 |
Hazel BrooksAmerican actress
Date of Birth: 08.09.1924
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Hazel Brooks
Early Life and CareerHazel Brooks was born on September 8, 1924, in Cape Town, South Africa. She grew up in the United States and at the age of eighteen, in 1943, she signed a contract with the American media company 'Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer' (MGM), without even having to change her real name.
In 1944, three years before reaching the peak of her career, Hazel attracted attention for something other than her acting. The 19-year-old actress married Cedric Gibbons, the head of art direction at her studio, who was 51 years old at the time. Despite the significant age difference causing gossip and ridicule, their marriage turned out to be very successful.
Acting Career
Hazel Brooks achieved the height of her career in 1947, thanks to her leading role as Alice in the Oscar-winning drama 'Body and Soul' directed by Robert Rossen and starring John Garfield. She also played the role of Sybil in Lewis Milestone's war melodrama 'Arch of Triumph' and appeared in the film noir 'Sleep, My Love' in 1948 alongside Claudette Colbert.
In 1951, Brooks joined the cast of Felix E. Feist's crime drama 'The Basketball Fix' with John Ireland and Marshall Thompson, where she portrayed the character of Lily Courtney. She then worked with director Lloyd Bacon in his musical biopic 'The I Don't Care Girl' in 1953, playing the role of Stella Forrest.
Later Life and Contributions
After her successful roles in several MGM films, where Hazel was able to showcase her talents, she decided to retire from acting. According to her longtime friend Maria Cooper Janis, daughter of Gary Cooper, Hazel became an experienced photographer during her retirement. Additionally, she actively worked for children's charitable organizations.
Following the death of her first husband, Cedric Gibbons, in 1960, Hazel remarried to Dr. Rex Ross, a surgeon and founder of the Non-Invasive Vascular Clinic. Ross passed away in 1999.
Hazel Brooks passed away at the age of 78 on September 18, 2002, in Bel Air, California.
