Tommy Smothers Illness and Health Update: What Illness Does Tommy Smothers Have? Does Tommy Smothers Have Cancer?
by Janani
Updated Jul 10, 2023
Tom Smothers Wikipedia
Born on February 2, 1937, Tom Smothers (Thomas Bolyn Smothers III) is an accomplished American comedian, composer, and musician who gained immense fame as a prominent member of the musical comedy duo called the Smothers Brothers.
Alongside his younger brother, Dick, Thomas formed this dynamic duo, and their collective talents and captivating performances propelled them to widespread recognition and acclaim within the entertainment industry. Thomas Smothers, affectionately known as Tom, has made a lasting impact on the realms of comedy and music through his inventive contributions and successful collaborations as an integral part of the renowned Smothers Brothers.
Tommy Smothers Illness and Health Update
Currently, Tom is facing health challenges. He was diagnosed with stage 2 lung cancer. Currently undergoing treatment, the prognosis is positive, offering hope for Tom's recovery. In the meantime, Dick has been reworking the show and plans to perform without his brother, carrying on their legacy.
Tom and Dick Smothers, a renowned comedic duo, found themselves unexpectedly back in the spotlight after many years. They never anticipated returning to television, especially on CBS, the network that famously canceled their highly-rated show in 1969. The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour had revolutionized prime-time TV, and looking back, they reflected on their youthful naivety and innocence.
Initially considering themselves folk singers rather than stand-up comedians, the Smothers Brothers quickly became a hit. Just two weeks after the show's premiere, their comedy hour surpassed the long-standing ratings juggernaut, "Bonanza." The brothers' charm and their playful sibling rivalry, including the famous line, "Mom liked you best!" endeared them to audiences.
On and offstage, their arguments mirrored those behind the scenes, even prompting them to seek couple counseling. Their youth and connection to the political and social upheavals of the 1960s attracted CBS, which aimed to capture a younger audience. The Smothers Brothers, with their writers including Steve Martin and Rob Reiner, fearlessly tackled controversial topics, pushing boundaries and never shying away from satire.
Their guests, such as Pete Seeger, were countercultural icons. Their comedic approach was never calculated for attention; they simply followed their instincts, knowing that attention might follow.
However, as their humor became sharper and more socially conscious, conflicts with CBS censors arose. Controversial content and even entire skits were cut, putting Tommy Smothers on the defensive. Despite tensions, they continued pushing boundaries, becoming more provocative and political. Eventually, CBS fired them, leading the brothers to sue the network for breach of contract. Although they won the lawsuit, their banishment from television was bittersweet.
Dick never blamed Tommy for the show's end, recognizing his brother's creativity and talent. After the cancellation, they continued performing in various TV and stage shows, including occasional returns to CBS. Last year, in their mid-80s, they started working on a new stage show and experienced the joy of performing once again. Their upcoming tour felt like a victory lap, reconnecting with fans and revisiting their beloved characters.
What Illness Does Tommy Smothers Have?
Tommy Smothers has second-stage lung cancer. In 2023, during an interview, Tom Smothers disclosed that he has been diagnosed with stage 2 lung cancer and expressed optimism about his prognosis. Stage 2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is further categorized into two subtypes, depending on whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other areas within the lung or chest.
In stage 2A lung cancer, the tumor typically measures between 4 cm and 5 cm, and the lymph nodes appear unaffected. However, cancerous cells may be present in the main airway, known as the bronchus, or in the layer of the lung's protective membrane. Additionally, it is possible for either the entire lung or a portion of it to have collapsed or become inflamed.
Tom Smothers Today
Currently, Tom Smothers is the owner of the famous Remick Ridge Vineyards. Tom Smothers, along with his wife Marcy Carriker and their two children, Bo (born 1991) and Riley Rose (born 1996), is the proud owner of Remick Ridge Vineyards located in Sonoma County, California.
Tom believed that making people laugh was a sacred experience, and Dick shares the sentiment, considering their time on stage together as the happiest moments of their lives.
Their bond as a comedy team, enduring like a 50-year marriage, remains unbreakable. Although facing challenges, the Smothers Brothers continue to cherish the laughter they bring to audiences, believing it to be a truly remarkable and divine experience.
Does Tommy Smothers Have Cancer?
Yes, Tommy Smothers has Cancer. Recently in 2023, Tommy Smothers disclosed the truth that he has been diagnosed with second-stage Lung Cancer. Moreover, he expressed positivity about his prediction. Stage 2 lung cancer often doesn't exhibit noticeable symptoms in its early stages.
However, it can still present the following symptoms like persistent or worsening cough, sometimes accompanied by blood in the mucus, Shortness of breath, chest pain, or frequent lung infections.
When it comes to treating stage 2 lung cancer, there are several options available. For generally healthy patients, surgery is usually the primary treatment. Surgical approaches for stage 2 lung cancer include Segmentectomy, Pneumonectomy, Sleeve resection, and Lobectomy.
Complete removal of the entire lung along with any potentially cancerous lymph nodes. In some cases, if cancer cells are found at the tumor's edges, a second surgery might be necessary.
Tommy Smothers Illness and Health Update - FAQ
Currently, Tom is facing health challenges. He was diagnosed with stage 2 lung cancer. Currently undergoing treatment, the prognosis is positive, offering hope for Tom's recovery. In the meantime, Dick has been reworking the show and plans to perform without his brother, carrying on their legacy.
Thomas Bolyn Smothers III is best known as half of the musical comedy duo, the Smothers Brothers, alongside his younger brother Dick. They achieved fame for their comedic performances.
Thomas Bolyn Smothers III was born on February 2, 1937, at the Fort Jay army post hospital on Governors Island in New York City.
Thomas Bolyn Smothers III's mother, Ruth, was a homemaker, and his father, Major Thomas B. Smothers, was an army officer. Sadly, his father died as a prisoner of war (POW) held by the Japanese in April 1945.
After moving to California, Thomas Bolyn Smothers III grew up in Redondo Beach and graduated from Redondo Union High School in Redondo Beach, California.