It was the fall of 1967. The Summer of Love had just drawn to a close. Teens and twentysomethings, when they weren't studying or punching the clock, were down for a revolution. They wanted to change the world, and, in the process, cheese off their parents. And there was no better way to accomplish the latter than to switch on "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour."
Dick and Tom Smothers didn't look like troublemakers, but their CBS variety show had quickly become an annoyance for the so-called "Tiffany Network." They were a hit with their target demographic, which was, ironically, the problem. Their hip young writing staff was relentlessly satirizing the increasingly uneasy state of the world, which didn't sit well with advertisers or politically conservative executives. And while it was far from provocative to book edgy musical acts, the artists appearing on the Smothers' show were getting young folks to question...
Dick and Tom Smothers didn't look like troublemakers, but their CBS variety show had quickly become an annoyance for the so-called "Tiffany Network." They were a hit with their target demographic, which was, ironically, the problem. Their hip young writing staff was relentlessly satirizing the increasingly uneasy state of the world, which didn't sit well with advertisers or politically conservative executives. And while it was far from provocative to book edgy musical acts, the artists appearing on the Smothers' show were getting young folks to question...
- 3/24/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Eight years before "Saturday Night Live" started stirring up trouble for NBC, "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" was the counterculture bane of CBS' programming existence. And unlike the surprisingly game gang at 30 Rockefeller Center, the suits at the Eye (that's the nickname for CBS' logo) could not be mollified by high ratings.
The enmity between CBS and Smothers was forged by a perfect confluence of time and content. When the variety show premiered on February 5, 1967, the United States was waging two very different wars on two geographically inconvenient fronts. The country had just entered its second year of full-on, boots-on-the-ground combat in Vietnam, and though a slim majority still supported the conflict, the nation's youth weren't keen on getting drafted to fight an enemy that didn't pose an immediate physical threat to America. This unease dovetailed with the unrest at home: anti-war protests, the ongoing Civil Rights Movement, and a...
The enmity between CBS and Smothers was forged by a perfect confluence of time and content. When the variety show premiered on February 5, 1967, the United States was waging two very different wars on two geographically inconvenient fronts. The country had just entered its second year of full-on, boots-on-the-ground combat in Vietnam, and though a slim majority still supported the conflict, the nation's youth weren't keen on getting drafted to fight an enemy that didn't pose an immediate physical threat to America. This unease dovetailed with the unrest at home: anti-war protests, the ongoing Civil Rights Movement, and a...
- 3/22/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Ken Fritz, was a personal manager of Tom and Dick Smothers for the better part of 60 years. In 1964 and recently out of college, Fritz started out as a sort of advance man for their tours before becoming their full-time road manager. Later, he co-managed them with Ken Kragen and eventually assumed solo management for all aspects of their careers. He was also an executive producer on many of their projects, including the groundbreaking The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. His other clients have included Neil Diamond, Peter, Paul and Mary and George Benson. Here, Fritz reflects on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour as well as Tom Smothers as a comedian, businessman and friend.
In 1966 William Morris pitched CBS a new variety show starring The Smothers Brothers and CBS wanted it. We were very firm with the network that they were not going to buy the live versions of the nightclub shows,...
In 1966 William Morris pitched CBS a new variety show starring The Smothers Brothers and CBS wanted it. We were very firm with the network that they were not going to buy the live versions of the nightclub shows,...
- 12/29/2023
- by Ken Fritz
- Deadline Film + TV
Tom Smothers, one-half of The Smothers Brothers, has died at the age of 86 following a battle with cancer.
The National Comedy Center announced his death on behalf of the family, with his younger brother Dick Smothers releasing a statement. “Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner,” Dick said. “I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime together with him, on and off stage, for over 60 years. Our relationship was like a good marriage – the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected one another. We were truly blessed.“
The brothers initially wanted to be folk musicians but quickly realized that they weren’t quite good enough. However, once they began adding a little comedy to their act, it took off. “It was a series of performances when we started out as a duet in Aspen.
The National Comedy Center announced his death on behalf of the family, with his younger brother Dick Smothers releasing a statement. “Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner,” Dick said. “I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime together with him, on and off stage, for over 60 years. Our relationship was like a good marriage – the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected one another. We were truly blessed.“
The brothers initially wanted to be folk musicians but quickly realized that they weren’t quite good enough. However, once they began adding a little comedy to their act, it took off. “It was a series of performances when we started out as a duet in Aspen.
- 12/27/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Tom Smothers, who with his younger brother Dick changed the face of comedy with their musical humor and The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, died Tuesday in Santa Rosa, California, following a cancer battle. The news was announced by the National Comedy Center, on behalf of Smothers’ family. He was 86.
Tom and Dick Smothers started out as folk musicians in the early ’60s, and soon discovered that, while they were not good enough to be professional musicians, the act worked if they mixed in comedy.
Dick Smothers said in a statement, “Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner. I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime together with him, on and off stage, for over 60 years. Our relationship was like a good marriage – the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected one another.
Tom and Dick Smothers started out as folk musicians in the early ’60s, and soon discovered that, while they were not good enough to be professional musicians, the act worked if they mixed in comedy.
Dick Smothers said in a statement, “Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner. I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime together with him, on and off stage, for over 60 years. Our relationship was like a good marriage – the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected one another.
- 12/27/2023
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Tom Smothers, one half of the Smothers Brothers musical comedy duo, died on Dec. 26 in Santa Rosa, Calif. due to cancer. He was 86.
Smothers’ younger brother and co-star of “Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” Dick Smothers announced that Tom died at home with his family.
Dick Smothers said in a statement, “Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner. I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime together with him, on and off stage, for over 60 years. Our relationship was like a good marriage — the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected one another. We were truly blessed.”
Tom and Dick Smothers were known for their musical comedy act in which they performed folk songs on acoustic guitar and double bass, respectively, and bantered together. Elder brother Tom was known for his signature line,...
Smothers’ younger brother and co-star of “Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” Dick Smothers announced that Tom died at home with his family.
Dick Smothers said in a statement, “Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner. I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime together with him, on and off stage, for over 60 years. Our relationship was like a good marriage — the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected one another. We were truly blessed.”
Tom and Dick Smothers were known for their musical comedy act in which they performed folk songs on acoustic guitar and double bass, respectively, and bantered together. Elder brother Tom was known for his signature line,...
- 12/27/2023
- by Jaden Thompson
- Variety Film + TV
Tom Smothers, who with his brother Dick performed as the Smothers Brothers comedy team, passed away peacefully on Dec. 26, following a recent battle with cancer. He was 86.
Dick Smothers said in a statement that Tom was at home with his family at the time of his death.
More from TVLineBobby Rivers, TV Personality and Food Network Alum, Dead at 70Lee Sun-kyun, of Parasite and TV's My Mister and Dr. Brain, Dead at 48Kamar de los Reyes, One Life to Live Actor, Dead at 56
“Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner,...
Dick Smothers said in a statement that Tom was at home with his family at the time of his death.
More from TVLineBobby Rivers, TV Personality and Food Network Alum, Dead at 70Lee Sun-kyun, of Parasite and TV's My Mister and Dr. Brain, Dead at 48Kamar de los Reyes, One Life to Live Actor, Dead at 56
“Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner,...
- 12/27/2023
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Tom Smothers, the comic half of the Smothers Brothers entertainment duo, died on Tuesday at 86 after a recent battle with cancer.
His brother and “Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” costar Dick Smothers announced the news Wednesday.
“Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner,” Dick Smothers said in a statement to TheWrap. “I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime together with him, on and off stage, for over 60 years. Our relationship was like a good marriage — the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected one another. We were truly blessed.”
“The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” a one-hour variety show on CBS, made its debut in February 1967. The show featured skits and songs by the two brothers, bringing fun and innovative comedy to network television. Tom played the guitar and Dick played stand-up bass...
His brother and “Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” costar Dick Smothers announced the news Wednesday.
“Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner,” Dick Smothers said in a statement to TheWrap. “I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime together with him, on and off stage, for over 60 years. Our relationship was like a good marriage — the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected one another. We were truly blessed.”
“The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” a one-hour variety show on CBS, made its debut in February 1967. The show featured skits and songs by the two brothers, bringing fun and innovative comedy to network television. Tom played the guitar and Dick played stand-up bass...
- 12/27/2023
- by Natalie Korach
- The Wrap
In 1974, actor Pam Grier was with John Lennon for one of the most notorious nights of his “lost weekend” period. While attending a comedy show in Los Angeles, Lennon began heckling the Smothers Brothers, leading to him attempting to punch their manager and getting thrown out of the club. Lennon was not at his best, but Grier was surprised by the vulnerability he displayed. She said it was clear that he missed Yoko Ono.
John Lennon | Harry Benson/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Pam Grier went out with John Lennon in the 1970s
Grier was at Sammy Davis Jr.’s house when Jackie Haley Jr. and Liza Minnelli picked her up to see the Smothers Brothers at the Troubadour. She didn’t initially want to go but eventually agreed.
“Jack wanted me to go see the Smothers Brothers at the Troubadour with [Harry] Nilsson Schmilson and John [Lennon],” she told Rolling Stone in 2022. “I’m asking,...
John Lennon | Harry Benson/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Pam Grier went out with John Lennon in the 1970s
Grier was at Sammy Davis Jr.’s house when Jackie Haley Jr. and Liza Minnelli picked her up to see the Smothers Brothers at the Troubadour. She didn’t initially want to go but eventually agreed.
“Jack wanted me to go see the Smothers Brothers at the Troubadour with [Harry] Nilsson Schmilson and John [Lennon],” she told Rolling Stone in 2022. “I’m asking,...
- 1/28/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
View of Mister Kelly’s marquee featuring Joan Rivers and Adam Wade, Chicago, Illinois, circa 1968.
In the 21st century, it seems that a near-unlimited supply of entertainment is at our fingertips, or at least at the click of a mouse. That flow seems constant with a staggering variety of options. But what did folks do around 75 years ago? Sure, radio was still dominant, though this new “gizmo” called television was making inroads. And of, course the movies were there. As for live entertainment, many performers played at regional venues like state fairs and auditoriums. If you were looking for something more intimate, the big cities had nightclubs. And in between meccas like LA (with Ciro’s and Slapsy Maxie’s) and NYC (with the “Copa” and the Latin Quarter), there was the “Windy City”. When the vaudeville and burlesque venues began to shutter, lots of big-name talents, in music and comedy,...
In the 21st century, it seems that a near-unlimited supply of entertainment is at our fingertips, or at least at the click of a mouse. That flow seems constant with a staggering variety of options. But what did folks do around 75 years ago? Sure, radio was still dominant, though this new “gizmo” called television was making inroads. And of, course the movies were there. As for live entertainment, many performers played at regional venues like state fairs and auditoriums. If you were looking for something more intimate, the big cities had nightclubs. And in between meccas like LA (with Ciro’s and Slapsy Maxie’s) and NYC (with the “Copa” and the Latin Quarter), there was the “Windy City”. When the vaudeville and burlesque venues began to shutter, lots of big-name talents, in music and comedy,...
- 10/14/2021
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
In 1968, America was embroiled in protests over civil rights and the Vietnam War. In that tumultuous time, “The Tonight Show” host Johnny Carson turned over hosting duties for an entire week to actor and activist Harry Belafonte. His cast of guests included Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy, just months before they were assassinated, during a week that’s been mostly lost in American history. Thankfully it’s now being revisited in a new Peacock documentary, executive produced by MSNBC host Joy Reid and directed by award-winning filmmaker Yoruba Richen, aptly titled “The Sit-In: Harry Belafonte Hosts The Tonight Show.”
At the time, Carson’s pioneering late night variety show had become one of the country’s most influential platforms. So the move to have Belafonte take this mainstream institution and transform it into a multicultural and political experience, introducing white America to his world of art and activism,...
At the time, Carson’s pioneering late night variety show had become one of the country’s most influential platforms. So the move to have Belafonte take this mainstream institution and transform it into a multicultural and political experience, introducing white America to his world of art and activism,...
- 9/10/2020
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
From classic cartoons to modern-day dramas, there’s one holiday gift that keeps on giving: Plots inspired by A Christmas Carol. (Even Arrow sort of got in on the fun this year.)
In these very special episodes, one of the series’ regulars — usually the group’s designated grouch — gets grumpy around the holidays and is subsequently visited by a series of ghosts. They warn that character to mend the error of his or her ways before it’s too late. Things tend to end on a happy note, with the newly cheerful Scrooge stand-in giving gifts to the rest of...
In these very special episodes, one of the series’ regulars — usually the group’s designated grouch — gets grumpy around the holidays and is subsequently visited by a series of ghosts. They warn that character to mend the error of his or her ways before it’s too late. Things tend to end on a happy note, with the newly cheerful Scrooge stand-in giving gifts to the rest of...
- 12/24/2013
- by Hillary Busis
- EW.com - PopWatch
For the past two years, I've been lucky enough to be a small part of a show called Portlandia. The series -- created by the prolifically talented Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein and returning on Friday for a second season -- has been described by many a stinging satire of Hipster culture. While it does parody Hipster earnestness, the show pays loving tribute to communities Like Portland everywhere -- Silver Lake, Austin, Bolder, Williamsburg, Minneapolis, Northampton, Berkeley, etc, etc, etc -- and much has been made about how the show has puts Hipster Culture in the spotlight.
I must say, however, Hipsters are not a new TV phenomenon. With thick glasses, just-so-avant-garde fashion and knowing smirks, Hipsters have had a special place on TV since the beginning of the medium -- even before the birth of the term. For more than half a century, TV Hipsters have had a profound effect on American culture.
I must say, however, Hipsters are not a new TV phenomenon. With thick glasses, just-so-avant-garde fashion and knowing smirks, Hipsters have had a special place on TV since the beginning of the medium -- even before the birth of the term. For more than half a century, TV Hipsters have had a profound effect on American culture.
- 1/4/2012
- by Evan Shapiro
- Aol TV.
You might think of Tom and Dick Smothers as cute old guys; a quaint, genial and humorously argumentative duo that played folk songs flavored with comedy on variety TV shows and as the stars of their own show in the '60s. And they were that, but there's a history to the Smothers Brothers that is easy to miss with forty years removed between their popular heyday and today. On the face of it, the Smothers Brothers' comedy seems incredibly tame by today's standards. But the duo flirted with controversy for years, as they used their show to highlight emerging counterculture elements (with performances from the Who, Pete Seeger and Joan Baez) and laced their routines with satirical jabs at politics and mainstream culture of the time. Now that sly counterculture aspect of the Smothers Brothers might be remembered once more as producing partners George Clooney and Grant Heslov have...
- 12/12/2011
- by Russ Fischer
- Slash Film
George Clooney continued to be in the awards season spotlight thank to his political drama The Ides of March, which he directed in addition to playing its lead, a presidential candidate facing a scandal, as well as his lead role in director Alexander Payne’s family drama The Descendants. Clooney made news again yesterday when Deadline’s Mike Fleming reported that Clooney and his Smokehouse partner Grant Heslov acquired rights to the David Bianculli book Dangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story of ‘The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.’ Sony Pictures joined the project and Clooney and Heslov hired Brian Hecker and Craig Sherman to adapt the book, a look at the transformation of stand-up sibs Tom and Dick Smothers from clean-cut comedians to counter-culture heroes who earned a spot on President Richard Nixon’s enemies list.
- 12/10/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
George Clooney continued to be in the awards season spotlight thank to his political drama The Ides of March, which he directed in addition to playing its lead, a presidential candidate facing a scandal, as well as his lead role in director Alexander Payne’s family drama The Descendants. Clooney made news again yesterday when Deadline’s Mike Fleming reported that Clooney and his Smokehouse partner Grant Heslov acquired rights to the David Bianculli book Dangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story of ‘The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.’ Sony Pictures joined the project and Clooney and Heslov hired Brian Hecker and Craig Sherman to adapt the book, a look at the transformation of stand-up sibs Tom and Dick Smothers from clean-cut comedians to counter-culture heroes who earned a spot on President Richard Nixon’s enemies list.
- 12/10/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
George Clooney continued to be in the awards season spotlight thank to his political drama The Ides of March, which he directed in addition to playing its lead, a presidential candidate facing a scandal, as well as his lead role in director Alexander Payne’s family drama The Descendants. Clooney made news again yesterday when Deadline’s Mike Fleming reported that Clooney and his Smokehouse partner Grant Heslov acquired rights to the David Bianculli book Dangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story of ‘The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.’ Sony Pictures joined the project and Clooney and Heslov hired Brian Hecker and Craig Sherman to adapt the book, a look at the transformation of stand-up sibs Tom and Dick Smothers from clean-cut comedians to counter-culture heroes who earned a spot on President Richard Nixon’s enemies list.
- 12/10/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Back in the late 1960s, Tom and Dick Smothers - two 30 year old singing comedian brothers - were one of the most controversial acts around. The siblings hosted a show on CBS called The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour that was a regular target of criticism due to their openness about youth culture, the Vietnam War and racism in America. The program also regularly featured guest appearances from incredible young comedic talents and musicians like Steve Martin, Albert Brooks, Bob Einstein The Doors, Jefferson Airplane and The Who (whose performance led to this famous piece of television history). Though the show didn't last long, only running from 1967 to 1969, it most definitely had a cultural impact, and now George Clooney is working to bring that impact to the silver screen. Deadline has learned that Clooney, his producing/writing parter Grant Heslov, and Sony are now working together to make a movie about...
- 12/10/2011
- cinemablend.com
George Clooney has his sights set on another period biopic. Deadline reports that his Smokehouse Pictures is set to team with Sony on the story of Tom and Dick Smothers, specifically focusing on their television variety show, "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" that ran in the late '60s. The screenplay, to be drafted by Brian Hecker and Craig Sherman, is based "Dangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story of the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" by David Bianculli. Bianculli, a television critic and founder of TV Worth Watching , wrote the fully authorized book in 2009. It's officially described as follows: A behind-the-scenes look at the rise and fall of "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" -- the provocative, politically charged program that shocked...
- 12/9/2011
- Comingsoon.net
• Reviewing the PGA nominations, Dave Karger wonders, "What if 'Avatar,' 'District 9' and 'Star Trek' all repeat and score Oscar nominations for Best Picture? Could 'Avatar,' which is widely considered to be the frontrunner at this point, actually be hurt by all the sci-fi love? It certainly seems logical that James Cameron’s opus would lose more votes to 'District' and 'Trek' than it would to, say, smaller indies like 'A Serious Man' or 'The Messenger.' In such a tight race as this year’s, something like that could make all the difference." Entertainment Weekly
• Dave's earlier Oscar predictions already have been the subject of much debate already in our forums. In particular, most posters are pleased with his prediction that Samantha Morton will land her third nod for her supporting work in "The Messenger." Gold Derby
• For Pete Hammond, the PGA nominations mean that...
• Dave's earlier Oscar predictions already have been the subject of much debate already in our forums. In particular, most posters are pleased with his prediction that Samantha Morton will land her third nod for her supporting work in "The Messenger." Gold Derby
• For Pete Hammond, the PGA nominations mean that...
- 1/5/2010
- by tomoneil
- Gold Derby
Amy Poehler has been tapped to host the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences' 19th annual Hall of Fame Induction Gala.
The ceremony, which will take place Jan. 20 at the Beverly Hills Hotel, will honor new inductees actress Candice Bergen, director Charles Lisanby, announcer Don Pardo, "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry, comedians Tom and Dick Smothers and game show creator Bob Stewart.
The ceremony, which will take place Jan. 20 at the Beverly Hills Hotel, will honor new inductees actress Candice Bergen, director Charles Lisanby, announcer Don Pardo, "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry, comedians Tom and Dick Smothers and game show creator Bob Stewart.
- 1/5/2010
- by By Nellie Andreeva
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Late Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry is to be inducted into the U.S. Television Academy's Hall of Fame to mark his work on the sci-fi franchise.
The producer, who died in 1991, was responsible for seven series of the cult show, beginning in 1966. He also took the reins on 10 big-screen versions of the sci-fi classic.
Roddenberry will be posthumously added to the Hall of Fame at a ceremony on 20 January at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles.
Other stars to be inducted include Saturday Night Live's Don Pardo, U.S. comedy brothers Tom and Dick Smothers, as well as actress Candice Bergen, who starred in Murphy Brown in the 1990s.
Director Charles Lisanby and The Price Is Right creator Bob Stewart will also join the list.
The producer, who died in 1991, was responsible for seven series of the cult show, beginning in 1966. He also took the reins on 10 big-screen versions of the sci-fi classic.
Roddenberry will be posthumously added to the Hall of Fame at a ceremony on 20 January at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles.
Other stars to be inducted include Saturday Night Live's Don Pardo, U.S. comedy brothers Tom and Dick Smothers, as well as actress Candice Bergen, who starred in Murphy Brown in the 1990s.
Director Charles Lisanby and The Price Is Right creator Bob Stewart will also join the list.
- 11/11/2009
- WENN
To be honest, I just assumed this was something that had already happened. For someone who created such an enduring TV and film legacy and such a phenomenon, I thought Gene Roddenberry was already in the TV Academy Hall of Fame. Apparently, I was wrong because at a special ceremony at the Beverly Hills Hotel next year, the “Great Bird of the Galaxy” himself will join the ranks of Academy Hall of Fame inductees.
Other inductees to be honored at the ceremony include Candice Bergen, production and art director Charles Lisanby, announcer Don Pardo, Tom and Dick Smothers and game show producer Bob Stewart. Seriously, and I apologize in advance for the rant I’m about to go on, the guy who created Star Trek and Don Pardo are getting the Hall of Fame treatment at the same time? Come on TV Academy, what the heck are you thinking?
I...
Other inductees to be honored at the ceremony include Candice Bergen, production and art director Charles Lisanby, announcer Don Pardo, Tom and Dick Smothers and game show producer Bob Stewart. Seriously, and I apologize in advance for the rant I’m about to go on, the guy who created Star Trek and Don Pardo are getting the Hall of Fame treatment at the same time? Come on TV Academy, what the heck are you thinking?
I...
- 11/11/2009
- by Chris Ullrich
- The Flickcast
This might sound more overdue than According to Jim's cancellation, but one of TV's greatest creators is getting the Hall of Fame treatment.
Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry will join the ranks of the Television Academy's Hall of Fame next year at a special induction ceremony at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Other inductees include Candice Bergen, production and art director Charles Lisanby, announcer Don Pardo, Tom and Dick Smothers and game show producer Bob Stewart. Is there anyone that they left off the list?
Filed under: Other Drama Shows, Other Comedy Shows, Industry, Music and Variety, Game Show, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Awards, Reality-Free, Star Trek: Original Series
Permalink | Email this | | Comments...
Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry will join the ranks of the Television Academy's Hall of Fame next year at a special induction ceremony at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Other inductees include Candice Bergen, production and art director Charles Lisanby, announcer Don Pardo, Tom and Dick Smothers and game show producer Bob Stewart. Is there anyone that they left off the list?
Filed under: Other Drama Shows, Other Comedy Shows, Industry, Music and Variety, Game Show, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Awards, Reality-Free, Star Trek: Original Series
Permalink | Email this | | Comments...
- 11/10/2009
- by Danny Gallagher
- Aol TV.
Candice Bergen, Charles Lisanby, Don Pardo, Gene Roddenberry, Tom and Dick Smothers and Bob Stewart have been selected as the next inductees into the Television Academy's Hall of Fame.They will be honored at a Jan. 20 ceremony at the Beverly Hills Hotel. "This year's inductees have challenged and shaped popular culture, changed television for the better and entertained us royally while doing so," TV Academy Chairman-ceo John Shaffner said. The inductees were selected by a Hall of Fame selection committee from submissions from TV Academy members and industry representatives. Top syndication and reality agent, Wme partner Mark Itkin, chaired the committee, which included ABC TV Group president Anne Sweeney, Fox's president of alternative entertainment Mike Darnell, MTV, VH1, Cmt and Logo president of programming Brian Graden, TV producer/director Lee Miller and production designer and president of the art directors guild Thomas Walsh."These individuals have each made extraordinary and...
- 11/10/2009
- backstage.com
Candice Bergen, Charles Lisanby, Don Pardo, Gene Roddenberry, Tom and Dick Smothers and Bob Stewart have been selected as the next inductees into the Television Academy's Hall of Fame.
They will be honored at a Jan. 20 ceremony at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
"This year's inductees have challenged and shaped popular culture, changed television for the better and entertained us royally while doing so," TV Academy Chairman-ceo John Shaffner said.
The inductees were selected by a Hall of Fame selection committee from submissions from TV Academy members and industry representatives.
Top syndication and reality agent, Wme partner Mark Itkin, chaired the committee, which included ABC TV Group president Anne Sweeney, Fox's president of alternative entertainment Mike Darnell, MTV, VH1, Cmt and Logo president of programming Brian Graden, TV producer/director Lee Miller and production designer and president of the art directors guild Thomas Walsh.
"These individuals have each made extraordinary and...
They will be honored at a Jan. 20 ceremony at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
"This year's inductees have challenged and shaped popular culture, changed television for the better and entertained us royally while doing so," TV Academy Chairman-ceo John Shaffner said.
The inductees were selected by a Hall of Fame selection committee from submissions from TV Academy members and industry representatives.
Top syndication and reality agent, Wme partner Mark Itkin, chaired the committee, which included ABC TV Group president Anne Sweeney, Fox's president of alternative entertainment Mike Darnell, MTV, VH1, Cmt and Logo president of programming Brian Graden, TV producer/director Lee Miller and production designer and president of the art directors guild Thomas Walsh.
"These individuals have each made extraordinary and...
- 11/10/2009
- by By Nellie Andreeva
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Matt Damon's laugh trek.
Matt Damon in "The Informant!"
Photo: Warner Bros.
It's October of 1992, and Mark Whitacre (Matt Damon), a hotshot executive at Archer Daniels Midland, the giant agricultural conglomerate, is going about his job. He has a full plate at the moment — some mysterious virus is screwing up the company's corn-syrup operation. Did you know there's corn syrup in everything — orange juice, maple syrup? It's true.
So Mark has a lot on his mind. Or at least that part of his mind that's not buzzing with a whole other swarm of odd fixations. Like ... sushi. "I wonder who went first on that one?" Mark wonders. "The guy without the grill?" There's also the threat of poison-winged butterflies. And ... polar bears! Do you realize that polar bears would be impossible to spot in their snowy Arctic habitat if it weren't for their black noses? It's true. Do you...
Matt Damon in "The Informant!"
Photo: Warner Bros.
It's October of 1992, and Mark Whitacre (Matt Damon), a hotshot executive at Archer Daniels Midland, the giant agricultural conglomerate, is going about his job. He has a full plate at the moment — some mysterious virus is screwing up the company's corn-syrup operation. Did you know there's corn syrup in everything — orange juice, maple syrup? It's true.
So Mark has a lot on his mind. Or at least that part of his mind that's not buzzing with a whole other swarm of odd fixations. Like ... sushi. "I wonder who went first on that one?" Mark wonders. "The guy without the grill?" There's also the threat of poison-winged butterflies. And ... polar bears! Do you realize that polar bears would be impossible to spot in their snowy Arctic habitat if it weren't for their black noses? It's true. Do you...
- 9/18/2009
- MTV Movie News
Tossing the complete-season model for TV-on-DVD out the window, Tom and Dick Smothers are debuting The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour on DVD with its infamous third season: the one that led to CBS unceremoniously firing the duo for stretching the boundaries of acceptable social commentary in a lighthearted variety show. And the Smothers don't offer the whole season, either—just 11 of the season's 25 episodes. According to Tom's audio introduction, he wishes he could've cut even more. If he'd had his way, the set would only contain the season's most memorable, trouble-stirring moments. Frankly, if Tom had gotten his way, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour: The Best Of Season 3 would be insufferable. As Tom points out in the intro, in spite of the show's reputation for being incendiary and controversial, the political jokes and sketches typically took up five to 10 minutes of any given hour. The rest...
- 9/24/2008
- by Noel Murray
- avclub.com
Those Democratic Party brahmins who are out trying to round up liberal voices to take up the fight against conservatives in the talk radio and TV spin wars might want to check out the Smothers Brothers show next month when the duo heads to Sin City for a monthlong stand at the Las Vegas Hilton. The Smothers Brothers, those paragons of Vietnam-era mischief, are back in the national consciousness and ready to volunteer for the task of evening up the political scales a bit. Not that Tom Smothers, 66, and his brother Dick Smothers, 64, have ever really gone away. They have consistently made a living at their gently whimsical brand of music and comedy for 44 years running and continue to play upwards of 100 dates a year. But there have been unmistakable signs that -- with the nation embroiled in a military conflict in a faraway land -- the boys are becoming especially relevant again. It started in December with the acclaimed Bravo documentary Smothered, which recounted their tumultuous journey on network television back in the late 1960s. (It was released on DVD in January.) They've been doing the TV talk show circuit, and they launch a four-week headlining gig at the Las Vegas Hilton on May 6. And there's talk of a deal to package uncensored episodes of their landmark CBS variety series The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour on video.
- 4/14/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.