From Fortune:

Tom Smothers, the younger half of the Smothers Brothers comedy duo, has passed away at 86. Smothers starred in the hit TV show, “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” and passed away at home in Santa Rosa, California after a battle with cancer. The show was an instant success, captivating young audience members with its sharp cultural satire, musical guests such as the Who, and sketches ridiculing the Vietnam War and the Establishment. The show was also controversial, drawing the ire of network censors and occasionally outraged viewers. Despite battling with CBS, Smothers and his brother earned an honorary Emmy for their work on the groundbreaking show, and continued to be outspoken reminders of Americans’ first amendment rights. Born in New York, Smothers grew up in the Los Angeles suburb of Redondo Beach and got his start in comedy performing at nightclubs and colleges before launching a successful television career.

The Smothers Brothers’ big break came in 1959 at San Francisco’s Purple Onion, leading to appearances on respected late-night television programs. They continued to find opportunities performing and producing television shows after their comedic success, with Tom pursuing interests in the wine industry during time away. Though their shows had limited runs, the Smothers Brothers remained important figures in American comedy and popular culture. Tom’s passing leaves brother Dick as the sole surviving member of the famous duo.



Read more: Obituary: Tom Smothers, TV comedian canceled by CBS amid Vietnam War protests, dies at 86