Jess Lee Brooks
Biography
Jess Lee Brooks was an American singer and actor who began as a concert artist before moving into stage and film work. A native of Jefferson, Texas, who grew up in Seattle, he studied at the University of Kansas and Northwestern University. In 1936 he won praise for his performance as Haitian ruler Henri Christophe in the WPA production Black Empire, which opened at the Mayan Theater in Los Angeles. Variety's Jack Hellman highlighted his characterization, and noted that he received five curtain calls on opening night. Brooks made his screen debut as a police lieutenant in Dark Manhattan, a film that premiered on January 19, 1937. His other credits included the short subjects That Man Samson and Little Pioneer. He died in 1944.
50years old at death
- Born
- Died
- Star sign: GeminiThe sign runs May 21 to June 20
Movie Career
- Films
- 4
- Career span
- 6 years1939 to 1945
Every film, newest first
- 1945The Lost WeekendIMDb rating 7.8
- 1943Son of DraculaIMDb rating 6.0
- 1942Lucky GhostIMDb rating 5.8
- 1939Midnight ShadowIMDb rating 3.4
Genres
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Big break
In March 1936, Brooks played the Haitian monarch Henri Christophe in the WPA production Black Empire. His portrayal drew glowing reviews, and the show opened at the Mayan Theater in Los Angeles.
First role
Brooks had already made his screen debut playing the police lieutenant in Dark Manhattan, a George Randol feature film. The movie had its world premiere on January 19, 1937, in L.A.'s Central Avenue Corridor.
Jess Lee Brooks movies on Netflix
Worked with
Jess Lee Brooks made one film with each of them. Pick a number on the chart or a name in the list to see the films they share.
Films together
Lon Chaney Jr.'s page
Ray Milland's page
Samuel S. Hinds's page
Walter Baldwin's page
Frank Faylen's page
George Irving's page
All films by Billy Wilder
All films by Robert Siodmak
William BeaudineDirector, 1 film, 1942
All films by William Beaudine
Online
Official profiles and reference pages.