1923-12-14 Los Angeles, California, USA
Born in Los Angeles, Joe Brooks became an actor after graduating high school. He did some work as an extra, and his first speaking part was in the John Wayne WW II actioner The Fighting Seabees (1944). His acting career was interrupted by wartime service in the South Pacific. Returning to California after the war, he got back into acting again. He spent most of his career in bit parts and extra work until he was called to audition for the pilot for the western comedy series F Troop (1965). When told he would be testing for the part of the lookout, Brooks got the idea to play him as extremely nearsighted, making him virtually useless as a sentry. The pilot sold and Brooks was cast in the series as the "sight-impaired" lookout, Trooper Vanderbilt.
 |
Eye of the Tiger | Jake | 1986-07-07 |
 |
Gremlins | Dave Meyers (Santa) | 1984-06-08 |
 |
The Bad News Bears | Umpire | 1976-04-06 |
 |
The Big Bus | Bus Passenger | 1976-06-23 |
 |
Bite the Bullet | 1975-09-26 | |
 |
Pursuit | Cop | 1972-12-12 |
 |
Advance to the Rear | Pvt. Luke Bannerman (uncredited) | 1964-06-10 |
 |
Cheyenne Autumn | Bartender (uncredited) | 1964-10-15 |
 |
Kisses for My President | Photographer (uncredited) | 1964-08-21 |
 |
Robin and the 7 Hoods | Gisborne's Hood | 1964-06-24 |
 |
Critic's Choice | Catcher (uncredited) | 1963-02-24 |
 |
Bachelor Flat | Driver | 1962-01-12 |
 |
Angel Baby | Revival Meeting Guest (uncredited) | 1961-05-14 |
 |
Flaming Star | Man #5 at Crossing (uncredited) | 1960-12-20 |
 |
The Young Lions | Minor Role (uncredited) | 1958-04-02 |
 |
There's Always Tomorrow | 1956-01-08 | |
 |
Illegal | Reporter (uncredited) | 1955-10-09 |
 |
I Died a Thousand Times | Observer at Accident Scene (uncredited) | 1955-11-09 |
 |
East of Eden | Townsman at Carnival (uncredited) | 1955-04-10 |
 |
Wichita | Townsman (uncredited) | 1955-07-03 |
 |
A Streetcar Named Desire | Worker (uncredited) | 1951-09-19 |
 |
Rhubarb | Courtroom Spectator (uncredited) | 1951-08-29 |
 |
The Fighting Seabees | Pilot (uncredited) | 1944-01-27 |
