Tom Dreesen, standup comic, character actor, dies at 86

Tom Dreesen, a standup comedian who opened for Frank Sinatra and broke ground with his interracial act with Tim Reid, died on Wednesday. He was 86.Read more trending newsDreesen died at his home in Los Angeles, a family spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter. No cause of death was given.Dreesen’s family shared the news of his passing in a statement obtained by People.“For more than five decades, Tom Dreesen brought laughter, heart, and humanity to audiences across America,” his family wrote. “A proud native of Harvey, Illinois, Tom built a remarkable career through perseverance, talent.”Stand-Up Comedian and Character Actor Tom Dreesen Dies at 86 https://t.co/kybxPq4aBM People (@people) June 17, 2026 Dreesen appeared dozens of times on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” and on late-night programs hosted by David Letterman, according to The Hollywood Reporter.Dreesen was working as an insurance salesman when he met Reid, and they formed a groundbreaking interracial comedy act,