About this Artist
Time has been an essential ingredient in the SMOTHERS BROTHERS' success. They have been considered ahead of their time, masters of timing, and practitioners of timeless comedy. Now, as they mark over 48 years in show business, the Smothers Brothers are being saluted as time-honored legends whose lengthy career has surpassed all other comedy teams in history.
With their singular blend of comedic and musical talents, the irrepressible brothers have made a sweeping impact on diverse generations of fans. Such lasting power is a testimonial to their intuitive humor, natural warmth, superlative showmanship, and the pure unadulterated joy they bring to audiences of all ages.
The Smothers Brothers' first professional appearance was at the Purple Onion in San Francisco in 1958 and their first national television appearance was on The Jack Paar Show on January 28, 1961.
Over four decades of audiences have seen the Smothers Brothers in their own primetime comedy series in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s guest appearances on numerous television programs, countless engagements as headliners in Las Vegas, Reno, and Lake Tahoe, a hot-selling video, twelve top-selling albums, as well as continuous coast-to coast concert tours, some with symphony orchestras.
The contributions Tom and Dick have made to the entertainment world throughout their careers are so highly respected that the Museum of Television and Radio in New York produced a retrospective and seminar on their work, an honor not lightly accorded. On the other coast, Hollywood ceremoniously distinguished them with one of its most valuable awards: a star on the noted Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour is now studied in universities across the country as an important factor in the revolutionary changes undergone in the U.S. during the 1960s.
The millennium has brought new honors for the legendary duo, including a reunion of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour at the USA Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, induction into the illustrious Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame, an invitation to become Artist Members of the Board of Directors of the Wolf Trap Foundation, the 2003 Freedom of Expression Award at the annual Video Software Dealers' Association in Las Vegas (the 2002 recipient was George Carlin), and Honorary Doctorate degrees from their alma mater, San Jose State University.
On the personal side, both Tom and Dick pursue their interests with the same fervor as their work. Whenever the opportunity presents itself, Dick can be found cycling or practicing yoga. Even on the road, he doesn't miss a beat as he maintains a disciplined regimen of robust workouts at the nearest health club. Equally at home in the kitchen, Dick is known to conjure up delicious heart-healthy cuisine. Dick doesn't merely pursue an interest, he masters it.
Tom's pastime passion is for golf, which is no surprise to the millions of viewers who have followed him through the various pro-am tournaments he plays each year. True to form, however, Tom is not simply content being one of the most popular attractions on the golf circuit. Ever inventive, he decided the game needed an added feature: the yo-yo. And, as many golf fans have already observed, Tom is the only golfer known who can sink a putt with the popular toy. Tom also enjoys tending to his vineyard and his award-winning winery, Remick Ridge.
Tom and Dick were born in New York City, graduated from Redondo Union High School, and attended San Jose State University. Tom was a gymnast and Dick was on the track team.
Tom's wife is the former Marcy Carriker and they have two children, Bo and Riley Rose. Tom also has a son, Tom Jr.
Dick is married to the former Denby Franklin and they have a combined eleven children. His six are Susan, Dick Jr., Steven, Andrew, Sarah, and Remick.
The Smothers Brothers have been described as one of the most successful teams in history, comedic treasures, comic geniuses, rare, original and peerless. Justifiably, time has provided another term. An American Classic.
07/06