Tom Magliozzi, one half of the hilarious and helpful Car Talk brothers, died at age 77. He had been afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease. Known as “Click and Clack the Tappet Brothers” the duo reveled in being perhaps the most unlikely big time act on NPR. They filled the air with wisdom and infectious, distinctive laughter. They started the show in 1977 at a local Boston station and retired in 2012 from a nationally syndicated show. The show was so lively and timeless that people still listen today to re-runs believing they are listening live.
Tom Magliozzi was 12 years older than his brother Ray. Both were graduates of MIT. The show was beloved by millions of listeners. As one commenter put it succinctly this afternoon on the NPR website, “We have lost a national treasure.” Their famous law firm, Dewey, Cheetham and Howe–headquartered at Car Talk Plaza in Cambridge, MA–had no comment. NPR obit here.
