Gloria Jane Stroock, a renowned actress, was born to James Stroock, the president of Brooks Costume and Uniform Company, which had been founded by Ely Stroock in 1909.
Gloria's mother, Bianca, was a skilled costume designer, and her younger sister, Geraldine Brooks, also pursued a career in acting.
Gloria began her acting career on Broadway in the mid-1940s, taking on roles such as Meg in 'Little Women'. She later moved to California and frequently performed at Theatre 40 in Beverly Hills, eventually serving on the board of directors.
Gloria's television career spanned several decades, with notable roles including that of Maggie, the secretary to Rock Hudson's character in McMillan & Wife, and recurring appearances on the navy sitcom Operation Petticoat.
She also appeared in a few films, including small supporting parts in The Day of the Locust, Fun with Dick and Jane, and Uncommon Valor. In addition, Gloria played the role of Rose, the matriarch of the Kennedy family, in the TV movie Young Joe, the Forgotten Kennedy.
Gloria's personal favorite acting role was playing the lead character in Driving Miss Daisy on stage at Theatre 40.
In her personal life, Gloria was married to television producer Leonard Stern from 1956 until his death in 2011. She retired from screen acting in 1996 and published her memoirs, 'Cast of Characters', in 2018 under the name Gloria Stroock-Stern.
Gloria was also a talented sculptor and passed away on May 5, 2024, just two months shy of her 100th birthday.
