Artist The Smothers Brothers

Tom and Dick Smothers have remained astute and funny for close to half a century. Though they’re often viewed now as safe family fun—as famous for Tom’s impressive yo-yo tricks as for getting thrown off CBS—the Smothers were pointedly subversive for decades, tackling issues ranging from racial politics to the Vietnam War on their popular show The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, for which they won a commemorative Emmy in 2008. The Smothers continue to tour the country with their good-natured, impeccably timed comedy.

Updated 07/16/2009