Biography of Tom Dreesen

Tom Dreesen as a comedian, master of ceremonies or motivational speaker can deliver a level of entertainment that brings added value to each event.  Tom's unique engaging style is tailored to the specific dynamics of each audience and organization in order to accommodate as well as appeal to a wide range of people.

Daily Variety wrote, "Dreesen is one of the most respected family comedians of our time."

As a master of ceremonies, he has been praised for his huge contribution to the success of any program and has been referred to by Frank Sinatra as the "Master" of master of ceremonies.

Tom Dreesen's name has appeared on the marquees of Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Reno and Atlantic City with artists like Frank Sinatra, Smokey Robinson, Liza Minnelli, Natalie Cole and Sammy Davis, Jr.

Dreesen, who opened for Frank Sinatra for well over a decade in club and concert appearances throughout the U.S. and Canada, has appeared on many televison shows.  He is a frequent and favorite guest on the "Late Show with David Letterman" where he also served as guest host - not to mention over 50 "Tonight Show" appearances. Dreesen had guest roles on T.V. shows such as "Columbo," "Gabriels Fire," "Murder She Wrote" and "Touched By An Angel.  He also had roles on the HBO movies "Rat Pack" and "Lansky" as well as the motion pictures "Man on the Moon" and "Spaceballs."

"To show his versatility, Tom recorded a comedy album, “That White Boy’s Crazy” before an all black audience and starred in a home video production entitled "Tackling Football" (A Woman's Guide to the Rules of the Game). He also starred in his own television comedy special, "Dreesen Street" and hosted a late night talk show from Chicago, "Night Time Starring Tom Dreesen."

Growing up on the south side of Chicago, Tom has never forgotten his early, less affluent days. He has come a long way from his home town of Harvey, Illinois. He has never strayed too far from his old neighborhood, and to show their appreciation, the city of Harvey named a street after him, “Dreesen Street” on August 22nd, 1992.

Dreesen gives generously of his time helping struggling comics and devoting a great deal of time to charities and benefits. Each year he organizes "Day for Darlene," a series of celebrity events to raise money to help fight Multiple Sclerosis. This occasion is named for his late sister who was afflicted with the disease.

His clean cut appearance and topical material, his boy-next-door style, and his warm and personable nature explain his wide appeal. He has also been characterized as a "saloon comedian" by Frank Sinatra (who prides himself as being a "saloon singer.") "By that," Sinatra explains, "We're a couple of neighborhood kind of guys."