Dick Smothers
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Born Name:
Richard Remick Smothers
Born Date: November 20, 1938
Born Place: New York City, New York
Died Date:
Died Place:
Occupations: Actor, comedian
Brief Biography: Dick Smothers is widely regarded as the straight-man and upright bass player half of the legendary folk-comedy duo, The Smothers Brothers, alongside his older brother Tom. Known for their sibling-rivalry humor, the brothers revolutionized 1960s television with their groundbreaking, socially satirical variety show.
The Smothers Brothers Rise to Fame:
Dick and Tom began performing a folk-music act in 1959 at the Purple Onion in San Francisco. They quickly incorporated banter about sibling rivalry—most famously using the catchphrase, "Mom always liked you best!"—into their musical routines. Their resulting comedic dynamic (Dick as the suave, straight-faced musician and Tom as the goofy, eccentric instigator) proved immensely popular. They released several hit comedy albums in the 1960s and made the jump to network television with The Smothers Brothers Show (a sitcom on CBS, 1965–1966). This led to their most famous project, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. The variety show made television history by pushing boundaries; they openly satirized politics, religion, and the Vietnam War, frequently clashing with network censors. The show won Emmys and became a massive cultural phenomenon, though the controversy ultimately led to its cancellation in 1969.
Later Career and Solo Work:
Following the cancellation of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, Dick continued to perform with his brother in various television specials, revivals, and live tours until the duo officially retired in 2010. Beyond his comedy work, Dick Smothers built a notable solo acting career. He famously traded his musical comedy persona for a serious, dramatic role in Martin Scorsese's 1995 crime film Casino, portraying a dishonest Nevada State Senator. He has also been a passionate amateur automobile racer.
Born Date: November 20, 1938
Born Place: New York City, New York
Died Date:
Died Place:
Occupations: Actor, comedian
Brief Biography: Dick Smothers is widely regarded as the straight-man and upright bass player half of the legendary folk-comedy duo, The Smothers Brothers, alongside his older brother Tom. Known for their sibling-rivalry humor, the brothers revolutionized 1960s television with their groundbreaking, socially satirical variety show.
The Smothers Brothers Rise to Fame:
Dick and Tom began performing a folk-music act in 1959 at the Purple Onion in San Francisco. They quickly incorporated banter about sibling rivalry—most famously using the catchphrase, "Mom always liked you best!"—into their musical routines. Their resulting comedic dynamic (Dick as the suave, straight-faced musician and Tom as the goofy, eccentric instigator) proved immensely popular. They released several hit comedy albums in the 1960s and made the jump to network television with The Smothers Brothers Show (a sitcom on CBS, 1965–1966). This led to their most famous project, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. The variety show made television history by pushing boundaries; they openly satirized politics, religion, and the Vietnam War, frequently clashing with network censors. The show won Emmys and became a massive cultural phenomenon, though the controversy ultimately led to its cancellation in 1969.
Later Career and Solo Work:
Following the cancellation of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, Dick continued to perform with his brother in various television specials, revivals, and live tours until the duo officially retired in 2010. Beyond his comedy work, Dick Smothers built a notable solo acting career. He famously traded his musical comedy persona for a serious, dramatic role in Martin Scorsese's 1995 crime film Casino, portraying a dishonest Nevada State Senator. He has also been a passionate amateur automobile racer.