Conrad Brooks was an American actor best known for his roles in Plan 9 from Outer Space, Glen or Glenda, and The Beast of Yucca Flats. He became a cult figure in low-budget horror films and was associated with filmmaker Ed Wood.
Personal and Family Life
Born Conrad Biedrzycki on January 3, 1931, in Baltimore, Maryland, he was the son of Polish immigrants. He had a large family with seven siblings, two of whom, Henry Bederski and Ted Brooks, also pursued acting careers. Brooks married Ruth Brooks in 1963, and they had one child together. After living in California for a while, he settled in Inwood, West Virginia, in 2004.
Career Highlights
Conrad Brooks started his acting career in Hollywood at the age of seventeen. He met Ed Wood in a donut shop, which led to his involvement in several of Wood’s films, including his most famous role as Patrolman Jamie in Plan 9 from Outer Space. After a break from acting in the 1960s and 1970s, he returned in the 1980s and became known for his performances in various independent films and comedies, often working alongside director Mark Pirro. Throughout his career, he also took part in several documentaries related to Ed Wood and attended numerous horror conventions.
Death and Legacy
Conrad Brooks passed away at the age of 86 on December 6, 2017, in Martinsburg, West Virginia, due to complications from sepsis. He had been battling prostate cancer for two years prior to his death. His unique contribution to the world of cult cinema has left a lasting impact on fans of low-budget films.
Filmography
Title | Release Date | Character |
---|---|---|
Plan 9 from Outer Space | 1959-07-22 | Patrolman Jamie |
I Woke Up Early the Day I Died | 1998-09-13 | Cruiser Cop #3 |
Deathrow Gameshow | 1987-12-04 | Judge |
Glen or Glenda | 1953-04-01 | Various roles |
Ed Wood | 1994-09-28 | Bartender (uncredited) |
Zombiegeddon | 2003-07-12 | Dean Martinson |
Bikini Drive-In | 1995-01-01 | Oscar |
Curse of the Queerwolf | 1988-01-01 | Wally Beaver |
Rollergator | 1996-08-08 | Swamp Farmer |
Jan-Gel 3: Hillbilly Monster | 2003-01-01 | Dirty Harry |