Basic Information
| Name | Arlington Rand Brooks Jr. |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | 1918-09-21 |
| Birth Place | Wright City, Missouri |
| Death Date | 2003-09-01 |
| Professions | Actor; Entrepreneur |
| Notable Role | Charles Hamilton in Gone with the Wind (1939) |
| Business | Founder of Professional Ambulance Service |
| Spouses | Lois Laurel; Hermine Brooks |
| Children | Arlington Rand Brooks III; Laurel Brooks |
Early Life & Acting Career
Arlington Rand Brooks Jr. was born September 21, 1918, in Wright City, Missouri. He began acting at age 19 with a bit part in Love Finds Andy Hardy (1938) and gained recognition as Charles Hamilton in Gone with the Wind (1939). Over his 25‑year career, he appeared in over 140 film and television roles, including Lucky Jenkins in the Hopalong Cassidy series and Corporal Randy Boone in The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin (1954–1959).
Entrepreneurial Ventures
In 1966, Rand founded Professional Ambulance Service in Glendale, California, starting with two used vehicles. By 1977, it had become the largest private 9‑1‑1 paramedic provider in Los Angeles County. He sold the company to American Medical Response in 1995, securing his reputation as a successful businessman.
Personal Life & Family
Rand Brooks Jr. married twice and fathered two children:
-
Lois Laurel (m. 1948–1976), daughter of comedian Stan Laurel, co‑founded his ambulance business and preserved her father’s legacy.
-
Hermine Brooks (m. 1981–2003), served as an executive in his ambulance company.
-
Children:
- Arlington Rand Brooks III (b. 1949 – d. May 7, 2016), trucking company owner, died in a hit‑and‑run accident.
- Laurel Brooks (b. 1950), maintains a private life with little public information.
Family Summary Table
| Name | Relation | Born–Died | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rand Brooks Jr. | Self | 1918–2003 | Actor, Entrepreneur |
| Lois Laurel | First Wife | 1927–2017 | Actress, Business Partner |
| Hermine Brooks | Second Wife | – | Executive |
| Arlington Rand Brooks III | Son | 1949–2016 | Trucking Company Owner |
| Laurel Brooks | Daughter | 1950–Present | Private Individual |
FAQ
Who was Rand Brooks Jr.?
Rand Brooks Jr. was an American actor born in 1918, best known for playing Charles Hamilton in Gone with the Wind and later founding a leading Los Angeles ambulance service.
What business did he establish?
He launched Professional Ambulance Service in 1966, which became the largest private 9‑1‑1 paramedic provider in Los Angeles County by 1977.
Who were his spouses?
He married Lois Laurel (1948–1976), daughter of Stan Laurel, and later married Hermine Brooks (1981–2003), an executive in his ambulance business.
What happened to his son Arlington III?
Arlington Rand Brooks III, born in 1949, ran a trucking company and died in a hit‑and‑run motorcycle accident on May 7, 2016.
References
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rand_Brooks | Rand Brooks Jr.’s film and television career, including his role in Gone with the Wind |
| https://warrencountymohistory.com/rand-brooks/ | Biography of Rand Brooks Jr., covering his Missouri roots and entrepreneurial ventures |
| https://rosefamilyfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/574/Arlington-Brooks-III/obituary.html | Obituary of Arlington Rand Brooks III and details of his life and tragic death |
| https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/lois-laurel-hawes-dead-stan-laurels-daughter-was-89-1025214/ | Lois Laurel Hawes’s death notice and her connection to Stan Laurel |
| https://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/03/arts/rand-brooks-84-actor-known-for-role-in-gone-with-the-wind.html | New York Times obituary summarizing Rand Brooks Jr.’s life and career |
| https://theavtimes.com/2016/05/09/palmdale-man-arrested-for-dui-hit-and-run-in-fatal-crash/ | Report on the DUI hit‑and‑run incident that killed Arlington Rand Brooks III |
| https://www.facebook.com/LaurelAndHardyForum/posts/it-is-with-great-sadness-that-we-bring-you-the-tragic-news-that-rand-brooks-jr-o/1056238361078466/ | Announcement of Arlington Rand Brooks III’s death on the Laurel and Hardy fan forum |
