Joe Brooks
Biography
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.
Filmography
Eye of the Tiger
1986
as Jake
Gremlins
1984
as Dave Meyers (Santa)
The Big Bus
1976
as Bus Passenger
The Bad News Bears
1976
as Umpire
Bite the Bullet
1975
Pursuit
1972
as Cop
The Rare Breed
1966
as Bartender (uncredited)
Cheyenne Autumn
1964
as Bartender (uncredited)
Kisses for My President
1964
as Photographer (uncredited)
Robin and the 7 Hoods
1964
as Gisborne's Hood (uncredited)
Advance to the Rear
1964
as Pvt. Luke Bannerman (uncredited)
Critic's Choice
1963
as Catcher (uncredited)
Five Weeks in a Balloon
1962
as Villager (uncredited)
Bachelor Flat
1961
as Driver
Angel Baby
1961
as Revival Meeting Guest (uncredited)
Flaming Star
1960
as Man #5 at Crossing (uncredited)
The Young Lions
1958
as Minor Role (uncredited)
The Enemy Below
1957
as German Soldier (uncredited)
There's Always Tomorrow
1956
I Died a Thousand Times
1955
as Observer at Accident Scene (uncredited)
Illegal
1955
as Reporter (uncredited)
Wichita
1955
as Townsman (uncredited)
Tall Man Riding
1955
as Townsman (uncredited)
East of Eden
1955
as Townsman at Carnival (uncredited)