Geraldine Brooks, a brunette with attractive, slightly pinched features, was born on October 29, 1925, in New York City to a Dutch couple, James Stroock, a top costume company owner, and Bianca, a costume designer and stylist. Growing up surrounded by theatrical types, including a former Ziegfeld Follies girl and a contralto with the Metropolitan Opera, it was natural that she developed an interest in theater.
Geraldine attended the Hunter Modeling School as a young teen and graduated from Julia Richman High School in 1942 as president of her drama club. Her older sister, Gloria Stroock, also became an actress, primarily on TV.
Geraldine studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Art and the Neighborhood Playhouse before apprenticing in summer stock productions. She made her Broadway debut in "Follow the Girls" in 1944 and went on to play Perdita in "A Winter's Tale" at the Theatre Guild.
Geraldine was signed by Warner Bros. and made her film debut in the mystery thriller "Cry Wolf" (1947) starring Barbara Stanwyck and Errol Flynn. She played Flynn's cool, conniving niece who gives trouble to Stanwyck, adding suspense to the film.
Geraldine moved to dramatic lead status with "Embraceable You" (1948) opposite Dane Clark and played daughter to real wife-and-husband team Fredric March and Florence Eldridge in "An Act of Murder" (1948).
Geraldine's film career foundered, and she attempted a few continental film assignments, but eventually returned to America, focusing on stage and TV. She became a member of the Actor's Studio in 1956 and studied the method acting technique.
Geraldine appeared in only two films in the next years, "Street of Sinners" (1957) and "Johnny Tiger" (1966). Her greater notices were to be found guesting on various popular TV series, including "Perry Mason" (1957),"The Defenders" (1961),"Bus Stop" (1961),and "The Fugitive" (1963).
Geraldine's later theater included her Tony-nominated role in "Brightower" (1970) and as wife "Golde" in the musical "Fiddler on the Roof". Her final movie part came in the crime movie "Mr. Ricco" (1975) alongside Dean Martin.
Geraldine was married to TV writer Herbert Sargent from 1958 to 1961 and then to author Budd Schulberg, with whom she opened a writers' workshop for the underprivileged. She also collaborated with Schulberg on the book "Swan Watch" (1975) and wrote poetry for children.
