Car Talk Host Tom Magliozzi Dies at 77

The co-host of the popular NPR show passed away from Alzheimer's complications.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 9:12am

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An extreme close-up photograph of the pebbled leather surface of a classic car steering wheel, capturing the warm, nostalgic tone of the Car Talk program with its muted earth tones and sense of aged craftsmanship.The passing of Car Talk host Tom Magliozzi marks the end of an era for one of public radio's most beloved and influential automotive programs.Boston Today

Tom Magliozzi, who co-hosted the long-running NPR program Car Talk with his brother Ray, has passed away at the age of 77 due to complications from Alzheimer's disease. The brothers, known as 'Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers,' were beloved for their expert car advice and infectious laughter that captivated listeners for over 35 years.

Why it matters

Tom Magliozzi and Car Talk were iconic fixtures of public radio, providing car expertise and humor to generations of listeners. His passing marks the end of an era for one of the most popular and influential automotive programs in media history.

The details

Car Talk first aired as a weekly program on WBUR in Boston in the 1970s before transitioning to a national audience on NPR. The Magliozzi brothers continued hosting the live show until 2012, offering advice on buying, fixing, and enjoying cars. Though both graduated from MIT, the brothers chose to pursue careers as mechanics, opening the first do-it-yourself car garage called Hacker's Haven decades before the modern Maker Movement.

  • Tom Magliozzi passed away on Monday.
  • Car Talk was on the air for more than 35 years.

The players

Tom Magliozzi

The co-host of the popular NPR program Car Talk, known for his expert car advice and infectious laughter.

Ray Magliozzi

The co-host of Car Talk alongside his brother Tom, the two were known as 'Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers'.

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The takeaway

Tom Magliozzi's passing marks the end of an era for one of the most beloved and influential automotive programs in media history, as his unique blend of car expertise and infectious humor captivated listeners for over three decades.