Tom Dreesen

Tom Dreesen is one of the world’s most groundbreaking, well-respected and beloved comedians and entertainers. He left his hometown of Harvey, Illinois over 40 years ago to seek fame and fortune in Hollywood. Since then he has made over 500 appearances on national television as a standup comedian, including 61 appearances on the Tonight Show. He was also a favorite guest of David Letterman and even hosted the show during David’s absence.

For years, he has been a regular in all of the main showrooms in Las Vegas, performing with legends including Sammy Davis Jr., Liza Minnelli, Natalie Cole, Smokey Robinson and many others. For 14 years, he famously toured the United States as the opening act for Frank Sinatra, whom he came to know as a mentor and friend.

As an actor, Tom has appeared in numerous motion pictures including Trouble with the Curve, Spaceballs, Man on the Moon, and HBO movies The Rat Pack and Lansky. He also mastered roles on classic television shows including Columbo, Touched By An Angel, Murder She Wrote, Facts of Life and WKRP in Cincinnati. He recorded a comedy album called “That White Boy’s Crazy,” becoming the only white comedian to record an album in front of an all-black audience.

Tom is currently appearing in theaters around the country in his one man show, An Evening of Laughter and Stories of Sinatra, displaying his critically acclaimed comedy skills with his extraordinary storytelling ability. The combination of the two led Chicago Tribune critic Rick Kogan to write, “Brilliant, funny, poignant.” In his spare time, Tom is in constant demand as a headliner and Master of Ceremonies for corporate events, and has co-starred with acts from Bon Jovi to Elton John.

For the first six years of his career, Tom shared the stage with Tim Reid as America’s first black and white comedy team. The duo recently wrote a book called Tim and Tom - An American Comedy in Black and White about their experiences touring the nation from 1969 to 1975, which is now being developed as a motion picture.

Tom has also made an indelible mark through his decades of philanthropic activities, lending his talent to over 100 charitable organizations and as founder of one of his own: “Day for Darlene” to benefit Multiple Sclerosis research in honor of his late sister.

A proud veteran of the United States Navy and strong supporter of U.S. troops, he’s performed in military bases all over the world including Iraq. On May 14, 2005 he received the prestigious Ellis Island Medal Of Honor Award for humanitarian service to his country.

When not performing on the road, Tom resides in Los Angeles, California.