Tom Dreesen, known as half of one of America's first interracial comedy duos with Tim Reid, has died. His publicist confirmed his death in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Dreesen and Reid, who met in their hometown of Chicago, created "Tim and Tom" in 1969, using humor to address social issues at a time of simmering racial tensions. They performed together until the mid-1970s. Dreesen later became a successful solo comedian, appearing on "The Tonight Show" and "The Late Show." He was Frank Sinatra's opening act for 14 years. Dreesen also acted in TV shows and films, wrote books, and was active in charitable work. Dreesen was 86.