Sammy Brooks was an American actor known for his work in silent films, particularly in comedies with Hal Roach and Harold Lloyd. He was a very short comedian, standing at 4 feet 2 inches tall, and became popular in various short films during his career.
Personal and Family Life
Born Samuel Rockenberg on July 10, 1891, in New York City, Sammy Brooks started his career in vaudeville during the early 1910s. He often played character parts in comedic films and had roles in numerous westerns. Brooks was actively involved in the film industry until the late 1930s.
Career Highlights
Sammy Brooks’ career began with Hal Roach in the Lonesome Luke comedies featuring Harold Lloyd from 1916 to 1917. He also appeared in minor roles during the transition to sound in films and often worked as a film extra in classic Laurel and Hardy comedies. He continued to entertain audiences until his last appearance in 1938.
Death and Legacy
Sammy Brooks passed away on May 16, 1951, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 60. His contributions to silent film comedy left a lasting impression, especially within the comedy genre of the early 20th century.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| An Eastern Westerner | 1920-05-02 | (uncredited) |
| Billy Blazes, Esq. | 1919-07-06 | |
| Captain Kidd’s Kids | 1919-11-30 | Small pirate |
| Ask Father | 1919-02-09 | Short office worker |
| Bumping Into Broadway | 1919-11-02 | |
| Now or Never | 1921-03-27 | Short Man on Train |
| Clubs Are Trump | 1917-11-18 | |
| Lonesome Luke on Tin Can Alley | 1917-04-15 | |
| Luke Locates the Loot | 1916-12-24 | |
| We Never Sleep | 1917-12-02 | |
| Luke’s Trolley Troubles | 1917-02-04 | |
| The Flirt | 1917-11-11 | |
| Rainbow Island | 1917-10-28 | |
| Luke’s Fireworks Fizzle | 1916-12-17 | |
| Luke and the Bang-Tails | 1916-10-15 | |
| Luke, Crystal Gazer | 1916-07-24 | |
| Luke and the Mermaids | 1916-09-18 | |
| Luke’s Lost Lamb | 1916-08-07 | |
| Lonesome Luke’s Lively Life | 1917-03-18 | |
| The Non-Stop Kid | 1918-05-12 | Short bearded man |
| All Aboard | 1917-11-25 | Midget crew member |
| Birds of a Feather | 1917-10-07 | |
| By the Sad Sea Waves | 1917-09-30 | Spectator at Beach |