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.
Catcher (uncredited)
Film 1963
Bartender (uncredited)
Film 1964
Umpire
Film 1976
Photographer (uncredited)
Film 1964
Observer at Accident Scene (uncredited)
Film 1955
Pvt. Luke Bannerman (uncredited)
Film 1964
Film 1956
Reporter (uncredited)
Film 1955
Man #5 at Crossing (uncredited)
Film 1960
Gisborne's Hood
Film 1964
Townsman at Carnival (uncredited)
Film 1955
Minor Role (uncredited)
Film 1958
Revival Meeting Guest (uncredited)
Film 1961
Pilot (uncredited)
Film 1944
Jake
Film 1986
Worker (uncredited)
Film 1951
Driver
Film 1961
Bus Passenger
Film 1976
Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)
Film 1951
Townsman (uncredited)
Film 1955
Dave Meyers (Santa)
Film 1984
Film 1975
Tv 1958
Tv 1955
Tv 1965
Crane Driver
Tv 1965
Fat Man
Tv 1966
The 1st Workman
Tv 1964
Umpire
Tv 1964
Heckler
Tv 1959
Sentry
Tv 1959
Doorman
Tv 1974
Janitor
Tv 1974
Visor
Tv 1966