Tom Dreesen, Frank Sinatra’s longtime opening act, dies
The veteran stand-up comic and longtime Frank Sinatra collaborator was 86
Tom Dreesen, the veteran stand-up comedian who spent more than a decade opening for Frank Sinatra and appeared in numerous television shows and films, has died at the age of 86.
His family announced the news on his official Facebook page on Wednesday, sharing a heartfelt message with fans. No cause of death was disclosed as per Variety.
“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.
Tom Dreesen Built a Comedy Career Spanning More Than Five Decades
Dreesen enjoyed a career in entertainment that lasted more than 50 years, earning recognition as one of the most respected stand-up comedians of his generation.
Raised near Chicago, he first gained attention as part of Tim and Tom, a comedy act with Tim Reid that became the first biracial stand-up duo in the United States. The pair broke barriers in the comedy world before Dreesen launched a successful solo career in the mid-1970s.
Over the years, he became a familiar face on late-night television, making frequent appearances on David Letterman's shows and performing alongside entertainment legends including Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis Jr. and Smokey Robinson.
Frank Sinatra Partnership Became a Defining Chapter
One of the most notable achievements of Dreesen's career was his longstanding association with Frank Sinatra.
The comedian served as Sinatra's opening act for 13 years, touring extensively across the United States and performing before audiences alongside the iconic singer.
The partnership helped elevate Dreesen's profile and cemented his reputation as a performer capable of winning over large crowds night after night.
Final Television Appearance Aired Days Before His Death
Dreesen's death came just days after his final television appearance on Comics Unleashed With Byron Allen, which aired on CBS.
It marked his fourth appearance on the comedy series since its debut in 2006. Dreesen and Allen shared a longstanding friendship, with the veteran comedian serving as a mentor figure to the television host since 1975.
His final appearance underscored his continued passion for comedy even in his later years.
Hollywood Colleagues Pay Tribute
Among those paying tribute was actor Gary Sinise, who remembered Dreesen as both a talented entertainer and a dedicated supporter of military veterans.
In a message shared on social media, Sinise praised his longtime friend for his humour, patriotism and commitment to charitable work through the Gary Sinise Foundation.
"He loved our country and the men and women who serve," Sinise wrote, adding that Dreesen "always could make us laugh" and would be deeply missed.
Television and Film Roles Extended Beyond Stand-Up
While best known for comedy, Dreesen also built an extensive acting résumé.
His television credits included appearances on Murder, She Wrote, WKRP in Cincinnati, The Facts of Life and Touched by an Angel. Film audiences also recognised him from roles in Spaceballs and Man on the Moon.
Dreesen's career reflected a rare longevity in show business, spanning stand-up comedy, television and film while earning the respect of peers and audiences alike.
His death marks the end of a remarkable chapter in American comedy history.