Rand Brooks was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Gone with the Wind,” “The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin,” and as Lucky Jenkins in the Hopalong Cassidy films.
Personal and Family Life
Rand Brooks was born on September 21, 1918, in St. Louis, Missouri. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and later had two significant marriages; first to Lois Laurel, with whom he had two children, and then to Herminia Hodges. Brooks had a close friendship with the Roy Rogers family, cherished by many for both his acting and his kindness.
Career Highlights
Brooks began his acting career with a small role in the film “Love Finds a Way” after passing a screen test. He gained wider recognition for his performance as Charles Hamilton in “Gone with the Wind” and then became known as Lucky Jenkins in a series of Hopalong Cassidy movies. He was also active in television, appearing in popular shows like “Gunsmoke,” “Perry Mason,” and “The Munsters.” Later, he ventured into the ambulance business, founding Professional Ambulance Service in California, which became highly successful.
Death and Legacy
Rand Brooks passed away on September 1, 2003, in Santa Ynez, California, from cancer. He left behind a legacy marked by both his contributions to film and television and his entrepreneurial success in the ambulance service industry. His dedication to his craft and warm personality have been fondly remembered by friends and fans alike.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Gone with the Wind | 1939-03-12 | Charles Hamilton |
| In Like Flint | 1967-03-15 | Missile Control Officer (uncredited) |
| Joan of Arc | 1948-12-22 | Jean d’Arc, Joan’s older brother |
| Ladies of the Chorus | 1948-12-30 | Randy Carroll |
| False Paradise | 1948-09-10 | Lucky Jenkins |
| Borrowed Trouble | 1948-07-23 | Lucky Jenkins |
| Fool’s Gold | 1946-10-09 | Lucky Jenkins |
| Sinister Journey | 1948-06-11 | Lucky Jenkins |
| The Devil’s Playground | 1946-11-15 | Lucky Jenkins |
| Hoppy’s Holiday | 1947-07-18 | Lucky Jenkins |
| The Wyoming Bandit | 1949-07-15 | Jimmy Howard |
| The Lone Ranger | 1949-09-15 | Deputy Jim Tyler |
| Columbo | 1971-09-15 | Jerry – Wine Lab Assistant (uncredited) |
| The Munsters | 1964-09-24 | The Man |
| Wagon Train | 1957-09-18 | Thomas Pope |