Tom Smothers: A Life in Photos

Pictured from left in the back row are Mason Williams, Rob Reiner, Bob Einstein, Steve Martin, Glen Campbell, and John Hartford. Middle row from left is Tom Smothers, Dick Smothers, Jennifer Warnes. Front row from left is Pat Paulson, Leigh French in “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour 20th Reunion”  on February 3, 1988.

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The brothers continued to tour, playing live shows through the aughts. “We used to do about 110 dates a year but now we’re getting near kind of the end of our career,” Smothers said in 2006. “We’re not on the cutting edge anymore. But we fill our places generally wherever we go.”

The pair eventually retired, but stepped out again in 2019 to mark the 50th anniversary of their show’s cancellation. “People come up to us and say, ‘We love you guys. I wish you were on television now,’” Smothers told the AP then. “It’s a different world today.”

Tommy Smothers, recipient of the Commemorative award and presenter Steve Martin speak onstage during the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre on September 21, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

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In 2008, Smothers was awarded an Emmy for his work on the original variety show—as the SF Chronicle reported at the time, his name had been left off the show’s writing award entry “fearing the inclusion would draw controversy.” 

“Freedom of expression and freedom of speech aren’t really important unless they’re heard,” Smothers said from the Emmy stage. ”

“The freedom of hearing is as important as the freedom of speaking. It’s hard for me to stay silent when I keep hearing that peace is only attainable through war. There’s nothing more scary than watching ignorance in action. So I dedicate this Emmy to all people who feel compelled to speak out, not afraid to speak to power, won’t shut up and refuse to be silent.”