LAMAMIMET

Tom Dreesen (September 11, 1939 – June 17, 2026) was an American actor and stand‑up comedian. He grew up in Harvey, Illinois, and began his career after meeting Tim Reid in 1968, forming Tim and Tom, the first biracial comedy duo in the United States. After the duo split in the mid‑1970s, Dreesen achieved individual success, becoming a regular on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, appearing on Match Game, and touring as the opening act for Frank Sinatra. He also acted in television series such as WKRP in Cincinnati, Columbo, and Murder, She Wrote, and in films including Spaceballs. Dreesen released a comedy album in 1989, supported the 1979 Comedy Store strike, and later authored a memoir and co‑wrote a book about his partnership with Reid. He hosted the annual Tom Dreesen Celebrity Classic golf tournament and was honored with a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. He died on June 17, 2026 at age 86; his death was announced by his family’s spokesperson.