SHERMAN OAKS—On June 17, comedian, actor, and opener for Frank Sinatra, Tom Dreesen died at his home in Sherman Oaks. He was 86.
“My sister and I regret to inform you that our father passes away at 5:50 this morning. 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,” Dressen’s children said on Facebook.
Dreesen, who was born in Harvey, Illinois, just outside of Chicago was best known for his improv as the opening act for the famous, Sinatra, better known as, “Ol Blue Eyes.”
He acted and entertained on classic tv shows like “WKRP In Cincinnati.” Dreesen was made people laugh on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson, before David Letterman took on as host.
“Tom Dreesen has been in show business for 50 years. Along the way, Tom has made over 500 appearances on national television as a stand-up comedian, including more than 60 appearances on The Tonight Show. He was one of David Letterman’s favorite guests and frequently hosted the show in Letterman’s absence. He also appeared countless times in Las Vegas, Tahoe, Reno, and Atlantic City, with artists like Smokey Robinson, Liza Minnelli, and Sammy Davis, Jr. And for 13 years, he toured the nation as the opening act for Frank Sinatra. A Career like this is rich in stories, and no one tells them better than Tom does,” reads Dressen’s website.
On June 9, 2020, Tom’s memoir he wrote with Darren Grubb and Johnny Russo entitled “Still Standing,” was published. He talks about the tales he lived as a comedian and in opening acts on the road with his fellow celebrities.
“RIP Tom Dreesen-The only person to appear on the cover of the Chicago Southland Visitors Guide. You really did us proud,” the city of Chicago posted on X.
