Sorry to report the death of Tommy Smothers, age 86. The report says he died from a recent bout with cancer.
Tommy and Dickie Smothers will always be the subversive, banjo playing comedy duo who burst onto the scene in the 60s. Their CBS variety show in the later 60s launched the careers of people like Glen Campbell, Steve Martin, and musician Mason Williams. It also instigated the career of dry- witted comedian Pat Paulsen, who ran for president in 1968 and many times after.
But the CBS show was also vehemently anti war as the Vietnam War became the hottest topic in the world. Even with tremendous ratings, CBS cancelled it, causing an uproar that went on for a long time. Ironically the show returned in 1988 for two seasons and was a big success.
Here are some clips. The Times has a fuller obit. Condolences.
