Rob Latour/Variety/Variety
Tom Dreesen, the esteemed comedian and longtime fixture of the entertainment world who spent 13 years as the quintessential opening act for Frank Sinatra, has passed away. He was 86 years old.
A message shared on his official Facebook page announced the news: “It is with heavy hearts that my sister and I announce the passing of our father at 5:50 this morning. He wanted you all to know how much joy you provided him throughout his life. He cherished his fans and asked us to convey his love to you all. May he find eternal peace.”
A representative for the family confirmed that Dreesen died at his home in Los Angeles, though a specific cause of death was not disclosed.
Born on September 11, 1939, in Harvey, Illinois, Dreesen enjoyed a career spanning over five decades. A master of the stage, he captivated audiences with his sharp wit and observational humor, racking up more than 500 television appearances. He became a staple of the lounge circuit, performing in iconic venues across Las Vegas, Reno, and Atlantic City, where he warmed up crowds for heavyweights such as Sammy Davis Jr., Liza Minnelli, and Smokey Robinson.
In his autobiography, Still Standing, Dreesen traced his unlikely path from the impoverished streets of Chicago’s South Side—where he earned pocket change shining shoes in local bars—to the bright lights of national stardom.
It was his profound bond with “Ol’ Blue Eyes” that defined much of his legacy. Dreesen was a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes Sinatra lore. During a candid interview at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles, he reflected on the later years of Sinatra’s career, recalling a moment when the legend nearly bowed out of the spotlight.
“There were 20,000 people in that arena. I had finished my set, and the energy was great,” Dreesen recalled. “Then Frank went out, and by the fourth song, he completely blanked on the lyrics. The orchestra kept playing, unaware he was lost. He just whispered into the mic, ‘I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.’”
What followed was pure cinematic magic. “A fan in the nosebleed section stood up and shouted, ‘It’s all right, Frank! We love you!’ Suddenly, the entire arena erupted into applause. It was a wave of pure affection.”
Buoyed by the crowd’s support, Sinatra found his footing. He transitioned into a masterful performance of “Mack the Knife,” delivering a rendition as vibrant as if he were decades younger. Following Sinatra’s death in 1998, Dreesen served as a pallbearer and remained a dedicated guardian of the singer’s legacy, notably hosting the Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational for many years.
Dreesen also famously navigated the persistent rumors regarding Sinatra’s alleged mob ties. “The fascinating thing about Frank,” Dreesen noted in a YouTube retrospective, “was the mystique. People were obsessed with his connections, but he was a man of immense talent who simply lived in a different era.”
Beyond his Sinatra association, Dreesen was a fierce advocate for his peers. He was instrumental in securing better pay for stand-up comics at The Comedy Store and was half of a trailblazing, groundbreaking interracial comedy duo with Tim Reid.
Tributes have already begun to pour in for the beloved comic. David Letterman, who first met Dreesen at The Comedy Store in 1975, honored his friend on social media: “We clicked instantly. Tom was filled with wisdom and endless stories. Everyone in the business looked up to him. He never stopped talking, and he never stopped being brilliant. We’ll miss the stories. Rest in peace, Tom.”
