Tom Dreesen

Tom Dreesen is a comedian, actor, and motivational speaker recognized for his extensive touring with Frank Sinatra and numerous national television appearances. After forming the groundbreaking ‘Tim and Tom’ with Tim Reid in 1968, becoming the first biracial stand-up comedy duo in the United States, Tom Dreesen went on to achieve significant individual success. In the mid-1970s, he became a household name with over 60 appearances on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson’ and multiple guest spots on shows like ‘Match Game.’ His esteemed career further solidified with a remarkable 13-year tenure as the opening act for legendary performer Frank Sinatra, during which he graced prominent showrooms across Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Reno, and Atlantic City, earning widespread acclaim. Dreesen’s talents extend beyond the stand-up stage, with an extensive acting career that includes notable roles in television series such as ‘Murder, She Wrote’ (1985–1987), ‘Columbo: Murder in Malibu’ (1990), ‘Touched by an Angel’ (1998), and ‘WKRP in Cincinnati.’ On the big screen, he has appeared in feature films including Mel Brooks’ ‘Spaceballs’ (1987), ‘Man on the Moon’ (1999), and ‘Trouble with the Curve’ (2012).

Further cementing his legacy, Dreesen released his acclaimed memoir, ‘Still Standing…My Journey from Streets and Saloons to the Stage, and Sinatra,’ in 2020, offering an in-depth account of his journey. Throughout his career, he has maintained a strong commitment to philanthropy, founding ‘Day for Darlene’ to support Multiple Sclerosis research, named in honor of his late sister. Demonstrating his unwavering dedication to servicemen and women, Dreesen continues to perform for troops on military bases globally, showcasing his enduring impact as both an entertainer and a humanitarian.