From Harvey to Hollywood with Tom Dreesen

"We honor the memory of our beloved friend and creative collaborator, Tom Dreesen (1939–2026), whose legendary wit and guidance shaped the foundation of our evening events."Tom Dreesen: September 11, 1939 - June 17, 2026 To share a personal memory of Tom or to read the family's official announcement, you can visit his official Keeper Memorials page. To honor his extraordinary life and continue his dedication to our nation's heroes, please consider making a memorial tribute gift directly through the Gary Sinise Foundation.BONUS:  Today The Quest Express sits down with Tom Dreesen, who has been in show business for 50 years.  In this episode, Tom shares the personal story of his childhood in poverty before pursuing his dreams to become a successful entertainer. Come back for Part II & III later this week.BIO:Tom Dreesen left his hometown of Harvey, Illinois over 45 years ago to seek fame and fortune in Hollywood. Since that time, he has made over 500 appearances on national television as a standup comedian including 61 appearances on the Tonight Show.  He was a favorite guest of David Letterman and often hosted the show during David’s absence. For years, he has been a regular in all of the main showrooms in Las Vegas performing with Sammy Davis Jr., Lisa Minnelli, Natalie Cole, Smokey Robinson, Mac Davis, Tony Orlando and for 14 years toured the nation as the opening act for Frank Sinatra.As an actor he’s appeared in many motion pictures like Trouble With the Curve, Spaceballs, Man On the Moon, HBO movies Rat Pack and Lansky, and mastered roles on television shows like Columbo, Touched By An Angel, Murder She Wrote, Facts of Life and WKRP in Cincinnati.The first six years of Tom's career, he shared the stage with Tim Reid as America’s first black-and-white comedy team. The duo recently wrote a book called "Tim and Tom: An American Comedy in Black and White" about their escapades touring the nation from 1969 to 1975.Tom’s current book "Still Standing. My Journey from Streets and Saloons to the Stage and Sinatra" is receiving rave reviews including over 400 Five-star reviews on Amazon.His manager of over 30 years says, “Tom has lent his talent to over 100 charities including one he founded called Day for Darlene running 26 miles three years in a row to raise money and honor his sister Darlene who was challenged with Multiple Sclerosis.  An ex-GI and strong supporter of our troops, he’s performed in military bases worldwide including Iraq.  On May 14, 2005, Dreesen received the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award for humanitarian service to his country.Introducing the First Premium, Come to You, Decentralized Dinner Society for Discerning Travelers: The Dinner Story.   Visit us and inquire here: The Dinner StoryThe podcast may be over, but our curiosity and hunger for inspiring people and experiences will never end. Join the WAITING LIST for our most unique experiences, COMMISSION a rare season of modular events, or just say HI:   [email protected] Credits:  INTRO:  Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel