Tom Snyder dead at 71

Dr. Whiplash · Post by **Dr. Whiplash** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 9:50 am

SAN FRANCISCO -- Talk show host Tom Snyder, whose smoke-filled interviews were a staple of late night television, has died after a struggle with leukemia. He was 71. Tom Snyder is most closely associated with "The Tomorrow Show," which he hosted from 1973 to 1981. Snyder died Sunday in San Francisco from complications associated with leukemia, said his longtime producer and friend Mike Horowicz.

Known for his improvised, casual style and robust laughter, Snyder conducted a number of memorable interviews as host of NBC's "The Tomorrow Show." Among his guests were John Lennon, Charles Manson and Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols. He gained more fame when Dan Aykroyd lampooned him in the early days of "Saturday Night Live."

Snyder began his career as a radio reporter in Milwaukee in the 1960s, then moved into local television news. He anchored newscasts in Philadelphia and Los Angeles before moving to late night. In 1973, Snyder left news to host "The Tomorrow Show," which followed "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson. He hosted the show until 1981, according to "The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable Shows."

His catch phrase for the show was: "Fire up a colortini, sit back, relax, and watch the pictures, now, as they fly through the air." Snyder smoked throughout his show, the cigarette cloud swirling around him during interviews.

In 1980, "Tomorrow" -- which had been 60 minutes -- was expanded to 90 minutes. Gossip columnist Rona Barrett was added to the show, but she and Snyder didn't get along. Their feud made headlines. In 1995, he returned to late-night television as the host of "The Late Late Show with Tom Snyder" on CBS. The program followed David Letterman's "Late Show" until 1998, when Snyder was replaced by Craig Kilborn.

Snyder announced on his Web site in 2005 that he had chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Hoosier Daddy · Post by **Hoosier Daddy** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 10:07 am

Wow. I always liked Tom and "The Tomorrow Show". His mannerisms, interview style and laid back personality were a perfect fit for insomniacs and third shifters.

I always considered The Tomorrow Show as television's first step into becoming a 24 hour medium. Before "Tomorrow", TV stations played the National Anthem and pulled the plug at 12:30 or 1:00 am, right after Johnny Carson/Merv Griffin/Dick Cavett. "Tomorrow" kept the transmitter on the air until 2:00 or 2:30 am. With a 5 o'clock sign on, most stations probably said what the hell and just stayed on all night.

amayo · Post by **amayo** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 11:05 am

Still recall when he had "Black Flag" on 'Tomorrow'....first time I ever saw ANYTHING like that!

genlock · Post by **genlock** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 1:27 pm

Tom Snyder?

I almost took the chain of my wallet.

jag · Post by **jag** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 2:10 pm

I remember watching and enjoying that show. Some of his interviews really reached out there. The first time I saw The Plasmatics was on the Tomorrow Show. That was intense!

You never knew where Snyder was going, which made the show something to look forward to. One night he interviewed a physicist who discussed the nature of bubbles and even enclosed Tom in a soap bubble (no small feat considering Snyder was 6'4"). He had organized crime reps (who were kept in shadow with their voices processed). Politicians, entertainers, unknown people...all were fair game for his show. And, Tom could do it. He was comfortable--at times somewhat intimidating--with his guests, no matter who they were.

Dr. Whiplash · Post by **Dr. Whiplash** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 2:17 pm

Tom could talk to a cabbie and a President in the same show and make the whole thing seamless. I'll never forget his first interview with John Lennon. Talk about intense!

AmpedNow · Post by **AmpedNow** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 5:19 pm

His interview with Howard Stern should be in the broadcast Hall of Fame...

He was so disgusted by Howard that he was ready to gauge his eyes out, but yet kept his cool and a professional manner, until the second he left the air. He then got up, ripped his mic off, threw his notes at Howard, and stormed off the stage and left him sitting, no handshake or nothing. You could also tell that he was muttering obscenities as he walked off.

Priceless. I would love to see that interview again.

radiofan · Post by **radiofan** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 7:40 am

K-Rock wrote:His interview with Howard Stern should be in the broadcast Hall of Fame...

He was so disgusted by Howard that he was ready to gauge his eyes out, but yet kept his cool and a professional manner, until the second he left the air. He then got up, ripped his mic off, threw his notes at Howard, and stormed off the stage and left him sitting, no handshake or nothing. You could also tell that he was muttering obscenities as he walked off.

Priceless. I would love to see that interview again.

Enjoy This K-Rock
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZtWBZKp_yU

Zak Tyler · Post by **Zak Tyler** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 7:54 am

that was awesome!!!!!!!!!!

SPIKE NESMITH! · Post by **SPIKE NESMITH!** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 10:22 am

I get the impression that the pair of them would have gotten on pretty well if they had let their guards down a little. They both seemed like they were having fun. But I guess it's like the Bill Grundy/Sex Pistols interview, it depends on what side you're on as to who you thought the victor. I think Snyder misunderstood what you're getting into when you have Stern on your show. In many ways, it's like being in a meeting with Dale Miller; you just sit back and enjoy the show, because you're certainly not going to come out on top of an argument, regardless of how hard you try. (and I say that with fondness for both)

AmpedNow · Post by **AmpedNow** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 6:33 pm

Nice... Thank God for YouTube.

It wasn't quite as dramatic as I remembered it, but still great.

SPIKE NESMITH! wrote:I get the impression that the pair of them would have gotten on pretty well if they had let their guards down a little.

After seeing it again, I think you're right.

But all broadcasters must have god-like egos...