Hillary Brooke
Actor
About Hillary Brooke
Hillary Brooke began her entertainment career in radio before making her film debut in the early 1940s, quickly establishing herself as a versatile character actress. Standing at an impressive 5'7", she often portrayed sophisticated, elegant women who could seamlessly transition between heroine and villainess roles. Her breakthrough came with her memorable performance as Moriarty's accomplice in the Sherlock Holmes film 'The Woman in Green' (1944) opposite Basil Rathbone. Brooke became a frequent collaborator with Abbott and Costello, appearing in several of their comedy films including 'Africa Screams' (1950) and 'The Time of Their Lives' (1946). She successfully transitioned to television in the 1950s, appearing in popular series like 'The Abbott and Costello Show' and 'The Adventures of Superman.' Her career spanned nearly two decades before she retired from acting in the late 1950s to focus on her family life.
The Craft
On Screen
Hillary Brooke was known for her sophisticated and elegant screen presence, often playing intelligent, refined characters with an underlying edge of mystery or menace. Her distinctive voice and tall stature gave her a commanding presence, making her particularly effective in roles that required both glamour and authority. She excelled at playing femme fatales and sophisticated villains, bringing a cool, calculated precision to her performances. Her comedic timing was sharp, especially in her work with Abbott and Costello, where she could deliver witty lines with perfect deadpan expression.
Milestones
- Film debut in 'The Man Who Talked Too Much' (1940)
- Breakthrough role in 'The Woman in Green' (1944) as Moriarty's accomplice
- Regular collaborator with Abbott and Costello in multiple films
- Transition to successful television career in the 1950s
- Starred in film noir productions including 'The Big Clock' (1948)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (1988)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Hillary Brooke made significant contributions to both film and television during Hollywood's Golden Age, particularly in the comedy and mystery genres. Her work with Abbott and Costello helped define the duo's film formula, providing the perfect female foil to their comedic antics. In the Sherlock Holmes series, she represented one of the memorable female adversaries opposite Basil Rathbone, contributing to the enduring appeal of these classic mysteries. Her transition to television helped bridge the gap between Hollywood's studio era and the new medium of television, demonstrating the versatility of classic film actors.
Lasting Legacy
Hillary Brooke's legacy endures through her memorable performances in classic films that continue to be discovered by new generations of film enthusiasts. Her portrayal of sophisticated villains and elegant women in film noir and mystery films has become part of the archetype for these genres. The Abbott and Costello films featuring her remain comedy classics, regularly shown on television and streaming platforms. Her Hollywood Walk of Fame star ensures her place in Hollywood history, while her appearances in Sherlock Holmes films have made her a perennial favorite among mystery film aficionados.
Who They Inspired
Hillary Brooke influenced subsequent generations of character actresses, particularly in how she balanced glamour with menace in her villainous roles. Her ability to play both comedy and drama with equal skill demonstrated the versatility required of character actors in Hollywood's Golden Age. Her successful transition from film to television provided a model for other actors navigating the changing entertainment landscape of the 1950s. Her sophisticated style and commanding presence influenced how actresses could portray intelligence and authority on screen without sacrificing femininity.
Off Screen
Hillary Brooke married film director Jack Hively in 1941, and their marriage lasted until his death in 1995. The couple had two children together, a son named Jack Jr. and a daughter named Victoria. After retiring from acting in the late 1950s, she dedicated herself to family life and occasionally appeared at film conventions and nostalgia events. She spent her later years in Bellingham, Washington, where she passed away at the age of 84.
Education
Studied drama at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Family
- Jack Hively (1941-1995)
Did You Know?
- She was 5'7" tall, which was considered quite tall for actresses of her era
- She changed her name from Beatrice Peterson to Hillary Brooke early in her career
- She was a regular on the radio show 'The Abbott and Costello Show' before appearing with them in films
- Her distinctive voice made her popular in radio dramas before her film career
- She appeared in three different Sherlock Holmes films with Basil Rathbone
- She was one of the few actresses to work with both Abbott and Costello and The Three Stooges
- Her final film appearance was in 'The Deep Six' (1958) starring Alan Ladd
- She was a skilled horse rider and often performed her own riding stunts in Western films
- She was fluent in Swedish, reflecting her Scandinavian heritage
- Her Hollywood Walk of Fame star is located at 6301 Hollywood Boulevard
In Their Own Words
I always preferred playing the villainess - they're much more interesting and have better lines than the good girls.
Working with Abbott and Costello was like being in a constant party. They never stopped joking, even between takes.
The transition from radio to film wasn't as difficult as people think. In both mediums, your voice is your most important instrument.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Hillary Brooke?
Hillary Brooke was an American actress active during Hollywood's Golden Age, known for her roles in film noir, mysteries, and comedies. She frequently appeared with Abbott and Costello and played memorable villainous roles in Sherlock Holmes films opposite Basil Rathbone.
What films is Hillary Brooke best known for?
Hillary Brooke is best known for 'The Woman in Green' (1944), 'Africa Screams' (1950), 'The Big Clock' (1948), 'The Time of Their Lives' (1946), and 'Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff' (1949).
When was Hillary Brooke born and when did she die?
Hillary Brooke was born on September 8, 1914, in Astoria, New York, and died on May 25, 1999, in Bellingham, Washington, at the age of 84.
What awards did Hillary Brooke win?
Hillary Brooke received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 1988, recognizing her contributions to the entertainment industry. She did not receive major acting awards during her career but was highly regarded for her character work.
What was Hillary Brooke's acting style?
Hillary Brooke was known for her sophisticated and elegant screen presence, often playing intelligent, refined characters with an underlying edge of mystery. She excelled at femme fatale roles and had sharp comedic timing, particularly in her work with Abbott and Costello.
Learn More
Films
2 films
