Phyllis Brooks American actress and model Date of Birth: 18.07.1915 Country: USA

Biography of Phyllis Brooks

Phyllis Brooks was an American actress and model, born on July 18, 1915, in Boise, Idaho. She started her career in the film industry at the age of 19 and gained fame as the "Ipana toothpaste girl" due to her work as a model in advertisements. Additionally, she posed for renowned artists such as James Montgomery Flagg, McClelland Barclay, and Bradshaw Crandall.

From 1934 to 1945, Phyllis Brooks appeared in 33 films, initially playing small but memorable roles and later becoming a leading actress in B movies. Some of her notable works include the drama "In Old Chicago" in 1937, the musical "Little Miss Broadway" in 1938, and the film noir "Shanghai Gesture" in 1941. Despite her busy filming schedule, she also performed on stage and had four Broadway appearances, with her final one being from May to June 1945.

During the late 1930s, Phyllis Brooks dated the handsome actor Cary Grant, who gave her the nickname "Brooksie." There were also rumors of her romantic involvement with eccentric millionaire Howard Hughes, although Hughes had numerous relationships with Hollywood beauties, making it difficult to discern fact from fiction.

In 1942, the British newspaper "Sunday Telegraph" referred to Phyllis Brooks as the president of "Parties Unlimited Inc." in an article about Hollywood's involvement in the war. Alongside actresses Una Merkel and Gary Cooper, she became the first civilian woman to embark on a tour to entertain troops in the Pacific Theater during World War II as part of the United Service Organizations.

In 1945, Phyllis married Torbert Macdonald, a young politician from Massachusetts who would later serve as a congressman for eleven terms. Torbert, a Harvard graduate and former roommate of John F. Kennedy, remained a close friend of the couple throughout their lives. Kennedy even became the godfather to Phyllis and Torbert's first child. After marriage, Phyllis Brooks retired from acting and moved with her husband to Cambridge, Massachusetts, to support his legal studies. They had four children together.

Phyllis Brooks continued to perform in theater during the summer season and hosted a television program in the early 1950s on Boston television, where she interviewed famous guests. Eventually, she fully dedicated herself to her family. While Phyllis was often referred to as a socialite, it is more accurate to say she moved in political circles solely to support her husband's career.

Phyllis Brooks passed away on August 1, 1995, at the age of 80 in the small town of Cape Neddick, Maine.