Idelle Brooks was a pioneer in Alabama television broadcasting. From 1955 to 1983, she worked as a television personality in Montgomery, Alabama, at WSFA, WCOV and WKAB stations.

Before her broadcasting career began, Idelle was a trailblazer in other ways. In 1943, the Oklahoma native was the first and only female to serve as Chief Illiniwek, the official mascot at the University of Illinois. At that time, Idelle drew the attention of a young Army officer, Richard S. Brooks, from Montgomery, Alabama, who was stationed in Illinois.

After marriage and while her husband finished his law degree at the University of Alabama following the war, Idelle taught speech and journalism at the university. The couple moved to Montgomery where Idelle worked in public relations. By chance, her office was located next door to a local radio station, and after cutting a few commercials for United Way, she gained the attention of the staff at WSFA, which had been on the air less than a year.

In 1955, WSFA hired Idelle as its women’s program director and personality. She appeared on an exercise show, Shaping Your Future, where local student Toni Tennille played piano. Years later, after becoming part of the pop duo The Captain and Tennille, Toni introduced Idelle at a concert, telling the crowd Idelle was the original Jane Fonda (referring to the early exercise program).

During her time at WSFA, Idelle worked with Frank McGee who later became a national newsman and Today Show host with NBC. At one point, McGee mentioned Idelle’s name to NBC executives who brought her to New York and offered her a job. With children to raise, however, Idelle made the decision to remain in Montgomery.

In addition to Shaping Your Future, Idelle hosted The Party Line and The Guest Room where she had the opportunity to interview celebrities from around the country. Of course, live programming requires a special set of skills. On one occasion, while doing an automobile commercial, Idelle was shocked when she swallowed a fly that flew in her mouth, but was unfazed and got through the spot without a hitch. In another instance, she hopped on a firetruck and was almost slung off as the truck made a sharp turn. No matter the task, Idelle would give it a try.

Throughout her career, Idelle’s first priority was her family. She and Richard were married for more than 60 years. Her daughter, Ellen Brooks, describes Idelle as a people person who loved her family “beyond measure.” The first time Ellen saw her mother on television, she wanted her to “come out of that box” so she could talk to her. Ellen’s memories include celebrating her brother Ricky’s first birthday on the show when he stuck his hand in the cake. Idelle’s youngest son, William, remembers the excitement of being on his mother’s Christmas Eve show.

Idelle loved talking to people and making them feel comfortable enough to tell their stories. As she once told her daughter, “If someone gets stuck answering a question, I want to be able to help them.” That was Idelle.