Noted comedian and actor, Brooks, was born in Louisville, Kentucky, into a family of eight sons, with a father who held the esteemed position of county sheriff. Following his education, which was curtailed after completing the 6th grade, Brooks embarked on a series of occupations before discovering his true calling in radio at the tender age of 21. He began his career in radio broadcasting, initially serving as a newscaster and disc jockey in Louisville and later in Buffalo, before transitioning to television newscasting.
As the 1960s unfolded, Brooks made the bold decision to relocate to Los Angeles, where he began to explore his passion for acting in television. His comedic talents soon became apparent, and he went on to develop a popular drunk act, which earned him widespread acclaim and popularity at Las Vegas nightclubs and on television. Throughout his illustrious career, Brooks frequently appeared as a guest on various talk and variety shows, including several Dean Martin celebrity roasts, cementing his status as a beloved and respected figure in the entertainment industry.