The thought occurred to me that I would doubt whether anyone – certainly in the UK anyway – and most certainly anyone under the advanced years that I am – would know who Foster Brooks was.
A brief Foster Brooks er briefing:
Foster Brooks (11th May 1912 – 20th December 2001) was an American comedian known for his distinctive comedic persona as a lovable, stumbling, and inebriated character. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Brooks initially pursued a career in radio and television, gaining a moderate success. However, he found his niche in the 1960s and 1970s with his comedic portrayal of a tipsy character, often playing the role of a well-meaning but hopelessly inebriated individual.
His breakthrough came through numerous appearances on popular television variety shows such as “The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts” and “The Dean Martin Show,” where he honed his signature routine. Brooks’ impeccable timing and deadpan delivery, coupled with his exaggerated slurred speech, endeared him to audiences, making him a beloved figure in the world of comedy.
Ironically in terms of his most famous characterisation, Brooks didn’t drink. He said “in 1964, a fellow made me a $10 bet I couldn’t quit, and I haven’t had a drink since. At the time I needed the $10.”
Public sensibilities had changed regarding alcoholics and public drunkenness by the 1980’s, so Brooks moved away from his drunken character. Such was his popularity however, he continued to garner work in both television and films up until 1996 (when presumably he retired aged 84!).
Beyond his television work, Brooks also appeared in films and made guest appearances on various sitcoms. His enduring popularity led to a successful career that spanned several decades. Foster Brooks remains fondly remembered for his unique brand of comedy, which brought laughter to millions around the world.
And…
I can’t recall exactly when Foster Brooks dawned on me. I seem to recall it amy have been a chat show of some description (can’t remember whether it was an English or an American one), but the host had set up some people (who apparently didn’t know what Brooks’ schtick was) and introduced the seemingly drunk Brooks to the unsuspecting guests. (Yes, I searched for it – no, I can’t find it). Obviously, hilarity ensued.
That was my introduction to the Brooks drunkard character. And I liked that one, I thought he was very funny. Putting the drunk bit aside, the impeccably timed burps, the mispronunciation of names and the jokes were appealing in a kind of Hylda Baker way (I liked her, too).
After a while it dawned on me that I’d actually seen him on TV quite a lot, but his presence never really registered up until I’d seen him doing his drunk act. He was quite prolific doing bit-part characters in programmes such as “I Dream of Jeannie”, the glorious “Bewitched” and “Mork & Mindy” – staples of UK TV in the 80’s and 90’s. And of course many more.
It’s roasting hot!
Brooks was very popular on the US “Roasting” programmes – programmes hosted usually by Dean Martin (e.g. “The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast”), where a number of famous people at the time took the mickey out of (i.e. roasting) other famous people at the time. Brooks would inevitably roast some famous person in his drunk character. Again, hilarity did indeed ensue.
Brooks was also a regular on The Dean Martin Show thoughout 1973-1974, where he would invariably reduce Dean Martin into fits of laughter in the bar scenes.
In the UK
Sadly, Brooks did not appear very much on British TV. He was a guest on the Des O’Connor Tonight show in 1981. I know I watched it, but unfortunately I can’t remember too much about that one.
In conclusion
Although Brooks was a good actor (and a good singer, with a substantial baritone voice), I very much liked his drunk character the best. That’s the one that, for me, draws the belly laughs.
Some Foster Brooks material does exist on YouTube. I would very much encourage anyone to go and look at at least one of the bar scenes and admire the genius and comic timing of the man, knowing full well he was perfectly sober.
Here’s a couple of links to start you off should you be so inclined:
Foster Brooks roasts Don Rickles
Dean Martin & Foster Brooks – The Bar – Brain Surgeon
Dean Martin & Foster Brooks – The Bar – Airline Pilot
Yes, the jokes are old and they are obvious. Crafted and delivered by Brooks however, very funny.
“The Lovable Lush” Foster Brooks (1912 – 2001).