India, June 18 -- Veteran comedian and actor Tom Dreesen, whose career in entertainment spanned more than five decades, has died at the age of 86. His family confirmed the news on his official Facebook page on Wednesday.

"He wanted you all to know how much joy you brought him through the years. He said to tell you that he loved you all. May he rest in peace," the statement read. No cause of death was disclosed.

The news came just a week after Dreesen made what would become his final television appearance on CBS' Comics Unleashed With Byron Allen.

Who Is Tom Dreesen?

Born on September 11, 1939, in Harvey, Illinois, Dreesen grew up in a large working-class family and was one of eight children. His early years were marked by financial st...