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Tom Dreesen, nan comedian and comic character whose crisp transportation and amiability made him a favourite not only pinch audiences but of show biz kingpins for illustration Johnny Carson and Frank Sinatra, died today. He was 86.
His decease was announced by a spokesperson for his family. A origin was not stated.
“For much than 5 decades, Tom Dreesen brought laughter, heart, and humanity to audiences crossed America,” nan connection said. “A proud autochthonal of Harvey, Illinois, Tom built a singular profession done perseverance, talent.”
Dreesen began his profession successful nan precocious 1960s arsenic half of nan drama squad Tim and Tom pinch character Tim Reid, a barrier-breaking interracial duo. Reid later went connected to prima arsenic Venus Flytrap successful nan 1978-82 sitcom WKRP successful Cincinnati. (Dreesen would precocious make a impermanent quality connected his aged friend’s show, and had TV acting roles successful Columbo and Murder, She Wrote, and successful specified films arsenic Spaceballs, The Rat Pack and Trouble pinch nan Curve.)
Dreesen continued arsenic a stand-up comic, becoming a ubiquitous beingness successful nan 1970s and ’80s (and thereafter), pinch much than 500 appearances connected nationalist tv passim his career. Perhaps astir significantly, he made complete 60 appearances connected The Tonight Show pinch Johnny Carson and was subsequently a predominant impermanent connected The Late Show pinch David Letterman. He occasionally impermanent hosted The Late Show successful Letterman’s absence.
Considered 1 of nan awesome “opening acts” successful nan business, Dreesen group nan shape for galore headliners for illustration Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis Jr., Frankie Avalon, Smokey Robinson, Tony Orlando, Gladys Knight and, astir notably and for 13 years, his bully friend Frank Sinatra.
Although complete accusation connected survivors was not instantly available, nan family connection said Dreesen “was a devoted father, brother, grandfather, friend, mentor, storyteller, and motivator. He gave generously of his time, supported countless charitable causes, and inspired others done his motivational speaking, his writing, and his individual example.”
The family, nan connection continued, “asks for privateness astatine this clip and is thankful for each nan heartfelt condolences.”
