Veteran comedian and actor Tom Dreesen, whose career in entertainment spanned more than five decades, has died at the age of 86. His family confirmed the news on his official Facebook page on Wednesday.
“He wanted you all to know how much joy you brought him through the years. He said to tell you that he loved you all. May he rest in peace,” the statement read. No cause of death was disclosed.
The news came just a week after Dreesen made what would become his final television appearance on CBS’ Comics Unleashed With Byron Allen.
Who Is Tom Dreesen?
Born on September 11, 1939, in Harvey, Illinois, Dreesen grew up in a large working-class family and was one of eight children. His early years were marked by financial struggles and he later revealed that the man he believed was his uncle was actually his biological father, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
At 17, he enlisted in the US Navy, an experience that changed the course of his life. After leaving the service, he worked several jobs which included construction, bartending and loading dock work in Chicago before eventually finding his way into comedy.
His breakthrough came alongside Tim Reid when they formed Tim and Tom, widely recognised as the first interracial stand-up comedy duo in the US. The partnership helped open doors for Dreesen and established him as a rising performer.
The Comedian Who Shared The Stage With Frank Sinatra
While Dreesen built a successful career in comedy on his own, he became especially well known for his long association with Frank Sinatra. He spent 13 years touring as Sinatra’s opening act and developed a close friendship with the legendary singer.
Over the years, Dreesen often shared stories from their time together. One of his most memorable recollections involved a concert where Sinatra momentarily forgot the lyrics to a song in front of a packed arena, Billboard reported. According to Dreesen, a fan shouted, “That’s all right, Frank! It’s all right because we love you!”
This triggered applause from thousands in attendance and helped Sinatra regain his confidence to finish the performance.
Their friendship lasted until Sinatra’s death in 1998. Dreesen later served as a pallbearer and spoke at the singer’s funeral.
More Than 500 Television Appearances
Following the success of his stand-up career, Dreesen became a familiar face on American television. He made more than 500 appearances on national TV and was a frequent guest on late-night programs, particularly those hosted by David Letterman.
His live performances took him to major venues across Las Vegas, Reno, Lake Tahoe and Atlantic City where he shared stages with stars including Liza Minnelli, Smokey Robinson and Sammy Davis Jr.
Dreesen also built an impressive acting career. His television credits included Murder, She Wrote, WKRP in Cincinnati, The Facts of Life and Touched by an Angel. On the film side, audiences recognised him from projects such as Spaceballs, Man on the Moon and Columbo: Murder in Malibu.
Author, Mentor And Advocate
Dreesen was also known as a mentor to Byron Allen, a relationship that stretched back more than four decades.
In 2020, he published his autobiography, Still Standing: My Journey From Streets and Saloons to the Stage, and Sinatra which detailed his rise from a difficult childhood to a celebrated career in entertainment.
He is survived by his daughters, Amy and Jennifer, along with seven grandchildren. His son, Tommy, passed away before him.
