Stand-Up Comedian, Frank Sinatra Opener Was 86
Variety • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Tom Dreesen, a renowned stand-up comedian known for touring with Frank Sinatra and roles in “Spaceballs” and “Columbo: Murder in Malibu,” has died at the age of 86, as announced by his family on his official Facebook page.
- Dreesen's career spanned over 50 years, beginning as part of the first biracial comedy duo Tim and Tom, and later performing solo with frequent appearances on David Letterman’s show and opening for Sinatra for 13 years.
- His final TV appearance was on “Comics Unleashed With Byron Allen” a week before his death; he had been a mentor to Byron Allen since 1975.
- Actor Gary Sinise paid tribute to Dreesen, highlighting his work as an ambassador for the Gary Sinise Foundation and his dedication to supporting military personnel.
- Dreesen also had numerous TV credits including “Murder, She Wrote,” “WKRP in Cincinnati,” and “Touched by an Angel,” as well as a role in the film “Man on the Moon.”
