Tom Dreesen, veteran stand-up comic, Dies at 86

Tom Dreesen, a veteran stand-up comic, performed as an opening act for Frank Sinatra and appeared in various film and television shows, including “Columbo," “Murder, She Wrote," and “Spaceballs."

admin June 18, 2026 2 minutes read

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FILE-Comedian Tom Dreesen performs at The Laugh Factory Hollywood’s 43rd Thanksgiving Feast And Show at Laugh Factory on November 23, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Olivia Wong/Getty Images)

Tom Dreesen, a long-time comedian who spent years as Frank Sinatra’s opening act, died. He was 86 years old.

Dreesen died Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles, publicist Lori De Waal told The Associated Press. A cause of death for the entertainer was not provided.

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The entertainer established a solo comedy act, making more than 500 national television appearances, including 60 visits to “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” Dreesen was also a guest and guest host on “The Late Show with David Letterman.”

Who was Tom Dreesen?

The backstory:

Tom Dreesen was born on Sept. 11, 1939, in Chicago. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at 17 years old. And after leaving in 1960, he returned home to work several jobs.

Dreesen later met Tim Reid, who was Black, and they went on to form one of America’s first interracial stand-up comedy duos and used humor to address social issues.

When Dreesen split with Reed, he built a solo comedy career and toured with Sinatra’s fellow Rat Pack member Sammy Davis Jr., as well as Liza Minnelli, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, and Tony Orlando.

Dreesen acted in various television shows like “Columbo,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and “Touched by an Angel.”

He also appeared in multiple movies, including “Spaceballs,” “Man on the Moon” and “Trouble With the Curve,” and the HBO movies “The Rat Pack” and “Lansky.”

Dreesen was active in charitable work, motivational speaking, and veterans’ causes, like serving as ambassador for the Gary Sinise Foundation.

The Associated Press reported that Dreesen is survived by daughters Amy and Jennifer from his previous marriage to Maryellen Subock, and seven grandchildren. Dreesen was preceded in death by his son Tommy.