Remembering Tom Dreesen: A Legacy of Laughter and Resilience

In over six decades since departing from his hometown of Harvey, Illinois, comedian Tom Dreesen accomplished an impressive career. He made over 500 television appearances, including 61 times on ‘The Tonight Show’. He was the opening act for legendary figures such as Smokey Robinson, Tony Orlando, Gladys Knight, Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis Jr., and Frank Sinatra. Dreesen spent 13 years opening for Sinatra, hosted the singer’s wake in 1998, and was a pallbearer at his funeral.

Famed late-night host David Letterman once said, ‘I cannot say enough good things about the guy and his comedy. He is one of my oldest friends and a born storyteller. And he’s got such a good heart.’ Sadly, Dreesen passed away at the age of 86 after battling cancer, leaving an indelible mark on comedy and entertainment.

Early Life and Challenges

Born on September 11, 1939, Tom Dreesen was the third of Glenore and Walter Dreesen’s eight children. He grew up in hardship, living in a shack shaped like a railroad car in Harvey due to his family’s poverty and his parents’ struggles with alcoholism. Despite the dire conditions, including no proper plumbing and rat infestations, Dreesen found ways to earn money, like caddying and shining shoes, but never graduated high school. His escape came through enlistment in the Navy, leading to four years of global travel.

The Birth of a Comedy Legend

After leaving the Navy, he married Maryellen Subock. They had three children—Amy, Tom, and Jennifer. Dreesen worked long hours pouring concrete but still found time to pursue his passion for acting by joining the Jaycees, where he met Tim Reid. The pair created a drug-education program for schools, using humor to engage the audience. Encouragement from students and teachers led them to form ‘Tim & Tom’, an interracial comedy duo in 1969, breaking barriers in a still-segregated America.

Performing in Chicago clubs like Mister Kelly’s and the Playboy Clubs, the duo gained modest success before splitting in 1974. Reid moved to Los Angeles for a television career, while Dreesen followed, initially living in an abandoned car while hustling tirelessly to perform at the Comedy Store alongside rising stars like Jay Leno and Robin Williams.

A Comedic Breakthrough

Dreesen’s perseverance paid off after securing a manager in Los Angeles. He landed his pivotal first appearance on ‘The Tonight Show’, which was met with enthusiastic applause and led to lucrative opportunities, including signing with CBS and performing in Las Vegas. An introduction to Sinatra’s lawyer led to Dreesen becoming Sinatra’s opening act, forming a strong bond with the singer and other storied entertainers such as Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr.

Selfless Philanthropy and Dedication

Beyond comedy, Dreesen was noted for his charitable contributions, participating in countless benefits and supporting causes, notably through the Gary Sinise Foundation. Despite health challenges and a battle with COVID-19, Dreesen remained active. His friend Steve Lombardo remembering him as a person beloved by everyone he met.

Unveiling Personal Truths

A personal revelation came later in Dreesen’s life when he discovered that his biological father was not the man he believed, but rather Frank Polizzi, his uncle by marriage. He kept this secret for over 50 years. When he eventually reconciled this truth, Polizzi expressed regret at never publicly claiming their kinship during Dreesen’s television appearances, highlighting a poignant element of Dreesen’s life and legacy.

Tom Dreesen’s story is one of resilience, kindness, and humor that transcended hardship and adversity, enriching the lives of those who knew him and enjoyed his work.