Stand-up comedian and actor
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Key moments and achievements from Tom Dreesen's life.
Tom was born
· Los Angeles, California, United States
Military service
At 17, Dreesen left high school in Harvey, Illinois, and joined the U.S. Navy, where he served and reached the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class.
Military service
At 17, Dreesen left high school in Harvey, Illinois, and joined the U.S. Navy, where he served and reached the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class.
Founding
Dreesen and Tim Reid debuted as Tim and Tom, billed as the first interracial comedy team to tour the country, after honing their act while speaking to schoolchildren about drug education.
Founding
Dreesen and Tim Reid debuted as Tim and Tom, billed as the first interracial comedy team to tour the country, after honing their act while speaking to schoolchildren about drug education.
Advocacy
Dreesen helped organize a walkout of comedians at the Comedy Store, joined by David Letterman, Garry Shandling and Jay Leno, that won pay for performing comics.
Advocacy
Dreesen helped organize a walkout of comedians at the Comedy Store, joined by David Letterman, Garry Shandling and Jay Leno, that won pay for performing comics.
Role
After Sinatra invited him to perform, Dreesen began a thirteen-year run as the singer's opening act, touring dozens of cities each year.
Role
After Sinatra invited him to perform, Dreesen began a thirteen-year run as the singer's opening act, touring dozens of cities each year.
Role
Dreesen expanded into acting with parts in films including Spaceballs, later appearing in Man on the Moon and Trouble with the Curve.
Role
Dreesen expanded into acting with parts in films including Spaceballs, later appearing in Man on the Moon and Trouble with the Curve.
Publication
Dreesen released his autobiography, Still Standing: My Journey From Streets and Saloons to the Stage, and Sinatra, with a foreword by David Letterman.
Publication
Dreesen released his autobiography, Still Standing: My Journey From Streets and Saloons to the Stage, and Sinatra, with a foreword by David Letterman.
Tom Dreesen passed away
