Dick Smothers, born Richard Remick Smothers on November 20, 1938, in New York City, is an American actor, comedian, composer, and musician. He gained fame as half of the musical comedy duo, the Smothers Brothers, alongside his older brother, Tom Smothers.
As of 2024, Dick Smothers is 86 years old. His net worth is estimated to be around $2 million, reflecting his successful career in comedy, music, and acting.
Throughout his life, Smothers has been married three times and is the father of six children: Dick Jr., Andrew, Steven, Sarah, Susan, and Remick. In September 2022, he married Marie Navarolli Kropp.
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Biography
Early Life:
Dick Smothers, born Richard Remick Smothers, on November 20, 1938, in New York City, is best known as an American actor, comedian, composer, and musician. He rose to prominence as part of the famous comedy duo, The Smothers Brothers, alongside his older brother, Tom Smothers. Their blend of music and humour brought a unique twist to comedy and entertainment during the 1960s.
Career
Dick Smothers and Tom became well-known figures in American entertainment, blending folk music with comedy. Their success on television, especially with The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, made them a significant part of 1960s pop culture. Their humour often pushed social boundaries, touching on topics of political activism, generational change, and cultural issues, which sometimes led to conflicts with network executives due to their edgy content.
Personal Life:
Throughout his life, Dick Smothers has had multiple marriages, including:
- Linda Ann Miller (1972–1982)
- Lorraine Wallace (1986–1995)
- Denby Franklin (1997–2006)
- Marie Navarolli Kropp (married in 2022)
He is also a proud father of six children: Dick Jr., Andrew, Steven, Sarah, Susan, and Remic
Political Views:
Politically, Dick Smothers is known to hold more conservative views compared to his brother, Tom. In interviews, Tom Smothers described Dick as a pragmatist with a more conservative approach, highlighting their differing political perspectives.
Legacy
Dick Smothers remains a respected figure in comedy and entertainment. His contributions to blending music, comedy, and social commentary continue to influence the entertainment landscape.
Age
As of December 2024, Dick Smothers is 86 years old, having been born on November 20, 1938.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Dick Smothers’ net worth is estimated to be around $2 million, reflecting his successful career in comedy, music, acting, and entertainment.
Wife
Dick Smothers has been married multiple times throughout his life:
- Linda Ann Miller (married in September 1959)
- Lorraine Wallace
- Denby Franklin
- Marie Navarolli Kropp (married in September 2022)
He is the father of six children: Dick Jr., Andrew, Steven, Sarah, Susan, and Remick. citeturn
Children
Dick Smothers has six children from his marriages:
- Dick Jr.
- Andrew
- Steven
- Sarah
- Susan
- Remick
He currently resides in Sarasota, Florida. citeturn0search1
Political Views
Dick Smothers is known to hold more conservative political views compared to his brother, Tom. In a 2006 interview, Tom described Dick as “more conservative politically and also is a pragmatist.” citeturn0search6
Throughout their careers, the Smothers Brothers often addressed political and social issues in their comedy, sometimes leading to conflicts with network executives due to their edgy content. Their show, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, was canceled by CBS in 1969, partly because of its political satire. citeturn0search4
Despite their differing political views, both brothers have been influential in the entertainment industry, using their platform to comment on societal issues.
For more insights into their perspectives and the challenges they faced, you might find this interview informative:
videoThe Smothers Brothers look back on infamous CBS firing.
FAQs
What was the cause of Tommy Smothers’ death?
Tom Smothers passed away on December 26, 2023, at the age of 86, due to complications from stage two lung cancer.
How rich are the Smothers Brothers?
At the time of his death, Tom Smothers had a net worth of approximately $10 million. Dick Smothers’ net worth is estimated to be around $2 million.
What illness did the Smothers Brothers have?
Tom Smothers was diagnosed with stage two lung cancer in 2023, which led to his passing.
There is no public information indicating that Dick Smothers has had any significant illnesses.
Did the Smothers Brothers get along?
Yes, Tom and Dick Smothers maintained a close and collaborative relationship throughout their careers, despite occasional differences in political views.
Why were the Smothers Brothers banned?
The Smothers Brothers faced censorship and were eventually banned from television due to their satirical content, which often included political commentary that challenged the status quo.
What comedy show was censored and cancelled for political content?
The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour was a variety show that faced censorship and was cancelled in 1969 due to its political content and satirical approach.
Who fired the Smothers Brothers?
The Smothers Brothers were fired by CBS executives in 1969, primarily due to their show’s political content and the network’s desire to avoid controversy.
How much did the Smothers Brothers sue CBS for?
The Smothers Brothers filed a lawsuit against CBS for breach of contract after their show was canceled. The case was settled out of court, and the terms were not publicly disclosed.
Why were the Smothers Brothers so popular?
The Smothers Brothers gained popularity due to their unique blend of folk music and comedy, their willingness to address social and political issues, and their ability to appeal to a wide audience with their satirical humour.
Final Thoughts
The Smothers Brothers, Tom and Dick, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with their unique blend of music and satire. Their willingness to tackle social and political issues through comedy not only entertained audiences but also sparked important conversations. Despite facing challenges, including censorship and the cancellation of their show, they remained dedicated to their craft, continually evolving and performing. Their legacy endures, reminding us of the power of humour to challenge norms and inspire change.