Martin E. Brooks was an American actor whose impressive career spanned across television, film, and theater. Best known for his role as Dr. Rudy Wells in both The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman, Brooks left an indelible mark on science fiction television during the 1970s. With a career that showcased his versatility and talent, Brooks built a lasting legacy through his portrayal of intelligent, compassionate characters, particularly in the sci-fi genre.
Although many remember him for his work in these iconic shows, Brooks also had an extensive career on stage and in television dramas, making him a respected figure in Hollywood for decades.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Martin E. Brooks was born Martin Baum on November 30, 1925, in The Bronx, New York. Raised in a working-class Jewish family, Brooks displayed an early interest in acting and performance. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, he returned to the United States, where he pursued acting with serious intent. He studied under the legendary acting teacher Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio in New York, which was renowned for producing some of the most celebrated actors in Hollywood.
This rigorous training honed Brooks’ craft and laid the foundation for his eventual success in television, film, and stage work. His early career began on the stage, where he developed his acting chops in various off-Broadway and Broadway productions. Brooks’ commitment to his craft and his ability to inhabit diverse roles helped him secure a variety of parts as he transitioned from theater to television.
Transition to Television and Early Roles
Brooks began making his way into television during the 1950s and 1960s, a time when television was rapidly becoming a dominant medium. His early roles included appearances on popular series such as Perry Mason, Gunsmoke, and The Fugitive. His natural presence and ability to take on a wide range of characters quickly earned him respect within the industry.
Brooks often played characters in law enforcement, legal professionals, and medical figures, roles that showcased his ability to portray individuals with intelligence and authority. His deep, resonant voice and calm demeanor made him a perfect fit for these types of roles, and he became a familiar face on television screens throughout the 1960s.
One of Brooks’ notable early appearances was on The Richard Boone Show (1963–1964), a popular anthology series that featured different storylines and characters each week. His work on the show allowed him to display his versatility as an actor, and it opened doors for more prominent television roles in the years to come.
Breakthrough Role: Dr. Rudy Wells in The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman
Brooks’ most famous role came in 1975 when he was cast as Dr. Rudy Wells in the hit television series The Six Million Dollar Man. The show, which followed the adventures of Colonel Steve Austin (played by Lee Majors), a former astronaut who is rebuilt with bionic limbs after a near-fatal accident, became a massive success and one of the most popular science fiction series of the 1970s.
Dr. Rudy Wells was the brilliant scientist responsible for overseeing the bionic operations that transformed Steve Austin into a superhuman. Brooks brought a unique combination of warmth, intelligence, and compassion to the role, making Dr. Wells a beloved character among fans. His portrayal emphasized not only the scientific genius of the character but also his humanity, as he often served as a mentor and confidant to Steve Austin.
In 1976, Brooks reprised his role as Dr. Rudy Wells in The Bionic Woman, a spin-off of The Six Million Dollar Man that followed Jaime Sommers (played by Lindsay Wagner), a former tennis player who, like Austin, receives bionic implants after a life-threatening accident. Brooks’ role in The Bionic Woman further solidified his place in television history, as he became one of the few actors to play the same character in two separate hit series simultaneously.
His performance in both shows earned him a loyal fan base and made him a key figure in the “bionic” universe. Brooks’ portrayal of Dr. Wells was central to the shows’ exploration of the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding technology and the human body, themes that continue to resonate with audiences today.
Expanding His Career: Television, Film, and Theater
While The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman were the most high-profile roles of his career, Martin E. Brooks continued to work steadily in television and film throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He appeared in a wide variety of television series, including guest roles on shows like Mission: Impossible, Columbo, and Ironside, where he played characters that ranged from lawyers to criminals, showcasing his range as an actor.
In addition to his television work, Brooks appeared in several films, though he remained primarily known for his television roles. His film credits include The Thousand Plane Raid (1969) and The Strawberry Statement (1970), where he worked alongside other notable actors of the time.
Throughout his career, Brooks never abandoned his roots in theater. He continued to perform in stage productions, often returning to New York to work in off-Broadway plays. His commitment to the craft of acting remained strong, and he earned praise for his stage work just as he had for his television and film roles.
Voice Acting and Later Career
In addition to his on-screen work, Martin E. Brooks found success as a voice actor, lending his distinctive voice to a variety of projects. His deep, authoritative tone made him a natural choice for narration and voice-over work, and he became involved in animated series and commercial work later in his career.
As the 1980s progressed, Brooks began to take on fewer acting roles, though he continued to make guest appearances in television series. His final television role came in 1993, when he reprised the character of Dr. Rudy Wells in the television movie Bionic Ever After?, which reunited the cast of The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman for one final adventure. This final appearance brought closure to the beloved character that had defined much of Brooks’ career.
Personal Life and Legacy
Outside of his acting career, Martin E. Brooks was known for his intellectual pursuits and his interest in writing. He was a published author, having written novels and short stories that reflected his broad range of interests beyond acting. His work as a writer allowed him to explore different creative outlets, showcasing his talent in storytelling.
Brooks was also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the fields of education and the arts. He was passionate about supporting young actors and artists, and he often worked with aspiring performers to help them hone their craft. His dedication to the arts and to helping others succeed in the industry made him a respected figure both on and off the screen.
Martin E. Brooks passed away on December 7, 2015, at the age of 90. His legacy as an actor, particularly his role as Dr. Rudy Wells, remains a significant part of television history. Brooks’ contributions to The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman helped shape the landscape of science fiction television, and his portrayal of Dr. Wells continues to be remembered by fans of the genre.
Through his work in television, film, and theater, Martin E. Brooks left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry, and his performances remain a testament to his talent, versatility, and dedication to his craft.