Dick Smothers

Dick Smothers – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Discover the life, career, and memorable words of Dick Smothers, American comedian, actor, musician, and one half of the iconic folk-comedy duo The Smothers Brothers. Explore his journey from post-war childhood through television controversies and artistic legacy.

Introduction

Richard Remick “Dick” Smothers (born November 20, 1938) is an American comedian, actor, composer, and musician, best known as the “straight man” half of the celebrated folk-comedy duo, The Smothers Brothers. Together with his older brother Tom Smothers, Dick performed a unique blend of music, humor, satire, and sibling banter. Through television, live performance, and film, Dick’s career has spanned decades and left an enduring mark on American entertainment.

Early Life and Family

Dick Smothers was born on November 20, 1938, in New York City. His full name is Richard Remick Smothers, with “Remick” coming from his mother’s maiden name.

His father, Thomas B. Smothers Jr., was an Army officer who served during World War II. He was captured by Japanese forces and died while in captivity. Dick’s mother, Ruth (née Remick), raised Dick and his siblings after the family relocated to Southern California.

Dick was raised with his older brother, Tom Smothers, who would become his longtime creative partner.

During his youth, Dick attended Verdugo Hills High School in the Tujunga area and later Redondo Union High School in Redondo Beach, California. After high school, he enrolled at San Jose State University (then San Jose State College), where in addition to academics he participated as a distance runner on the track team.

The Birth of The Smothers Brothers

Dick and Tom began performing together in the late 1950s. Their act combined folk music (Tom on guitar, Dick often on upright bass) with playful sibling rivalry, comedic timing, and satirical commentary.

Their professional debut was in February 1959 at the Purple Onion club in San Francisco, stepping in as substitute performers and winning over the audience. Their act took off: after two-week contracts extended, they became a fixture in the folk and comedy circuit.

Over time, their unique banter became a signature: Tom would play the seemingly naive, bumbling elder brother, and Dick would be the exasperated “straight man.” Their catchphrase, “Mom always liked you best,” epitomized their sibling dynamic.

Career & Achievements

Television & Controversy

The Smothers Brothers broke into television with The Smothers Brothers Show (1965–1966), a sitcom that leaned into their comedic rapport.

However, their greater fame — and controversies — came with The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (1967–1969), a variety show combining music, sketch comedy, and cultural commentary.

Their show frequently clashed with CBS censors due to its political satire, commentary on the Vietnam War, and liberal-leaning segments — pushing the boundaries of what network television would allow in that era. Despite strong viewership, the show was canceled in 1969 amid tensions over content.

After litigation, the Smothers brothers were awarded a settlement from CBS.

Their approach — combining satire, music, social critique, and comedy — is often viewed as a precursor to modern political comedy and late-night shows.

Film & Acting Work

While much of Dick’s fame rests on television and live performance, he also took roles in film and television. Notably:

• In Casino (1995), he played a Nevada state senator — a rare serious role.

• He appeared on TV series and made guest roles, including The Simpsons (alongside Tom).

• Earlier in his career, he appeared in Get to Know Your Rabbit (1972), among other films.

Over the years, he also continued to perform in stage shows, variety circuits, and reunion tours with his brother.

Racing & Other Interests

Strikingly, Dick Smothers has also been active in amateur auto racing, both road racing and drag racing. He formed the Smothers Brothers Racing Team, which competed in championship circuits in the late 1960s and early 1970s, including endurance events like Sebring and Le Mans.

Personality, Style & Legacy

As a performer, Dick has been described as sharp, reactive, and grounded. He often played the “foil” to his brother’s more freewheeling persona, giving structure to their banter and adding comedic tension.

In interviews, Tom once remarked that Dick is “more conservative politically” and more pragmatic in outlook, contrasting their differences as part of what made their dynamic compelling.

Dick Smothers’ contribution lies not only in his performances but in his role in pioneering a brand of television that dared to question authority and foster social discourse through satire. He and Tom were among the first entertainers to bring countercultural and political critique into mainstream variety comedy.

Their shows influenced subsequent generations of comedians, late-night TV programs, and political humorists.

Famous Quotes

While Dick Smothers is less quoted than some comedians, several lines and remarks are attributed to him (or the duo) that reflect his sensibility:

“We still disagree about everything.”
— About his dynamic with Tom; acknowledging their lasting differences even in collaboration.

“Mom always liked you best!”
— The recurring punchline in the Smothers Brothers act, embodying their sibling comedy style.

“It was the perfect straight man role for me — I couldn’t pretend I wasn’t the stable one.”
— Paraphrase of how Dick viewed his position relative to his brother in sketches.

“We were moderate. We were never out there. But we were the first people through that door.”
— Reflecting on how the Smothers Brothers pushed boundaries in their time.

Lessons from Dick Smothers

1. Humor with substance — Dick’s career shows that comedy can entertain while engaging with social and political issues.

2. The power of contrast — His dynamic with Tom illustrates how differences (in style, ideology, temperament) can fuel creative partnership.

3. Versatility matters — From music to acting to racing, Dick embraced multiple interests.

4. Resilience in the public eye — Surviving cancellations, controversies, and shifting media landscapes, his longevity is testament to persistence.

5. Staying true to one’s role — Even in a duo, he carved and honored his niche (the “straight man”) rather than competing for the spotlight.

Conclusion

Dick Smothers stands as a vital figure in American comedy: a man who, alongside his brother, reshaped what a variety show could be — blending folk music, satire, and familial vanities into something daring for its era. His work reminds us that laughter can provoke thought, that sibling rivalry can be art, and that integrity in one’s comedic voice can leave a lasting legacy.

If you'd like, I can also gather a full filmography, list of awards, or deeper anecdotes from his life. Would you like that next?