Renowned American actor, comedian, and musician Dick Smothers has made a lasting impression on the entertainment industry. Dick, who was born in New York City on November 20, 1939, became well-known with his brother Tom as part of the renowned comic duo the Smothers Brothers.
They pushed the limits of humor and social conventions with their ground-breaking variety show, “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” during the turbulent 1960s. Aside from his comedic skills, Dick Smothers has had a varied career, entertaining audiences and accumulating a net worth that reflects his enduring influence on American culture.
Dick Smothers Net Worth
Dick Smothers is a $2 million-rich American actor, comedian, songwriter, and musician. Dick gained notoriety as one half of The Smothers Brothers, a humorous musical act that originated in the 1950s.
Dick Smothers and his brother Tom Smothers subsequently stopped doing regular performances, but they got back together in 2019 for a Florida charity event.
Apart from his collaboration with Tom, Dick has starred in a number of independent films, the most well-known of which is Martin Scorsese’s “Casino.” In this movie, Smothers portrayed one of his few severe parts as a corrupt senator from Nevada.
Dick Smothers’s Early Life
The son of homemaker Ruth (née Remick) and Army officer Thomas B. Smothers, who perished in April 1945 as a Japanese prisoner of war, Smothers was born in New York City in 1938. His mother’s maiden name is the source of his middle name, Remick.
Following his relocation to Southern California, Dick completed his high school education at Verdugo Hills in Tujunga, California, and Redondo Union in Redondo Beach.
He subsequently enrolled in San José State University, which was formerly known as San José State College. Smothers ran distance for the SJSC track team, which was led by coach Lloyd (Bud) Winter.
Dick Smothers’s Personal Life
Smothers filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February 2010. He and his brother made their tour retirement announcements in May. Dick Jr., Andrew, Steven, Sarah, Susan, and Remick are his six children. Right now, he lives in upstate New York. Smothers wed Marie Navarolli Kropp in September 2022.
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Dick Smothers’s Financial Issues
Dick has experienced severe financial difficulties over the years. Dick Smothers declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February 2010 as a result of the collapse of the housing market. He was among the numerous individuals impacted by the 2008 financial crisis.
His assets were valued at just $2 million, but his debt was reported as being $2.8 million in his bankruptcy declaration. In addition, he said that his creditors were harassing him, taking garnishments from his paychecks, and even phoning him under pretenses to find out what was in his bank account. Dick was by now making a valiant effort to sell off his numerous Florida properties.
Controversies
The Who played on their performance in 1967, causing controversy. After performing “My Generation,” the ensemble detonated their instruments, causing a more significant boom than expected.
Three small explosive charges were accidentally attached to the drum set, causing shrapnel to fly about the stage. Keith Moon (drummer) groaned after a drum set piece cut his arm. Guitarist Pete Townshend’s hair caught fire, and the blast reportedly caused his hearing loss.
Their show became more controversial as it gained popularity. Their comedy began to address the President, racism, and the Vietnam War. Smothers Brothers clashed with CBS, which sought to censor their broadcasts, over these issues tightly.
The Smothers Brothers and producers grew increasingly furious when entire sequences were eliminated. The show ended in 1969 due to these conflicts. The Smothers Brothers sued the network for breach of contract but failed. However, they won an Emmy that year.
Dick Smothers’s Career
Dick and his brother first performed at The Purple Onion in San Francisco in 1959. After becoming a nightclub staple, they signed with Mercury Records. This produced top-40 records like “Curb Your Tongue, Knave!”
They expanded into television during the next few years. They made their TV debut on “The Jack Paar Show” in 1961. This was the start of several TV appearances on “The Judy Garland Show” and “Burke’s Law.”
The 1965 sitcom “The Smothers Brothers Show.” was their debut TV series. Unfortunately, this show was discontinued after one year due to low viewership.
After this disappointment, the Smothers Brothers released “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.” a year later. This show defied all the rules and was one of the wildest on TV.
A great team of writers and performers, including presidential contenders and hippies, made the show successful for years before ending in 1969.
George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Buffalo Springfield, Cream, The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, Steppenwolf, Simon and Garfunkel, and The Who performed on the show throughout two years.
In the 1950s, Pete Seeger was blacklisted for his political views, making this concert contentious early on. The show’s anti-Vietnam War attitude will characterize the Smothers Brothers in the future.
Dick and Tom appeared in other projects after their sitcom ended. Despite being forgettable, these projects were buzzworthy in the entertainment industry. They reunited for a CBS concert later that decade to celebrate their show’s 20th anniversary.
Things slowed dramatically in the 1990s, although Dick got a supporting role in Martin Scorsese’s 1995 feature “Casino.” After touring extensively and performing in Las Vegas, the pair retired in 2010.
They reunited in Florida for another performance. After discussing their professions, they answered questions instead of acting. This performance raised money for the National Comedy Center.
