Tommy’s comedic prowess became more evident.
However, his interests weren’t limited to just humor. Tommy was an accomplished athlete, participating in various sports during his school years. His charismatic personality and natural athleticism set the stage for the diverse career that would follow. After high school, Tommy pursued higher education at San José State University in California. It was during these years that he began to form a vision of a career in entertainment. His brother Dick, sharing the same passion for comedy, joined forces with him, and together they embarked on a journey that would make them household names.
It was a series of performances when we started out as a duet in Aspen. I did all the introductions. I’d just make up stuff for every song. And Dickie said, “Why don’t you try repeating some of that stuff?” I said, “I don’t know.” I didn’t know that you could repeat the stuff. And I started repeating it and Dickie would say, “That’s wrong.” And pretty soon he’d say, “That’s wrong, you’re stupid.” It sort of became an argument.
Tommy Smothers
Tom’s first foray into the medium of television was as a regular on The Steve Allen Show in 1961. He followed that role with a single episode of Burke’s Law. The breakthrough came in the 1960s with the creation of the “Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.”
The show, which premiered in 1967, became an instant hit. The comedic chemistry between Tommy and Dick was unparalleled, and their innovative sketches and musical performances garnered critical acclaim. The show became a platform for emerging talent, featuring iconic musical acts, including some of the biggest names in Rock and Roll. Guests included George Harrison, Joan Baez, Buffalo Springfield, Cass Elliot, Harry Belafonte, Cream, the Who, Donovan, the Doors, Janis Ian, Yank Barry,
Jefferson Airplane, Peter, Paul and Mary, Spanky and Our Gang, Steppenwolf, Simon and Garfunkel, Ray Charles, Hello People and Pete Seeger were showcased during the latter years of the show despite the advertiser-sensitive nature of their music.
Speaking of Rock and Roll, the Smothers Brothers played a significant role in the counterculture movement. Tommy, in particular, was known for his advocacy of peace and his association with the likes of John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
He played a crucial role in promoting the famous anthem “Give Peace a Chance,” using his platform to amplify the message of love and unity during a turbulent time. John even mentions his name in the lyrics of the song.
Their foray into political involvement, however, came at a cost. The Smothers Brothers’ outspokenness on social and political issues led to conflicts with network executives, and eventually, their show was canceled in 1969.
Despite the setback, Tommy Smothers remained committed to his principles and continued to use his voice for positive change. In the years that followed, Tommy explored various facets of the entertainment industry. He ventured into movies, showcasing his acting skills, and continued to make a mark in the comedy scene. Tom Smothers portrayed corporate-executive-turned-tap-dancing-magician Donald Beeman in one of Brian De Palma’s earlier films, Get to Know Your Rabbit (1972).
He also played a banker in Silver Bears. He later portrayed Reverend Spike in Serial (1980). In 1980 Smothers starred in the film There Goes the Bride. In 1982 he played with an ensemble cast in Pandemonium in which he was a brave Canadian Mountie chasing down a serial killer at a cheerleader camp. In 1983 he appeared in an episode of the UK TV series Tales Of The Unexpected. He also voiced one of the characters in the cartoon Christmas movie Precious Moments: Timmy’s Special Delivery in 1993.
His later work included appearances in commercials, where his charm and wit endeared him to a new generation of audiences. In 2007, Tom and Dick Smothers filmed a series of 30-second commercials and promotional spots for the River Rock Casino in Geyserville, California.
As the years passed, Tommy Smothers continued to embrace new opportunities, leaving an indelible mark on the world of comedy and beyond. His legacy is not only one of laughter but also of resilience and activism. Through it all, Tommy Smothers remained true to himself, proving that a genuine commitment to one’s beliefs can transcend the boundaries of entertainment.
Tom and Dick Smothers reunited in 2019 to mark the 50th anniversary of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour’s abrupt cancellation.Tommy Smothers died Tuesday December 26, 2023, at home in Santa Rosa, California, following a battle with cancer. He had married three times and had three children. He is survived by his wife Marcy, children Bo and Riley Rose, and brother Dick, in addition to other relatives. He was predeceased by his son Tom and sister Sherry. Tommy was 86.
I’m just devastated. Every breath I’ve taken, my brother’s been around.
Dick Smothers
Further Reading
Sources
- “Tommy Smothers Biography.” IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0810216/bio
- “The Smothers Brothers.” Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/The-Smothers-Brothers
- “Smothers Brothers.” History of Rock. https://www.history-of-rock.com/smothers_brothers.htm
- “Tommy Smothers Biography.” TV Guide. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/tommy-smothers/bio/3000400722/
- “Comedian Tom Smothers, one-half of the Smothers Brothers, dies at 86” https://apnews.com/article/tom-smothers-dies-smothers-brothers-3e1727faf1b6469da7b2cfc7b2874c56
