Broadcaster Tom Snyder Dies At 71

Talk Show Host Died Saturday From Complications Associated With Leukemia

(AP)  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.

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.

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. He gained more fame when Dan Aykroyd lampooned him in the early days of "Saturday Night Live."

In 1972, Snyder left news to host "The Tomorrow Show," which followed "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson.

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 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.

"When I was a kid leukemia was a death sentence," he wrote then. "Now, my doctors say it's treatable!"

[raejeanowl]

He had EVERYONE on his show(s). Including a few clods who didn't deserve the airtime. Otherwise, an awesome body of work in tv talk alone, but he also did local and national news, a news magazine, radio, emceed and narrated, a little acting (forgive me if I've forgotten!), and a blog. In his spare time, he did needlepoint.

God love you, Tom. I hope you're laughing.

[thisandthat1]

Even Tom would get a kick out of the fact that the headline says he died Saturday while the article below it says he died Sunday. R.I.P., Tom.

[keithle1]

Good guy. A unique personality. Not just another bland, boring pretty face. Didn't he have the *** Pistols on his show?

[jazzy-john]

TS, I miss you already...your Late Late Show was a milestone, a treasure, and one-of-a-kind. The Christmas shows with the train sets around the studio were ultra-classics. The show should have lasted longer, but you had your reasons I guess. Thanx to Letterman for giving you one last shot...too bad Dave's co. didn't do a music/video soundtrack featuring your musical guests, as well as David Sanborn's great theme song work. I would have been first in line to buy it! Loved the ice-in-the-glass clinking of Colortini.com--another TS much-missed original. Much love to the companion, your daughter, and granddaughter. Guess you'll be seeing Mother Snyder again soon--maybe this time she won't bug you as much for hair nets and Canadian Club!! ;)

They don't make 'em like you anymore....

*In remembrance*
1936 - 2007

[mavis frasier]

I remember your laugh, RIP.

[briansgirl2]

Another good one gone! Rest In Peace Mr. Snyder.

[Hotrodkitty]

I'll miss you Tom, I watched you show every night. RIP my friend.

[soldat44]

God Bless you Mr. Snyder and thanks for some great memories.

[yamuttya]

Tom was great.
RIP my friend