Tom Driessen, the prolific stand-up comedian known for touring with Frank Sinatra and appearing in “Spaceballs” and the TV movie “Columbo: Malibu Murders,” died Wednesday. He was 86 years old.
News of Mr. Dresen’s death was shared by his family on their official Facebook page. “He wanted you all to know how much joy you all brought him over the years. He let you all know he loved you all. Rest in peace,” the post read, without providing further details.
Driessen’s death came a week after her last television appearance on “Comics Unleashed with Bryon Allen” on CBS. This was Driessen’s fourth appearance on the show since it started in 2006. Mr. Driessen served as Byron Allen’s mentor since 1975.
A stand-up comedian for more than 50 years who grew up in the Chicago suburbs, Driessen got his start performing with Tim Reid in the comedy duo Tim and Tom, the first interracial stand-up duo in the United States. Since beginning his solo career in the mid-’70s, Driessen has been a frequent guest on The David Letterman Show, performing with Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis Jr., and Smokey Robinson. Notably, he toured the United States for 13 years as Sinatra’s opening act.
‘Forrest Gump’ actor Gary Sinise paid tribute to his longtime friend in a post on Tom was hilarious, always made us laugh and was a great friend. What a wonderful and long career he had in show business.”
Driessen appeared in various television shows, starting with the second episode of “Good Heavens” in 1976. Credits include “Murder, She Wrote,” “WKRP in Cincinnati,” “The Facts of Life,” and “Touched by an Angel.” He also appeared in the movie “Man on the Moon.”
