Obituary – Cause of Death : “Tom Smothers, Co-Star of ‘Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,’ Passes at 86 – LA Times. Remembering the Legendary Pioneer of Hard-Hitting Political & Social Comedy, a Trailblazer for SNL, Jon Stewart & More. RIP Tom S”

Tom Smothers, beloved co-star of the iconic “Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” has passed away at the age of 86, according to the LA Times. With his wit and charm, Smothers paved the way for generations of comedians, including those from Gen X and Z, and revolutionized political and social comedy. As news of his passing spreads, fans across the globe are mourning the loss of a true comedic genius.

Born on February 2, 1937, in New York City, Tom Smothers began his journey towards comedic stardom at a young age. Alongside his brother Dick, the duo formed the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour in the 1960s. The show quickly gained popularity for its biting political satire and social commentary, pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo.

The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour was a trailblazer in the world of comedy, paving the way for future shows like “Saturday Night Live” and personalities like Jon Stewart. The show fearlessly tackled controversial topics such as the Vietnam War, civil rights, and censorship, often finding themselves at odds with network executives who sought to stifle their unapologetic humor.

Throughout his career, Smothers used laughter as a powerful tool to provoke thought and encourage dialogue. His sharp wit and clever wordplay made audiences think while they laughed, leaving a lasting impact on the comedy landscape. Smothers’ ability to blend entertainment with social commentary earned him a devoted following and cemented his place in comedy history.

Despite the passing of time, the influence of Smothers’ comedic genius continues to resonate with younger generations. Gen X and Z, who grew up in an era of instant gratification and short attention spans, now have the opportunity to witness how hard-hitting political and social comedy was done “old school.” Smothers’ groundbreaking work laid the foundation for the comedy we enjoy today, inspiring countless comedians to fearlessly address important issues through their craft.

As news of Tom Smothers’ death spreads, fans and fellow comedians have taken to social media to pay tribute to the late icon. The hashtag #RIPTomS has been trending, with an outpouring of heartfelt messages and memories flooding timelines. From sharing favorite skits to recalling how Smothers’ comedy made them think differently, the online community is coming together to honor his legacy.

While the cause of Tom Smothers’ death has not been officially disclosed, his impact on the world of comedy is undeniable. His fearless pursuit of truth through humor will be remembered and cherished for years to come. As we bid farewell to a comedic legend, may his laughter-filled legacy continue to inspire future generations of comedians to use their voices to challenge the world and make us think as we laugh. Rest in peace, Tom Smothers..

Tom Smothers, who co-starred in legendary ‘Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,’ dies at 86 – LA Times

Let Gen X & Z see how hard-hitting political & social comedy was done old school. They begat SNL, Jon Stewart & more, making us think as we laughed. RIP Tom S https://t.co/6i3JrzgL6S

— dodie (@DodieThedodes77) December 28, 2023

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@DodieThedodes77 said Tom Smothers, who co-starred in legendary 'Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,' dies at 86 – LA Times Let Gen X & Z see how hard-hitting political & social comedy was done old school. They begat SNL, Jon Stewart & more, making us think as we laughed. RIP Tom S apple.news/AqQF_ICiZRVC57…