Tom Dreesen, a stand-up comedian known for opening for Frank Sinatra and for pioneering work in American comedy, has died at age 86, according to multiple outlets. Several reports say Dreesen spent about 13 years touring the United States as Sinatra’s opening act, drawing on a long-running professional relationship with the singer. Dreesen also gained recognition earlier in his career for helping shape comedy that reached mixed audiences: he and Tim Reid formed “Tim and Tom,” one of the country’s first interracial comedy duos. The partnership began after the pair met in Chicago in 1969 and continued until the mid-1970s. While outlets describe Dreesen’s background differently, they consistently identify him as rising from difficult circumstances and later building a widely visible career through stand-up and screen appearances, including work credited in entertainment coverage such as “Spaceballs” and a “Columbo” TV movie. Reports also note that his family announced his death via a spokesperson or through an official Facebook post. None of the articles cited a specific cause of death.
Tom Dreesen, Comedian and Frank Sinatra’s Opening Act, Dies at 86
Tom Dreesen, a stand-up comedian known for opening for Frank Sinatra and for pioneering work in American comedy, has died at age 86, according to multiple outlets. Several reports say Dreesen spent ab...
- Tom Dreesen dies at age 86, with death announcements attributed to family or a family spokesperson.
- He tours the U.S. for about 13 years as Frank Sinatra’s opening act.
- Dreesen forms an early interracial comedy duo with Tim Reid (“Tim and Tom”) starting in 1969.
- The duo works together until the mid-1970s and uses comedy to address social issues.
- Several outlets credit Dreesen with extensive television and film appearances, including roles cited in entertainment coverage.
He rose from a hardscrabble childhood to form a pioneering interracial comedy duo. He later spent years opening for Frank Sinatra.
3 months agoTom Dreesen, the comedian who led the Comedy Store strike, combated civil rights-era racial tension with comedy in the duo Tim & Tom, and toured with Frank Sinatra, has died at 86.
3 months agoRenowned comedian Tom Dreesen dies at 86, leaving a legacy of laughter. Tributes from fans highlight his groundbreaking career and impact on comedy.
3 months agoFor 13 years, Dreesen toured the United States as the opening act for Frank Sinatra, and formed a line-long friendship with Ol' Blue Eyes.
3 months agoTom Dreesen, who along with partner Tim Reid formed one of America’s first interracial stand-up comedy duos and later spent years as Frank Sinatra’s opening act, died Wednesday. He was 86.
3 months agoLOS ANGELES — Tom Dreesen, who along with partner Tim Reid formed one of America’s first interracial stand-up comedy duos and later spent years as Frank Sinatra’s opening act, died Wednesday. He was 86. Dreesen died at his home in Los Angeles, according to publicist Lori De Waal. A cause of death was not provided. After meeting in Chicago, Dreesen and Reid, who was Black, formed “Tim and Tom” in 1969. Against a backdrop of simmering racial tension, they used humor to address social issues and promote understanding between audiences of different backgrounds. They worked together until the mid-1970s. Reid […]...Keep on reading: Comedian Tom Dreesen, Sinatra’s longtime opening act, dies at 86
3 months agoTom Dreesen, known as half of one of America's first interracial comedy duos with Tim Reid, has died
3 months agoStand-up comedy great Tom Dreesen, who was an longtime opening act for Frank Sinatra and made hundreds of television appearances, has died.
3 months agoHe also formed a groundbreaking partnership with future 'WKRP in Cincinnati' star Tim Reid and helped striking performers get paid at The Comedy Store.
3 months agoTom Dreesen, a prolific stand-up comedian known for touring with Frank Sinatra and performing in “Spaceballs” and the TV movie “Columbo: Murder in Malibu,” died Wednesday. He was 86. The news of Dreesen’s death was shared by his family on his official Facebook page. “He wanted you all to know how much joy you brought […]
3 months agoTom Dreesen, the comedian and comic actor whose sharp delivery and amiability made him a favorite not only with audiences but of show biz kingpins like Johnny Carson and Frank Sinatra, died today. He was 86. His death was announced by a spokesperson for his family. A cause was not stated. “For more than five […]
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