Jean Brooks was an American actress who is best known for her roles in The Seventh Victim, The Leopard Man, and Women in the Night. Born Ruby Matilda Kelly, she changed her name several times throughout her career to avoid confusion with other actresses.
Personal and Family Life
Jean Brooks was born on December 23, 1915, in Houston, Texas, as the youngest child of Horace and Robina Kelly. After her father’s death, she moved to Costa Rica with her mother, where she became fluent in Spanish. She had three marriages, including to writer Richard Brooks and later to Thomas Hugh Leddy, until her death in 1963.
Career
Brooks began her career as a singer in New York City before transitioning to acting. She appeared in many “B” films at Universal Pictures and became known for her striking performances in classic horror films produced by Val Lewton. Despite her talent, her career declined in the mid-1940s, and she eventually moved to San Francisco, where she worked as a classified ad solicitor.
Death and Legacy
Jean Brooks passed away on November 25, 1963, in Richmond, California, due to complications from cirrhosis. Her death coincided with the funeral of President John F. Kennedy, resulting in little media attention. She was cremated, and her ashes were scattered at sea. Brooks is remembered for her unique contributions to early horror cinema.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Seventh Victim | 1943-08-21 | Jacqueline Gibson |
| Women in the Night | 1948-01-02 | Maya |
| The Leopard Man | 1943-05-19 | Kiki Walker |
| Two O’Clock Courage | 1945-04-13 | Barbara Borden |
| The Falcon in Hollywood | 1944-12-08 | Roxanna Miles |
| The Falcon in Danger | 1943-07-17 | Iris Fairchild |
| The Falcon and the Co-Eds | 1943-11-10 | Vicky Gaines |
| The Falcon’s Alibi | 1946-04-12 | Baroness Lena |
| The Boss of Big Town | 1942-12-07 | Iris Moore |
| Youth Runs Wild | 1944-09-01 | Mary Hauser Coates |
| The Bamboo Blonde | 1946-07-15 | Marsha |
| A Night of Adventure | 1944-06-02 | Julie Arden |
| Miracle on Main Street | 1939-12-19 | Nina |
| Man from Montana | 1941-09-05 | Linda Thompson |
| The Devil’s Pipeline | 1940-10-31 | Laura Larson (as Jeanne Kelly) |
| Frankie and Johnnie | 1936-04-30 | Cabaret Girl |
| The Invisible Killer | 1939-11-14 | Gloria Cunningham |
| The Invisible Man Returns | 1940-01-12 | Minor Role (uncredited) |
| The Green Hornet Strikes Again! | 1940-12-24 | Gloria Manning |
| Riders of Death Valley | 1941-07-01 | Mary Morgan (as Jeanne Kelly) |
| The Crime of Doctor Crespi | 1935-09-23 | Nurse Gordon (as Jeanne Kelly) |
| Meet the Chump | 1941-02-14 | Madge Reilly (as Jeanne Kelly) |
| A Dangerous Game | 1941-08-21 | Anne Bennett (as Jeanne Kelly) |
| Buck Privates | 1941-01-31 | Camp Hostess |
| Son of Roaring Dan | 1940-07-25 | Eris Brooke (as Jeanne Kelly) |
| Junior G-Men | 1940-11-01 | Waitress (uncredited) |
| Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe | 1940-03-03 | Olga (uncredited) |
| Klondike Fury | 1942-03-20 | Rae Langton |
| Boot Hill Bandits | 1942-04-24 | May Meadows |
| Fighting Bill Fargo | 1941-12-09 | Linda Tyler (as Jeanne Kelly) |
| Badlands Of Dakota | 1941-09-15 | Bella Union Girl |
| Tango Bar | 1935-02-22 | Young Ship’s Passenger on Lower Deck (uncredited) |
| Obeah | 1935-02-01 |