According to The Hollywood Reporter, stand-up comic Tom Dreesen has died at 87. Though he never achieved mainstream fame, Dreesen was a consequential figure in comedy—he opened for Frank Sinatra, formed a pioneering partnership with future 'WKRP in Cincinnati' star Tim Reid, and championed performers' rights at The Comedy Store by helping striking comedians secure payment. His influence on stand-up comedy runs deeper than his public profile suggests.

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