Actor. He is best remembered for his role as the near-sighted Trooper Vanderbilt on the classic television series, “F Troop” from 1965 to 1967. Born John Joseph Brooks Jr., in Los Angeles, he began his acting career after graduating from high school and had his first speaking part in the 1944 John Wayne film, “The Fighting Seabees.”  During World War II Brooks put his acting career on hold and served his country fighting in the South Pacific. He then returned to California and continued to act mainly as an extra and in bit parts until he was called to audition for the role of Vanderbilt. His career spanned some 22 movies and numerous television appearances over 40 years. His other credits include the films “East Of Eden” (1955), “Tall Man Riding” (1955), “The Young Lions” (1958), “Born Reckless” (1958), “Flaming Star” (1960), “Robin And The 7 Hoods” (1964), “Pursuit” (1972), “The Bad News Bears” (1976), “Gremlins” (1984), and “Eye Of The Tiger” (1986),  and the TV shows “Rawhide”, “The Six Million Dollar Man”, “Bewitched”, “The Munsters”, and “Cheyenne.”  Family links:  Spouse:  Betty J Brooks (1926 – 1991)* *Calculated relationship