Stand-Up Comic, Sinatra's Opening Act Was 86
The Hollywood Reporter • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Tom Dreesen, a pioneering comedian known for opening for Frank Sinatra for 14 years and advocating for paid stand-up performances at The Comedy Store, died at age 86 in Los Angeles; no cause of death was disclosed.
- Dreesen was instrumental in organizing a 1979 strike that led to comedians being paid at The Comedy Store, significantly changing the business model of stand-up comedy nationwide.
- He formed one of the first interracial comedy acts, Tim & Tom, with Tim Reid in the late 1960s, addressing racial stereotypes despite facing hostility and challenges.
- Dreesen made hundreds of TV appearances over his 50-plus-year career, including on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and David Letterman’s shows, and authored an autobiography published in 2020.
- Survived by his daughters and grandchildren, Dreesen was remembered fondly by peers like David Letterman for his wisdom, storytelling, and lasting impact on comedy.
