Frank Sinatra’s ‘Special’ Longtime Opening Act Dead At 86

Pioneering comedian Tom Dreesen has died at the age of 86.

Dreesen’s family took to social media to confirm the late star – who was Frank Sinatra‘s opening act for years – passed away on Wednesday, June 17.

“My sister and I regret to inform you that our father passed away at 5:50 this morning,” his family shared in a Facebook post. “He wanted you all to know how much joy you brought him through the years. He said to tell you that he loved you all. May he rest in peace.”

Dreesen’s publicist, Lori De Waal, said he died at his home in Los Angeles.

The late star was best known as one half of one of America’s first interracial stand-up comedy duos, alongside partner Tim Reid, who he formed “Tim and Tom” with in 1969.

Dreesen and Reid, 81, who is Black, used their comedy to address social issues at the time and to promote racial understanding.

The pair worked together until the mid-1970s, and Dreesen went solo afterwards.

He appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson 60 times, amid 500 national TV appearances and was also a regular on The Late Show with David Letterman.

Dreesen was on TV for a final time just last week, appearing on Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen, which had replaced Stephen Colbert‘s axed CBS late-night show.

He also developed a close bond with Sinatra after opening for him numerous times.

Dreesen said the iconic “My Way” musician was “like a father” to him “in a lot of ways”.

“If he loved you, he worshipped the ground you walked on,” Dreesen told The Desert Sun newspaper, per Page Six. “I didn’t have a father that really cared that much where I was and what I did. But Frank would give me advice and counsel, and then he was a buddy in a lot of ways. I thought the world of him.”

Following news of Dreesen’s death, his pal, actor Gary Sinise paid tribute to him on Instagram.

“This morning America lost one of our great comedians and patriots, and I lost a dear friend,” Sinise, 81, wrote. “Tom Dreesen died at 86 years old. He was a special person, a U.S. Navy veteran with a tremendously charitable heart.”

The Forrest Gump actor continued, “He served as a Gary Sinise Foundation ambassador for the past 14 years and was always there when I asked for his support. He loved our country and the men and women who serve and he loved supporting them through our foundation. Tom was hilarious, always could make us laugh, and such a good friend. I will miss him terribly. What a great long career he had in show business.”

Sinise concluded by writing, “Thank you, Tom. God Bless you my friend. Rest in Peace brother.”

The family of singer-songwriter Mac Davis – who died in 2020 at 78 – also paid tribute to Dreesen.

“Our family is saddened to hear of the passing of Tom Dreesen,” they wrote via Instagram. “Tom frequently joined Mac on stage and, over the years, became a treasured friend. He was a genuinely kind and generous man who was always there when needed, including helping with Mac’s 70th birthday celebration and later his Celebration of Life.”

The family continued, “We will remember Tom not only for the laughter he brought to so many, but also for his friendship, warmth, and unwavering support. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”