Walter Brooke was an American actor best known for his roles in The Graduate, Conquest of Space, and The Return of Count Yorga. He was born on October 13, 1914, in New York City and passed away on August 20, 1986, in Los Angeles, California.
Personal and Family Life
Walter Brooke’s birth name was Gustav William Tweer Jr. He grew up in a family with a professional chef for a father and a nurse for a mother. He had three marriages; his first was to Sarah (Hillhynes) Merriam, followed by Elizabeth Wragge, with whom he had two children, Thomas and Christina. He later married Yvonne White, remaining together until his death.
Career Highlights
Brooke’s acting career began by chance when he stumbled into a drama class in high school. He eventually made his Broadway debut before moving to Hollywood, where he worked under famous directors and gained recognition in both films and television. He became popular in various TV shows and movies, showcasing his versatile acting skills.
Death and Legacy
Walter Brooke died on August 20, 1986, due to emphysema. His contributions to film and television left a lasting impact, remembered especially for his memorable line in The Graduate about “plastics.” He is also known for his environmental activism and love for gardening.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Conquest of Space | 1955-04-20 | Gen. Samuel T. Merritt |
| The Graduate | 1967-12-21 | Mr. McGuire |
| The Return of Count Yorga | 1971-08-18 | Bill Nelson |
| Executive Action | 1973-11-07 | Smythe |
| The Big Bus | 1976-06-23 | Mr. Ames |
| Fun with Dick and Jane | 1977-03-18 | Mr. Weeks |
| Black Sunday | 1977-04-01 | Fowler |
| They Died with Their Boots On | 1941-11-20 | Cadet Rosser (uncredited) |
| The Andromeda Strain | 1971-03-12 | Assistant to Cabinet Secretary |
| Tora! Tora! Tora! | 1970-01-26 | Captain Theodore Wilkinson |