Tom Smothers | The complete Pioneers of Television Interview

Tom Smothers on his comedy career including his landmark TV variety series.
Thomas Bolyn Smothers III was an American comedian, actor, composer, and musician, widely known as half of the musical comedy duo the Smothers Brothers, alongside his younger brother Dick.
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Television’s beloved stars bring their stories to life, offering insider tales and surprising revelations you won’t hear anywhere else. The Emmy-nominated producers of Pioneers of Television open the vault to give you exclusive access.
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[@richardschieffer4518]

What a inspiring example of speaking truth to power. Much needed now. Thank you, Tommy Smothers.

[@nancycurtis488]

Great…..just great! I love Tommy and Dickie Smothers….pure genius. I cried when I heard about Tommy leaving us……he should be missed a 1,000% more then he is………gosh, we were so lucky to have the Smothers Brothers. RIP Tommy…….you were a hoot on steroids.

[@January.]

Tom Smothers, an UNDERRATED, multi-talented, fantastic singer, musician, and comedian, is sorely missed 😢

[@eldergeektromeo9868]

And he could for sure handle a yo-yo!!!

[@artemusthorne4427]

Tom Smothers was the portal through which the "60s" paradigm shift entered the living room of America. Cutting edge music , WEED and WAR controversy and struggles with a president gone AMUCK.

[@mariarooney6262]

Every time I hear about them, there’s something new. Interesting. ❤️

[@Watchdog63]

This was the only act he did as the staight man.@@eldergeektromeo9868

[@patriciacarr5832]

love every word of it!

[@ronveit9856]

Put me in the time capsule and let me go back to the 70's. What great comedians we had. Tommy and Dick Smothers were comic geniuses. Rest In Peace Tommy!

[@Canyon2023]

What a beautiful interview with Tommy. So wonderful.

[@davidmerrittjacovino]

What an absolutely delightful human being.

[@richardbartolo2890]

It was interesting watching and lisening to this interview, The only way I ever saw and heard T.S. was on his 60's T V comedy hour show where he was being the brunt of the jokes by his brother D. S. So It was nice to see and hear who he really was for once.

[@artemusthorne4427]

I had known that ED Sullivan endorsed them, but was not aware they went back as far as Jack Par & Steve Allen.

[@charlottesmail1056]

a really courageous, creative man

[@kathleenowen4475]

Brilliant, talented, humane, humble, all time great

[@juliettoland1170]

Thank you for this delightful, informative, grounded & brilliant voice of the Smothers Brothers' background & experiences. They were Simply the Best & I'll ever be grateful to have grown up with their talent being part of the TV soundtrack of my life. RIP dear gentleman; you remain in our hearts & you will be missed by all who admired & enjoyed your talents. Thanks to utube, where you remain a joy & inspiration.

[@veritas6335]

It’s impossible to believe they’re both gone. They’re so needed today - their loss is just incalculable.

[@sandramoorewilliams5384]

I love you guys and I'm blown away by your depth and heart, Tommy. Totally agree about the censorship debacle.

[@jewell92]

Thanks for all you (both) gave our lives. Rest in peace.

[@jamesalanstephensmith7930]

Always made me laugh! Wasn’t aware of corruption at that point. Reminds me of my older brother and I. Worlds apart, but when on, on! Don’t over analyze, I do that myself. The fact that you made someone laugh, that’s the payoff, the relief or release. Look how hard it is these days… Thank You for your humor!

[@vito9674]

Before my Mom's dementia got worse I took her to see Her favorite tv musical fav's ..I now have some memorable Great pics taken of us with the Smothers brothers , Neil Diamond and Tony Orlando to name a few ! They were all so nice and She was present and loved every second of it ! Now that she's gone the pics are Priceless memories ! Thank You !❤RIP tommy !

[@michaelstone4763]

Tom Smothers R.I.P.

[@donhurst1409]

Oh My! Just like it was yesterday! I loved Tommy and totally thought Dickie was serious and angry. They were truly both incredibly talented. Loved how Tommy admired his brother's talent!

[@Crazyreseller]

Comedy is the most difficult form of entertainment. Comedians are easily the most talented and under appreciated performers and IMO, the most intelligent.

[@HydroPJ63-ds6pq4cn2g]

What a Great Guy ! 🎼🎤🥁🎸🎥🎬🎥

[@CalebAchsah]

This is a brilliant interview! We get to hear the man talk, we hear his thoughts and ideas. Thank you!!

[@BoydMannie]

Fantastic interview. RIP Tommy ..

[@kathleenowen4475]

What a cool, unpretentious, down to earth Genius! I love him and Dickie, all time greats. Happy memories. Thank you Tommy, you were loved

[@chalfont2495]

I am so happy to have been able to see the Brothers at DAR Constitution Hall in 1963 and later Tom only as Yoyo man in a Citrus Bowl parade in Orlando FL. Versatile performers with great two part harmony.

[@montanacrone8984]

Loved these brothers!

[@ARIZJOE]

Tommy was the older brother, and the brains behind the whole act. His onstage, goofball persona belied that. Way back in the folkie era, an agent told him he'd do better in a duo or group. So he got his brother Dick, and taught him how to play bass. All the concerts and appearance. Then the Variety Hour. Then the winery. Tom Smother was an extremely bright man. He's one of those guys you'd think would never grow old. Gee, when he passed, I was surprised.

[@eileenmacdougall8945]

Great interview . Thank you.

[@AlleyCracker1]

What a treat. The Real Tommy Smothers recalls life in show biz. Their show broke new ground and the brothers paid a price for speaking their mind. They opened the door for guys like Bill Maher and Jon Stewart. Tommy’s honest reflections were riveting to watch.

[@angelstevens2782]

I miss him already. Thanks Tom.

[@Tmanaz480]

"It takes a lot more effort to find the truth nowadays." Nailed it, Tom.

[@stevendaugherty2663]

“The skill position”- this is just great

[@tylerfoss3346]

"The space between the notes...." An artist. Thank you, Tommy! Rest in peace.

[@pamelamays4186]

I was very young when I started watching Tommy and Dickie. I didn't completely understand the humor and jokes, but I couldn't help but laugh.

[@jamesdrynan]

Tom was a master of comic timing. The characters he and his brother, Dick, created were a delight. Dick as the pedantic bassist and Tom as the clueless guitarist entertained audiences starting in 1959 at the Purple Onion.

[@celair4553]

A brilliant entertainer who really knew his business. i loved them then, I love them now. The best are the best.

[@BrianPeloso-ln4ry]

Wow I am so grateful for seeing this... I'm smarter for the experience,what a gift.. thank-you.

[@frankmcfarlane-e8m]

i LOVED their show when i was 11 12 13 yrs old... i wasnt hip to the politics of course at that age but absorbed it some...loved the bros bickering the best

[@frankmcfarlane-e8m]

and tommy as the idiot was hilarious

[@CarlHammer]

I've never seen Tommy like this...totally candid, very personal. Love this guy. Sadly, everybody dies. Jesus died, as we all will. In life or death, Tommy will always be remembered. Miss you, buddy. THX

[@nancysonneman1530]

He was so great and so wonderful. I can't help wondering now that Dick is alone, how he looks back on their career.

[@catherinebaum9185]

Loved the Smothers Brothers show. Damn I'm old.

[@maxpower6765]

Excellent video. Thanks very much ✌🏼❤️

[@marthadoody]

Great video. I watched the Smothers Brothers on TV when I was a kid, although most everything went over my head. I got to see them in person around maybe 2005. They were good!

[@DblIre]

All I got for a pet was a CHICKEN!

[@edvallecorse2966]

“Kinda like an old marriage; lots of arguing and no sex.” Truer words were never spoken.

[@Nick-gq2iy]

He’s absolutely right!

[@37BopCity]

One of the funniest and smartest guys there ever was. The Smothers Brothers are still as funny today as they ever were.

[@karenleemallonee684]

What a real treat to watch this, I enjoyed it so much! It really breaks my heart that Tommy is no longer with us. New subscriber here! 👍👍

[@jeffe5862]

Tommy was absolutely awesome.. RIP

[@dougbadgley6672]

Two of the best comedians ever. RIP Tommy.

[@ericheine2414]

Tommy was sad when Robin Williams died. Tommy was sad when Joan Rivers died. One day in front of the Glen Ellen Market he said to me we're losing our greats. Missing you now more than ever Tommy. Godspeed.

[@cynthiarowley719]

Priceless🎉

[@rmp9417]

Mom always liked you best lol

[@31wst83]

Very early memory for me watching Smothers Brothers show on tv...Tom always made me laugh, I just thought he was hilarious! R.I.P. Tommy, you will be missed.

[@delmaquezada6733]

Look at him, he's still a good looking guy, so handsome ❤❤❤

[@TheReal1953]

The night Tommy came on "The Tonight Show" and absolutely nailed his impression of Carson.......even though Carson laughed and went along with it....I always wondered if AFTER Carson was fuming about it. He was so vindictive and short-tempered with anyone he deemed 'disloyal' or mocking him.

[@ronveit9856]

Just watched that show tonight. Tommy was spot on as Johnny!

[@rodterrell304]

I loved watching The Smothers Brothers Show as a kid, glad to see them still around.

[@bsmith9506]

I remember one SBCH show. Singer Nancy Wilson was the special guest. On one skit the brothers and Wilson played frogs on a lily pad. One of the brothers was telling Nancy that a new frog had came to the pond. Nancy dead panned and said "There goes the neighborhood!" 😉

[@j1st633]

Great channel.

[@jolee3633]

When I was young I thought that the Smother brothers were corny, now I can appreciate how funny they really were.

[@pennyjohnson5256]

I love the old clean comedy.

[@MelissaThompson432]

His oldest son, TB Smothers IV, died before Tom, earlier in 2023.

[@ytugtbk]

Never liked Southern California--thought most were drug-addled phonies--but fascinated by this somewhat famous Southern Californian's story of his father's experiences during WWII and his familial influences. Unique and showbiz worthy.

[@rmp9417]

Big crush 🎉 still do

[@danielrothe3902]

Tommy was great and smart too.

[@frankmcfarlane-e8m]

just watched some pat paulsen sketches from the SBs show from 68ish i now understand why the bros were cancelled

[@DblIre]

I have the Purple Onion album.

[@Nick-gq2iy]

What year was this? Anyone know?? TYIA. Great act they were!

[@aaronjohnson7812]

I think it was recorded around 2007.

[@Nick-gq2iy]

@@aaronjohnson7812 thank you so much! I greatly appreciate your answer. 🙏🏼 Best to you & yours! 😊

[@marksobolik8943]

When was this recorded?

[@frankmcfarlane-e8m]

stan laurel was listed in the phone book at that time... anyone who could read could phone him personally

[@MelissaThompson432]

Interview from 2006? (Presuming that his son Bo was 13 when the interview was done.)

[@TowGunner]

A couple of comments on this page: Tommy Smothers was a “delightful human being” and a “courageous man” I’m sure there’s one person who doesn’t holds those particular views. He was convicted of sexually abusing his stepdaughter.

[@Tmanaz480]

How did Laugh-In get away with the same controversial content? Heck--Nixon himself made a cameo.

[@GalaxyTheCrazyQuilt]

Who's here from Carol Burnett 😅

[@garywallenphd885]

Tommy was a good friend of John Lennon and played some of Lennon’s recordings.

[@siddaviscomedy]

The prelude commercials are getting too long. 15 seconds please

[@michaelkeith2207]

Too many commercial breaks!!!!!

[@michaelkeith2207]

A totally misleading heading.

[@douglaslewis866]

Well, this was a great interview about 85 percent of its duration. However, 2 aspects, I would have challenge if I were the interviewer. One, the same old refrain about fame. Look you know you are going to be hit with the attention. So going in you must be prepared to deal with it. I am sure whatever restaurant they are eating in special attention was given to them. To work so hard to be famous and then complain about its pitfalls does not seem to make much sense. If it such a burden to have wealth, fame, then find another job. These stars are rewarded from fans by paying for show tickets etc. Just give all back and go behind the scenes to practice your craft. . Next, they all represent their humor from a liberal perspective on social and political issues which is just fine to do. Thom cited well known Tv shows and pundits that lean left or are liberals. it would seem to me for them to be more creditable, if they made jokes or created skits that were even handed. So, there should be these attacks on conservatism, but liberals are untouchable. And if they are used in humor, the backlash is swift and can be career ending. For example, one could create hours of humor about Joe Biden etc., but nary a word about Biden and the issues facing the country. on the talk shows, save Greg Gutfeld. Another example of the one-sided nature may be those addressing my comments in the comment section. All in all, it was an interesting interview with wonderful insight to The Brothers background and rise to fame.

[@MrsRosencranz1]

Well to be fair, Dickie handled fame quite well. He had ways of using it to his advantage, such as car racing and other things. However, in his case, things he did coupled with the fame took a toll on his family. And he also dealt with the confusion of his changing appearance and people who didn't recognize him even when they should have.

[@freddyfurrah3789]

You.were canceled before Kent State happened.

[@kronos5385]

Dickie Smothers had very poor timing, and he was the straight man. He constantly stepped on Tommie's lines, blowing many of the jokes. Tom was the better musician but Dick had a much better singing voice. Tom was also the major force in making themselves stars. He was a much tougher businessman than his brother.

[@cliftonjarvis8010]

Good to see him out of Character.

[@beckett3859]

Promo>SM

[@daveshaheen]

There's a typo at 3:25, "TIMIMG" instead of "TIMING". That aside, this is wonderful! So sorry Tommy is gone. The brothers were top notch. What a fabulous contribution to entertainment!

[@susanhuffstutler9576]