Elisabeth Brooks was a Canadian actress who rose to fame for her role as the evil, leather-clad siren Marsha Quist in the 1981 horror film The Howling. She also appeared in several television shows, such as Days of Our Lives, The Rockford Files, Hart to Hart, and Starsky and Hutch. She was not only a talented actress, but also a singer, poet, writer, and environmental activist. However, her life was cut short by a devastating disease that claimed her life at the age of 46. What was Elisabeth Brooks cause of death? How did she cope with her illness? And what legacy did she leave behind? In this article, we will explore the tragic story of Elisabeth Brooks and her fight against brain cancer.
The Diagnosis
Elisabeth Brooks was born on July 2, 1951, in Toronto, Ontario, and adopted by William Harrison “Sandy” Luyties Jr. and his wife Joan (née Brooks) when she was six months old. She began her acting career at the age of five, and pursued her passion as a single mother while working various jobs to support herself and her son Jeremy. She had a successful career in both film and television, and was known for her beauty, charisma, and versatility.
However, in 1995, she received a shocking diagnosis that changed her life forever. She had brain tumors that were inoperable and terminal. According to The Baltimore Sun, she had to back out of the movie Dinosaur Valley Girls because of her condition. She was given only a few months to live, but she refused to give up hope.
The Treatment
Elisabeth Brooks decided to undergo alternative treatments for her brain cancer, such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, meditation, and prayer. She also sought the support of her family, friends, and fans. She moved to Palm Springs, California, where she lived with her longtime friend and fellow actress Kristy McNichol. McNichol had separated from Brooks earlier, but came back to care for her in her final days.
Brooks also continued to work on her creative projects, such as writing poetry and producing plays that taught children about the environment. She created her own production company and became an established acting coach. She wrote and produced a play called Orphan Dreams, which she directed at Calabasas High School and Chamber Theatre in Studio City.
The Death
Despite her courage and optimism, Elisabeth Brooks could not overcome her brain cancer. She died on September 7, 1997, at the Haven Hospice near her Palm Springs home. She was 46 years old. Her death came four days shy of McNichol’s 35th birthday. According to Deseret News, Brooks was survived by her son Jeremy, who was 23 at the time.
Brooks was cremated and her ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean. She also had a memorial service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, where some of her ashes were buried with a plaque that read “Forever Loved”.
The Legacy
Elisabeth Brooks left behind a legacy of talent, beauty, and kindness. She was remembered by her fans as one of the most memorable villains in horror history, as well as a versatile and talented actress who could play any role. She was also remembered by her colleagues as a generous and supportive friend who always encouraged others to pursue their dreams.
Brooks also left behind a legacy of creativity, spirituality, and activism. She was an accomplished writer, poet, and musician who expressed herself through various forms of art. She was also a devout Christian who believed in God’s love and grace. She was also an environmentalist who cared about the planet and its future.
Elisabeth Brooks may have lost her battle with brain cancer, but she won the hearts of many people who admired her courage, strength, and grace. She will always be remembered as a star who shone bright in both life and death.
