Joe Brown's professional journey in the film industry began with the 1940 production of "High School", where he took on the role of Slats Roberts alongside the talented Jane Withers. This marked the start of a string of early film appearances, with his next role being that of Benny in "Youth Will Be Served" in the same year.
In 1941, Brown expanded his repertoire by taking on the character of midshipman Bill Foster in "Naval Academy". Later that same year, he showcased his musical talents as Ralph in "Sing Another Chorus", a characteristic trait of the era's cinematic landscape.
Brown's subsequent film appearances included a range of roles, from bit parts in "All American Co-Ed" to notable performances in "The Kink of the Campus", "The Postman Didn't Ring", "College Belles", "The Great Glover", and "Glove Birds" in 1941 and 1942.
Joe Brown's extensive filmography continued to grow with the addition of the musical Juke Box Jenny in 1942, a film that not only showcased his acting abilities but also contributed to the war effort by promoting military recruitment and the purchase of war bonds.
In the same year, Brown took on the role of Cadet Benny Havens in the military-themed film Ten Gentlemen from West Point, further demonstrating his range as an actor.
The following year, he appeared in the comedy B-movie His Girl's Worst Friend, a film that likely showcased his comedic chops and added to his growing reputation as a versatile actor.
After a four-year hiatus, Brown returned to the screen in 1947 with the film Jack Armstrong, marking the beginning of a string of B-movies that would continue throughout the decade.
One of the most notable films from this period was Father of the Bride, released in 1950, in which Brown played the role of a moving man.
Later that same year, he appeared in The Skipper Surprised His Wife, taking on the role of Bilson.
Brown also appeared in Messenger of Peace in 1950, playing the role of Ted Herner, and The Wild Blue Yonder in 1951, starring alongside a talented ensemble cast that included Wendell Corey, Vera Ralston, Forrest Tucker, Phil Harris, Walter Brennan, Ruth Donnelly, Harry Carey Jr., and Brown himself, who portrayed Sgt. Pop Davies.
Notable beyond his cinematic endeavors, Joe Brown's television credits include appearances in the television series "Three Character Mike" and "The Phil Silvers Show", a notable achievement in his multifaceted career.
His final on-screen performance was in the 1959 film "The Fugitive Kind", where he took on the role of Pee Wee Binnings, a local resident who had a complicated history with the law, and was often at odds with the authorities, particularly Marlon Brando's character, who had a troubled past and was struggling to stay out of trouble.
