The Life and Legacy of Tom Dreesen

In a career spanning over 60 years, Tom Dreesen made a name for himself as a prominent comedian. He appeared on television more than 500 times. Among these, he made 61 appearances on ‘The Tonight Show.’ He also opened for legends like Smokey Robinson, Tony Orlando, Gladys Knight, and Liza Minnelli. His most notable role was as Frank Sinatra’s opening act for 13 years. This bond extended beyond the stage as he was the master of ceremonies at Sinatra’s wake and a pallbearer at his funeral.

David Letterman once praised Dreesen, hailing him as an excellent storyteller with a kind heart. Sadly, this heart stopped on a Wednesday morning when Dreesen passed away at a California hospital after battling cancer, at the age of 86.

Early Life and Struggles

Tom Dreesen was born in 1939 in Harvey, Illinois. He was the third of eight children of Glenore, a waitress, and Walter Dreesen, who worked for Acme Steel and played trumpet. Growing up, Dreesen faced poverty. He described his childhood living in a shack, where basic amenities were missing, and they contended with broken windows and rats. Despite these conditions, he found ways to support his family by caddying at golf courses and shining shoes.

Although he attended Thornton Township High School, he did not graduate. Instead, he enlisted in the Navy, which took him around the world. During his service, he met Maryellen Subock, whom he married in 1958. Together, they had three children: Amy, Tom, and Jennifer. After leaving the Navy, he initially worked long hours in construction while still seeking a sense of youthful adventure.

Comedy Career

Dreesen joined the Jaycees, creating a drug-education program for schools. It was here he met Tim Reid. Together, they formed the comic duo Tim & Tom, noted as the first interracial comedy act. They performed at Chicago nightclubs, earning modest payments. The duo broke up when Reid relocated to Los Angeles to pursue acting, leaving Dreesen to follow shortly after.

Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Dreesen faced adversity once more, living in an abandoned car. Despite these hardships, he frequented the Comedy Store, where he met rising stars like David Letterman and Jay Leno. His persistence paid off when a performance on ‘The Tonight Show’ garnered significant applause. This success led to a $10,000 contract with CBS and subsequent work as an opening act in Las Vegas.

Bond with Sinatra

In Lake Tahoe, Dreesen met Sinatra and his lawyer, leading him to join Sinatra’s tours. During this time, Dreesen often visited Sinatra’s estate in Palm Springs, socializing with celebrities such as Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. Dreesen shared many memorable nights and heartfelt conversations with Sinatra, marking a significant chapter in his life.

Later Years and Legacy

After Sinatra’s passing, Dreesen continued to perform, notably in his self-narrated show ‘Shoeshines to Sinatra.’ Even as he aged and endured health issues, he remained optimistic and connected to his Chicago roots. A devoted Cubs fan, he was scheduled to perform at Wrigley Field later in the year.

Dreesen was not only a comedian but also a philanthropist. He participated in numerous charity events, contributing generously without seeking personal gain. He remained involved with the Gary Sinise Foundation, and that connection lasted 14 years.

His friends and colleagues remember Dreesen fondly. They praised his unwavering loyalty to his family, friends, and his remarkable storytelling ability. Larry Wert cited him as a beloved entertainer true to his roots, while Gary Sinise expressed his loss of a dear friend and great patriot.

In his later years, Dreesen revealed a significant personal story. At age 12, he discovered that his biological father was Frank Polizzi, related to his mother by marriage. Dreesen disclosed that Polizzi expressed regret at not being able to publicly claim him as his son. This personal revelation showcased the profound depth of Dreesen’s life experiences.

A memorial service is being planned in his honor.