Tom Dreesen, the beloved comedian and television personality, has died at the age of 86. The star passed away at his Los Angeles home, though no cause of death has been disclosed.
A Life in Comedy
Dreesen was best known for serving as the opening act for Frank Sinatra for 14 years. He also played a pivotal role in securing fair pay for stand-up comedians at The Comedy Store and formed a groundbreaking interracial comedy duo with Tim Reid.
With a career spanning over five decades, Dreesen made hundreds of television appearances, including multiple stints on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and late-night programs hosted by his close friend David Letterman. Their friendship began at The Comedy Store in West Hollywood during the 1970s.
Tributes from Hollywood
David Letterman led the tributes, stating: “Tom was the first comedian I met at Comedy Store in 1975. We became friends immediately. He had wisdom and endless stories. Everyone admired him, looked up to him and wondered if he ever stopped talking. He never did, he never will. We love him for that. We’ll miss the stories. God bless you Tom.”
Partnership with Sinatra
Dreesen began performing on the same bill as Frank Sinatra in 1983, initially expecting a brief stint. “I thought, 'Yeah, I'll go one week. I'll get my picture taken and I'll hang it in every bar back in Chicago and that will be the end of that,'” he recalled.
Instead, Sinatra invited him to join for more dates, leading to a 14-year partnership spanning 45 to 50 cities annually. The two developed a deep friendship, with Dreesen visiting Sinatra at his Palm Springs home, serving as a pallbearer at his funeral in 1998, and hosting the Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational Black Tie Gala for years.
Reflecting on their bond, Dreesen said: “If he loved you, he worshiped the ground you walked on. In a lot of ways, he was like a father to me. I didn't have a father that really cared that much where I was and what I did. But Frank would give me advice and counsel and then he was a buddy in a lot of ways. I thought the world of him.”
Other Career Highlights
Before Sinatra, Dreesen warmed up audiences for stars like Liza Minnelli, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, and Sammy Davis Jr. His impeccable style and storytelling made him a beloved figure in comedy.
Dreesen's legacy includes not only his performances but also his advocacy for comedians' rights and his role in breaking racial barriers in entertainment.
