Joel Brooks

Joel Brooks is one of those wonderfully recognizable faces—an actor whose presence instantly signals familiarity, yet whose name might not always leap to mind. For over five decades, he has graced our screens, inhabiting a staggering array of characters from quirky to poignant. Join us as we explore the diverse career of a true character actor. Joel Brooks is a prolific character actor with a career spanning over 50 years, known for his versatility across comedy and drama. His roles often involve playing psychologists, lawyers, or quirky supporting characters that leave a lasting impression on audiences. Beyond acting, Brooks shares his extensive experience by teaching audition techniques to aspiring performers.

Source: Wikipedia

AI Summary

Joel Brooks is one of those wonderfully recognizable faces—an actor whose presence instantly signals familiarity, yet whose name might not always leap to mind. For over five decades, he has graced our screens, inhabiting a staggering array of characters from quirky to poignant. Join us as we explore the diverse career of a true character actor.

The Quintessential Character Actor

Born and raised in the vibrant cultural hub of New York City, Joel Brooks embarked on an acting journey that would make him a staple of American television and film. He quickly carved out a niche for himself in the 1970s and 80s, becoming one of those actors whose face you immediately recognized, even if his name eluded you.

Brooks possesses that rare gift of being utterly believable in vastly different roles. He could be hilariously neurotic one moment and deeply empathetic the next, a chameleon adapting to the needs of countless scripts. This versatility would become the hallmark of his enduring career.

A Brush with Game Show Fame

Before becoming a familiar face on scripted television, Joel Brooks had a moment in the game show spotlight. In 1976, he appeared on the classic game show 'Pyramid,' where he teamed up with celebrity partner Lucie Arnaz and walked away with a respectable $10,000 prize. Twelve years later, both he and Arnaz returned as the week's featured celebrities—a fun full-circle moment!

Early Iconic Roles

The late 70s and early 80s saw Brooks popping up in some of television's most beloved shows. On 'MASH,' he melted hearts as Ignazio De Simone, a wounded Italian soldier who declared his undying love for Margaret Houlihan, refusing to be sent home. His performance was a perfect blend of humor and pathos.

He also appeared in two episodes of the hit sitcom 'Three's Company' as Dr. Prescott, the psychologist Jack Tripper consults to boost his confidence. On the big screen, he held his own alongside comedy legends Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor, playing their lawyer, Len Garber, in the classic prison comedy 'Stir Crazy' (1980).

Brooks continued his run of memorable guest spots throughout the 80s. He delighted audiences as Raymond, Edna Garrett's son, in two episodes of 'The Facts of Life'—a role he even reprised for the 2001 reunion film. From a movie director in 'The Dukes of Hazzard' to a quirky cat food representative on 'Night Court,' his range was undeniable.

Perhaps one of his more unique early roles was as Randy, a gay Secret Service Agent, in the short-lived 1985 sitcom 'Hail to the Chief.' It was a progressive character for its time, showcasing Brooks' ability to bring nuance to diverse portrayals.

Navigating the Nineties

As television evolved, so did Joel Brooks's career. The 1990s saw him venture into the vast reaches of space as Falow in an episode of 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.' Later in the decade, he added a touch of royalty to 'Sabrina, the Teenage Witch' as Emperor Larry, the magical cousin of Sabrina Spellman.

Critically Acclaimed Dramas and Modern Comedies

The 2000s brought Brooks to HBO's critically acclaimed series 'Six Feet Under,' where he appeared in seven episodes as Robbie, Ruth Fisher's wonderfully caustic co-worker. Robbie often provided Ruth with frank, insightful advice, particularly regarding her son David's homosexuality, a role that allowed Brooks to explore deeper dramatic territory.

He continued to demonstrate his comedic timing on shows like 'The Big Bang Theory,' playing Professor Goldfarb, a Jewish professor from whom Sheldon Cooper seeks advice. This role further cemented his reputation as an actor who could effortlessly transition between humor and gravitas, often within the same scene.

More recently, Brooks has continued his prolific career, gracing daytime television as Judge Ramsey on 'The Young and the Restless' and charming audiences in the 'Full House' revival, 'Fuller House,' as an FBI agent. His adaptability ensures he remains a sought-after talent across generations of shows.

In 2023, he took on a poignant recurring role in the Freeform series 'Good Trouble.' As Morty, a Jewish comedy writer who embarks on a journey of self-discovery later in life, coming out as a gay man, Brooks once again showcased his ability to bring depth and authenticity to complex characters.

Passing on the Craft

Beyond his on-screen work, Joel Brooks is dedicated to fostering new talent. He is actively involved in teaching an audition techniques class called 'Auditions LA,' alongside fellow actor Beth Maitland. Through this, he shares his extensive experience and wisdom, guiding the next generation of performers in the art of landing that perfect role.

Article

Joel Brooks

Joel Brooks is an American actor, known for his roles in Stir Crazy, My Sister Sam, Six Feet Under, The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green and Phil of the Future. Brooks also had a recurring role as a psychologist in Ally McBeal.

Career

Joel Brooks

Brooks was born in New York City, New York. Brooks had a successful career as a character actor in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1976, he won $10,000 on Pyramid; his celebrity partner was Lucie Arnaz. Twelve years later, in 1988, Arnaz and Brooks were both featured as the week's celebrities.

Brooks appeared in an episode of MASH as a wounded Italian soldier who fell in love with Margaret and refused to be shipped back to his unit because of his undying love for her. He also appeared in two episodes of Three's Company as Dr. Prescott, a psychologist Jack sees to build his self-confidence. In 1980, he played Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor's lawyer in the movie Stir Crazy. Brooks was then featured in two episodes of The Facts of Life as Edna Garrett's son Raymond and reprised that role in the 2001 reunion film. In 1984, he appeared as a movie director in The Dukes Of Hazzard seventh-season episode "The Dukes in Hollywood" and also appeared in an episode in the second season of Night Court as a representative of a cat food and accessories company that wished to reclaim their ostensibly stolen feline mascot. He played gay Secret Service Agent Randy in the short run of Hail To The Chief.

In the 1990s, his career continued in such hit shows as Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, where he played Falow in the episode "Move Along Home". In 1998, Brooks played Emperor Larry, the cousin of Sabrina Spellman on the television series Sabrina, the Teenage Witch.

In the early 2000s, he appeared in seven episodes of HBO's hit series Six Feet Under as Robbie, Ruth Fisher's caustic gay co-worker who offers advice on how to accept her son David's homosexuality. In 2008 he appeared in an episode of The Big Bang Theory as a Jewish professor from whom Sheldon seeks advice in the episode "The Jerusalem Duality".

In 2014, he guest-starred on The Young and the Restless as the judge in the trial of Ian Ward v. Nikki Newman. In 2020, he appeared twice in the Full House revival series Fuller House on Netflix as an FBI Agent in the episode "Five Dates with Kimmy Gibbler" and Agent Cooper in the finale episode "Our Very Last Show, Again".

In 2023, Brooks began working on Good Trouble as Morty, a Jewish comedy writer who begins to come out as a gay man.

Personal life

Joel Brooks

Brooks is currently involved in teaching an audition techniques class, Auditions LA, alongside Beth Maitland.

Film

Joel Brooks

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Title</th><th>Role</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2019</td><td>The Untold Story</td><td>Samuel</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2018</td><td>Mistrust</td><td>Steve Masterson</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>Titans of Newark</td><td>Levi Katz</td><td>(Short)</td></tr><tr><td>2009</td><td>Basement Jack</td><td>Officer Geoff Wytynek</td><td>(Video)</td></tr><tr><td>2005</td><td>The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green</td><td>Hat Sister</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2005</td><td>Bound by Lies</td><td>Raymond Karp</td><td>(Video)</td></tr><tr><td>2002</td><td>Now You Know</td><td>Friend of Mr. Victim</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2002</td><td>The Gatekeeper</td><td>Vance Johnson</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2002</td><td>Duty Dating</td><td>Paul Bartley</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2002</td><td>Role of a Lifetime</td><td>Irv Katz</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2001</td><td>Odessa or Bust</td><td>The Director</td><td>(Short)</td></tr><tr><td>2001</td><td>Circuit</td><td>Married Hotel John (uncredited)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1999</td><td>Swallows</td><td>Pietro</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1993</td><td>Blue Flame</td><td>Morgan</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1993</td><td>Indecent Proposal</td><td>Realtor</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1989</td><td>Skin Deep</td><td>Jake</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1984</td><td>Protocol</td><td>Ben</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1980</td><td>Stir Crazy</td><td>Len Garber</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

Television

Joel Brooks

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Title</th><th>Role</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2023–2024</td><td>Good Trouble</td><td>Morty</td><td>Recurring</td></tr><tr><td>2017–2018</td><td>The Mick</td><td>Detective Hurley</td><td>2 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>2015–2017</td><td>Young & Hungry</td><td>Rabbi Ben Shapiro</td><td>3 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>2016–2017</td><td>K.C. Undercover</td><td>Dr. Levinstein</td><td>2 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>2016</td><td>Masters of Sex</td><td>Mr. Schiff</td><td>2 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>2013–2016</td><td>Venice: The Series</td><td></td><td>13 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>Sister Judy and the Delinquents</td><td>Father Joseph</td><td>(TV Short)</td></tr><tr><td>2014–2015</td><td>The Young and the Restless</td><td>Judge Ramsey</td><td>5 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>2014</td><td>Entitled</td><td>Harry Harrison</td><td>TV movie</td></tr><tr><td>2014</td><td>NCIS</td><td>Ronnie Mustard</td><td>Episode: "Rock and a Hard Place"</td></tr><tr><td>2013</td><td>Major Crimes</td><td>Gary Bridges</td><td>Episode: "Year-End Blowout"</td></tr><tr><td>2011–2013</td><td>Shake It Up</td><td>Mr. Polk</td><td>4 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>Bent</td><td>Gerald Neibar</td><td>Episode: "Tile Date"</td></tr><tr><td>2010–2011</td><td>The Mentalist</td><td>Dimitri's Lawyer / Lawyer</td><td>2 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>2011</td><td>Law & Order: LA</td><td>Manny</td><td>Episode: "Reseda"</td></tr><tr><td>2011</td><td>$#! My Dad Says</td><td>Freddy</td><td>Episode: "Who's Your Daddy?"</td></tr><tr><td>2010</td><td>Days of Our Lives</td><td>Defense Attorney</td><td>2 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>2010</td><td>Rizzoli & Isles</td><td>Roger</td><td>Episode: "She Works Hard for the Money"</td></tr><tr><td>2009</td><td>Trauma</td><td>Kurt Davies</td><td>Episode: "Masquerade"</td></tr><tr><td>2009</td><td>Trust Me</td><td></td><td>Episode: "Norming"</td></tr><tr><td>2008</td><td>Raising the Bar</td><td>Murray</td><td>Episode: "Bagels and Locks"</td></tr><tr><td>2008</td><td>The Big Bang Theory</td><td>Professor Goldfarb</td><td>Episode: "The Jerusalem Duality"</td></tr><tr><td>2007</td><td>Cane</td><td>John Fielding</td><td>Episode: "All Bets Are Off"</td></tr><tr><td>2007</td><td>State of Mind</td><td>Dr. Nour</td><td>Episode: "O Rose, Thou Art Sick"</td></tr><tr><td>2006–2007</td><td>The War at Home</td><td>Dr. Joel Lieber</td><td>3 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>2006</td><td>Reba</td><td>Doctor</td><td>Episode: "Reba's Heart"</td></tr><tr><td>2005–2006</td><td>Phil of the Future</td><td>Mr. Messerschmidt / Joel Messerschmidt / Battina Messerschmidt</td><td>4 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>2005</td><td>CSI: NY</td><td>Felix Parker</td><td>Episode: "Zoo York"</td></tr><tr><td>2005</td><td>The Closer</td><td>Assemblyman Bridges</td><td>Episode: "Batter Up"</td></tr><tr><td>2004</td><td>Without a Trace</td><td>Fred Cohen</td><td>Episode: "Trials"</td></tr><tr><td>2004</td><td>Half & Half</td><td>Dr. Bruckner</td><td>2 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>2003</td><td>Run of the House</td><td>Bernard / Mr. Franklin</td><td>3 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>2003</td><td>Crossing Jordan</td><td>Bank Manager</td><td>Episode: "Pandora's Trunk: Part 1"</td></tr><tr><td>2003</td><td>Everybody Loves Raymond</td><td>Mr. Rodell</td><td>Episode: "The Shower"</td></tr><tr><td>2003</td><td>The Division</td><td>Patrick</td><td>Episode: "Rush to Judgment"</td></tr><tr><td>2002</td><td>Door to Door</td><td>Alan</td><td>TV movie</td></tr><tr><td>2001–2002</td><td>Six Feet Under</td><td>Robbie</td><td>7 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>1997–2001</td><td>The Wonderful World of Disney</td><td>Raymond Garrett / Ferguson / Principal Norris</td><td>3 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>2001</td><td>Dark Realm</td><td></td><td>Episode: "Organizer 2000"</td></tr><tr><td>1995–2001</td><td>Diagnosis Murder</td><td>Roger's Doctor / Harrison Powell</td><td>2 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>2001</td><td>The Lot</td><td>Rachel's Attorney</td><td>Episode: "Property of Sylver Screen"</td></tr><tr><td>2001</td><td>Spring Break Lawyer</td><td>Judge</td><td>TV movie</td></tr><tr><td>2001</td><td>Strong Medicine</td><td>Doctor Hogan</td><td>Episode: "Child Care"</td></tr><tr><td>1999</td><td>It's Like, You Know...</td><td>Clark</td><td>2 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>1999</td><td>Oh Baby</td><td>Baker</td><td>Episode: "The Colonel"</td></tr><tr><td>1999</td><td>The Parent 'Hood</td><td>Mr. Worthington</td><td>Episode: "To Kiss or Not to Kiss"</td></tr><tr><td>1999</td><td>Beverly Hills, 90210</td><td>Dr. Van Fertle</td><td>Episode: "I Wanna Reach Right Out and Grab Ya"</td></tr><tr><td>1999</td><td>Dharma & Greg</td><td>Arthur</td><td>Episode: "Dharma Drags Edward Out of Retirement"</td></tr><tr><td>1998</td><td>Ally McBeal</td><td>Dr. Hubbell</td><td>Episode: "Love Unlimited"</td></tr><tr><td>1998</td><td>Style & Substance</td><td>Jerry Lindemann</td><td>Episode: "Do Not Go Squealing Into That Good Night"</td></tr><tr><td>1998</td><td>Sabrina, the Teenage Witch</td><td>Emperor Larry</td><td>Episode: "And the Sabrina Goes to..."</td></tr><tr><td>1998</td><td>Babylon 5: The River of Souls</td><td>Jacob Mayhew</td><td>TV movie</td></tr><tr><td>1998</td><td>The Wayans Bros.</td><td>Archibald</td><td>Episode: "Recipe for Success"</td></tr><tr><td>1997</td><td>Brooklyn South</td><td>Aaron Geller</td><td>Episode: "Why Can't Even a Couple of Us Get Along?"</td></tr><tr><td>1996</td><td>The Man Who Captured Eichmann</td><td>Meir</td><td>TV movie</td></tr><tr><td>1996</td><td>Homeboys in Outer Space</td><td>Major Domo</td><td>Episode: "Trading Faces or All the King's Homeys"</td></tr><tr><td>1996</td><td>Murphy Brown</td><td>George</td><td>Episode: "A Comedy of Eros"</td></tr><tr><td>1996</td><td>Living Single</td><td>Del Stuart</td><td>Episode: "The Engagement: Part 2"</td></tr><tr><td>1996</td><td>Duckman</td><td></td><td>Episode: "A Room with a Bellevue" (voice)</td></tr><tr><td>1995</td><td>Murder, She Wrote</td><td>Ted Duffy</td><td>Episode: "Unwilling Witness"</td></tr><tr><td>1995</td><td>Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman</td><td>Donald Rafferty</td><td>Episode: "Chip Off the Old Clark"</td></tr><tr><td>1995</td><td>Here Come the Munsters</td><td>Larry Walker</td><td>TV movie</td></tr><tr><td>1995</td><td>Too Something</td><td>Gallery Owner</td><td>Episode: "Donny's Exhibit"</td></tr><tr><td>1995</td><td>The Mommies</td><td>Bernard DuBois</td><td>Episode: "Four Mommies and a Funeral"</td></tr><tr><td>1994</td><td>Aaahh!!! Real Monsters</td><td>Barker / Elderly Monster (voice)</td><td>Episode: "Curse of the Krumm/Krumm Goes Hollywood"</td></tr><tr><td>1994</td><td>Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman</td><td>Judd McCoy</td><td>Episode: "Money Trouble"</td></tr><tr><td>1994</td><td>Dream On</td><td>Dr. Zudikoff</td><td>Episode: "A Face Worse Than Death"</td></tr><tr><td>1993</td><td>Jack's Place</td><td>Santoro the Great</td><td>2 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>1993</td><td>Dudley</td><td>Harold Krowten</td><td>5 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>1993</td><td>Star Trek: Deep Space Nine</td><td>Falow</td><td>Episode: "Move Along Home"</td></tr><tr><td>1988–1992</td><td>L.A. Law</td><td>Don Butcher / Kiefer Mitchell</td><td>2 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>1992</td><td>Civil Wars</td><td>Ira Belkin</td><td>Episode: "Chute First, Ask Questions Later"</td></tr><tr><td>1992</td><td>Are You Lonesome Tonight</td><td></td><td>TV movie</td></tr><tr><td>1990–1991</td><td>Good Grief</td><td>Warren Pepper</td><td>13 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>1990</td><td>Close Encounters</td><td></td><td>TV movie</td></tr><tr><td>1990</td><td>We'll Take Manhattan</td><td>Rigaletti</td><td>TV movie</td></tr><tr><td>1990</td><td>His & Hers</td><td>Mr. Hofstetter</td><td>Episode: "Dueling Therapists"</td></tr><tr><td>1989</td><td>Dinner at Eight</td><td>Max Kane</td><td>TV movie</td></tr><tr><td>1989</td><td>Hunter</td><td>Chad Jorgenson</td><td>Episode: "Investment in Death"</td></tr><tr><td>1989</td><td>Duet</td><td>Robert</td><td>Episode: "Too Many Cooks"</td></tr><tr><td>1986–1988</td><td>My Sister Sam</td><td>J.D. Lucas</td><td>44 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>1988</td><td>Going to the Chapel</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1986</td><td>Stranded</td><td>Phil</td><td>TV movie</td></tr><tr><td>1986</td><td>Rowdies</td><td>Psychiatrist</td><td>TV movie</td></tr><tr><td>1986</td><td>Riptide</td><td>Jerome Sedgewick</td><td>Episode: "Smiles We Left Behind"</td></tr><tr><td>1986</td><td>The Twilight Zone</td><td>Jack Holland (segment "Cold Reading")</td><td>Episode: "Gramma/Personal Demons/Cold Reading"</td></tr><tr><td>1986</td><td>The Magical World of Disney</td><td>Lee</td><td>Episode: "Help Wanted: Kids"</td></tr><tr><td>1985</td><td>Shadow Chasers</td><td>Laddie Johnson</td><td>Episode: "Phantom of the Galleria"</td></tr><tr><td>1985</td><td>Hail to the Chief</td><td>Randy</td><td>Episode: "Pilot"</td></tr><tr><td>1984</td><td>The Dukes of Hazzard</td><td>The Director</td><td>Episode: "The Dukes in Hollywood"</td></tr><tr><td>1984</td><td>Night Court</td><td>Roger Blair</td><td>Episode: "Billie and the Cat"</td></tr><tr><td>1980–1984</td><td>Benson</td><td>Mr. Krank / Walter Harwell</td><td>2 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>1983–1984</td><td>The Facts of Life</td><td>Raymond Garrett</td><td>2 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>1983</td><td>Alice</td><td>Vinnie Jr.</td><td>Episode: "The Over-the-Hill Girls"</td></tr><tr><td>1983</td><td>We Got It Made</td><td>District Attorney</td><td>Episode: "Mickey the Shoplifter"</td></tr><tr><td>1983</td><td>Diff'rent Strokes</td><td>Stanley Pearlburg</td><td>Episode: "Mr. T and mr. t"</td></tr><tr><td>1983</td><td>After George</td><td>Cal Sloan</td><td>(TV Short)</td></tr><tr><td>1983</td><td>Teachers Only</td><td>Spud Le Boone</td><td>13 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>1982–1983</td><td>It Takes Two</td><td>Dr. Rogers</td><td>4 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>1983</td><td>The Powers of Matthew Star</td><td>Burnside</td><td>Episode: "The Racer's Edge"</td></tr><tr><td>1982</td><td>Private Benjamin</td><td>Lt. Billy Dean</td><td>8 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>1982</td><td>It's a Living</td><td>The Tout</td><td>Episode: "Horsing Around"</td></tr><tr><td>1982</td><td>Open All Night</td><td>Ross</td><td>Episode: "Sitting Ducks"</td></tr><tr><td>1982</td><td>Taxi</td><td>Nick Dwyer</td><td>Episode: "Tony's Lady"</td></tr><tr><td>1981</td><td>Eight Is Enough</td><td>Bennett</td><td>Episode: "Starting Over"</td></tr><tr><td>1981</td><td>Dallas</td><td>Larry</td><td>Episode: "The Mark of Cain"</td></tr><tr><td>1981</td><td>Soap</td><td>Morty Stevens</td><td>Episode #4.12</td></tr><tr><td>1980</td><td>The Mating Season</td><td>Paul Wagner</td><td>TV movie</td></tr><tr><td>1980</td><td>MASH</td><td>Corpsman Ignazio De Simone</td><td>Episode: "Cementing Relationships"</td></tr><tr><td>1980</td><td>Benson</td><td>Walter Harwell</td><td>Episode: "Bugging the Governor"</td></tr><tr><td>1980</td><td>When the Whistle Blows</td><td>Max</td><td>Episode: "Macho Man"</td></tr><tr><td>1979–1980</td><td>Three's Company</td><td>Dr. Prescott</td><td>2 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>1979</td><td>Ryan's Hope</td><td>Joe Novak's Driver</td><td>3 episodes</td></tr></tbody></table>