Legendary American comedian and actor Tom Dreesen has died at the age of 86. His family confirmed the sad news in a statement on June 17, saying that he had brought laughter and humanity to audiences for more than five decades. Dreesen rose to fame as a regular guest on the popular The Tonight Show and The Late Show with David Letterman, but he made history mainly as one half of the groundbreaking comedy duo with Tim Reid.
A native of the Chicago area who served in the U.S. Navy as a youth, he originally started out as an insurance salesman. It was there that he met Reid, with whom he met during a time of huge social changes they formed one of America’s first mixed-race comedy duos and helped break down prejudice with their humor. Dreesen has made more than 500 television appearances during his prolific career and as an actor, he also appeared in well-known series such as It’s a Murder, she wrote, Columbo, or in Mel Brooks’ cult film Spaceballs.
A significant part of his professional and personal life was joint concerts with the biggest music stars. He jumped ahead of artists such as Liza Minnelli and Smokey Robinson and for years he was on tour with his close friend Frank Sinatra, with whom he also stood at his very last concert in 1995. It was the huge loyalty to the famous singer and the constant traveling that prevented him from accepting offers for his own TV show.
Off the stage, Dreesen was known for his huge heart and charitable work. Actor Gary Sinise, for whose foundation the late comedian worked as an ambassador for 14 years, paid tribute to him, calling him a patriot, an extraordinary person and a dear friend. Dreesen, who left behind three children and grandchildren, will be remembered not only for the laughter he gave, but also for the countless lives he touched with his humanity and kindness.
