Ted Brooks
Actor
About Ted Brooks
Ted Brooks was a minor actor during the silent film era, known primarily for his appearance in John Ford's 1917 western 'Straight Shooting.' His career appears to have been extremely brief, with film records showing activity only during the year 1917. Like many actors of the early silent period, Brooks was likely a bit player or extra who appeared in background roles or minor speaking parts. The film 'Straight Shooting' was one of John Ford's earliest directorial efforts and starred Harry Carey in the lead role. Brooks was part of the supporting ensemble cast that helped populate this early Universal western production. Unfortunately, like many actors from this era who had brief careers, detailed records of his life and career are scarce, making it difficult to trace his full biography or determine whether he attempted other film work outside of his 1917 appearance.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in John Ford's early western 'Straight Shooting' (1917)
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Ted Brooks represents the countless anonymous actors who populated early American cinema during the silent era. His participation in John Ford's early work connects him to the foundation of American western filmmaking, even though his individual contribution was minimal. Like many bit players of his time, Brooks was part of the collaborative effort that created the foundational works of Hollywood's golden age, contributing to the atmosphere and authenticity of early westerns that would later influence generations of filmmakers.
Lasting Legacy
Ted Brooks' legacy is primarily as a representative figure of the anonymous supporting actors who were essential to early American cinema. His appearance in 'Straight Shooting' places him within the historical context of John Ford's formative years as a director, making him part of the foundation upon which classic Hollywood westerns were built. While his individual contribution may have been small, he represents the hundreds of performers who helped create the visual language and storytelling techniques of early American film.
Who They Inspired
As a minor actor with only one known film appearance, Ted Brooks had limited direct influence on subsequent performers or filmmakers. However, his participation in early cinema exemplifies the collaborative nature of film production during the silent era, where even small roles contributed to the overall impact and development of the medium.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Ted Brooks' personal life, which is typical for minor actors from the silent era who had brief film careers. The lack of detailed records makes it difficult to reconstruct his biography beyond his single known film appearance.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in 'Straight Shooting' (1917), which was one of John Ford's first films as a director
- His entire known film career consists of a single year (1917)
- Worked during the early days of Universal Pictures' western film production
- Shared the screen with Harry Carey, who would become one of the biggest western stars of the silent era
- Part of the ensemble cast in what is now considered a historically significant early western
- Like many silent era bit players, his personal details remain largely undocumented
- His career coincided with America's entry into World War I, which affected film production
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ted Brooks?
Ted Brooks was a minor actor during the silent film era who appeared in John Ford's 1917 western 'Straight Shooting.' His career appears to have been extremely brief, with records showing activity only during 1917.
What films is Ted Brooks best known for?
Ted Brooks is known only for his appearance in 'Straight Shooting' (1917), an early John Ford western starring Harry Carey that was produced by Universal Pictures.
When was Ted Brooks born and when did he die?
Unfortunately, Ted Brooks' birth and death dates are not documented in available historical records, which is common for minor actors from the silent era who had brief careers.
What awards did Ted Brooks win?
There are no records of Ted Brooks receiving any awards or nominations for his work in film, which is typical for bit players from the silent era.
What was Ted Brooks' acting style?
Due to the limited documentation of his career and the fact that he appeared in only one known film, there is insufficient information to describe Ted Brooks' specific acting style or techniques.
Did Ted Brooks work with any famous directors?
Yes, Ted Brooks worked with John Ford in 'Straight Shooting' (1917), which was one of Ford's earliest directorial efforts before he became one of America's most celebrated filmmakers.
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Films
1 film
