Tom Dreesen death: Veteran stand-up comedian dies at 86

Veteran stand-up comedian Tom Dreesen has passed away at the age of 86. Known for his long-standing friendship and touring partnership with Frank Sinatra, Dreesen was a fixture on late-night television and a key figure in the history of the Comedy Store.
Why it matters
Dreesen's death marks the end of an era for a generation of comedians who bridged the gap between the classic Vegas entertainment circuit and modern stand-up.
Tom Dreesen, the veteran comedian who led the Comedy Store strike and toured with Frank Sinatra, has died at 86. (Rodin Eckenroth / Getty Images) By Emily St. Martin Staff Writer Follow June 18, 2026 2:41 PM PT 2 10 min Click here to listen to this article Share via Close extra sharing options Email Facebook X LinkedIn Threads Reddit WhatsApp Copy Link URL Copied! Print 0:00 0:00 1x This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here .
The article is a straightforward obituary focusing on biographical facts and professional achievements.
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