Another Noted Actress Leaves Us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      Jacqueline Brookes was a familiar face to me.  Whenever I was in the Village, approaching Three Lives Bookstore from the side street (Waverly Place) I would often seeing her go in and out of this basement apartment, which must have been her residence.

                                         I also remember her as the somewhat misguided psychiatrist in the 1993 film, "The Good Son."  She played it with that intensity she came to be known for, and she gave it her all; it was not her fault the film was badly written.

                                            Brookes was one of those actresses one might see on television, or on the street, and think, "I know that woman.  I've seen her before?  Who is she?"

                                             Though she did  countless stage and TV appearances, she never achieved widespread recognition, but remained, to the end, "a working actress."  The last of a dying breed, girls!!!!!!!!!!

                                                Actors learning their craft undoubtedly knew her as a tireless and dedicated teacher, the kind one would want to study with. She taught at the Circle In The Square Theater School, from 1974, right up till the end.  That makes thirty eight years of actors who have learned their craft at the hand of Miss Brookes.

                                                 The craftsmen are dropping like flies, honeys, and it is sad they are not being replaced.  While there are some bright spots--like Martha Plimpton--what passes for acting by the young today is like Velveeta pasteurized process cheese spread.  Or Underwood deviled ham!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                   Farewell, Jacqueline!  You were truly, the REAL Our Miss Brookes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!