Tom Smothers, one-half of the iconic Smothers Brothers duo and co-host of the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, has died at the age of 86. The National Comedy Center confirmed his death following a battle with cancer. Dick Smothers, Tom’s brother and comedic partner, expressed gratitude for their lifelong partnership. The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, which premiered in 1967, became an instant hit with its clever observations of pop culture trends and performances by rock icons. The show faced challenges from network censors but continued to gain popularity with its provocative content. Despite its cancellation in 1970, the show’s legacy lived on, with Tom Smothers receiving an honorary Emmy for his contributions. The Smothers Brothers’ battles with CBS and their commitment to speaking truth to power made them trailblazers in the entertainment industry.