What's After the Movie
Nigel Bruce
Nigel Bruce, best known for his portrayal of Dr. Watson in a series of films and in the radio series The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, was a British character actor on stage and screen. He starred with Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes in both. Bruce is also remembered for his roles in the Alfred Hitchcock films Rebecca and Suspicion, as well as Charlie Chaplin's Limelight and the original Lassie film Lassie Come Home. He was born in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico while his parents were touring the world. Bruce received his formal education at The Grange School in Stevenage, and from 1908 to 1912 at Abingdon School in Abingdon-on-Thames. On outbreak of World War I, he was mobilized with the regiment and went out to the Western Front at the age of 19. Bruce abandoned a career in the City of London Stock Exchange, and pursued a career as a professional actor. He moved to Hollywood in 1934, and as his career there became a success he set up home in Beverly Hills later during the 1930s. Bruce was noted for portraying buffoonish, fuzzy-minded gentlemen in films. His depiction of Watson was iconic; highly of Bruce's portrayal* saying that Watson was one of the screen's most lovable characters. Bruce was married to Violet Campbell whom he lovingly called "Bunny" and they had two daughters.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Nigel Bruce, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Nigel Bruce rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: William Nigel Ernle Bruce
Born: Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
Citizenship: British
Birthday: February 4, 1895
Occupations: Actor
Years Active: 1920-1953
Children: 2
Spouses: Violet Pauline Shelton
External Links and Streaming Options
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Movies Featuring Nigel Bruce
Limelight
Rebecca
Lassie Come Home
The Many Faces of Sherlock Holmes
Gypsy Wildcat
The Two Mrs. Carrolls
The Woman in Green
Birds of Prey
The Corn Is Green
Son of Lassie
Hudson’s Bay
The Spider Woman
The Scarlet Pimpernel
Journey for Margaret
This Above All
World for Ransom
Lillian Russell
Crazy House
The House of Fear
Roxie Hart
Play Girl
Pursuit to Algiers
Free and Easy
Terror by Night
Bwana Devil
The Rains Came
Susan and God
Suez
Becky Sharp
Thunder in the City
Jalna
The Trail of the Lonesome Pine
The White Angel
The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo
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Screen Snapshots (Series 16, No. 1)
Julia Misbehaves
Kidnapped
The Scarlet Claw
Dressed to Kill
Sherlock Holmes Faces Death
I Was a Spy
The Pearl of Death
Hong Kong
The Charge of the Light Brigade
This Woman Is Mine
Stand Up and Cheer!
Vendetta
Forever and a Day
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Treasure Island
The Blue Bird
Frenchman’s Creek
Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon
Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror
Sherlock Holmes in Washington
The Last of Mrs. Cheyney
The Chocolate Soldier
Hollywood: The Dream Factory
Escape!
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Nigel Bruce, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
1945
The Woman in Green
Dr. John Watson
The Corn Is Green
The Squire
Son of Lassie
Duke of Radling
The House of Fear
Dr. John Watson
Pursuit to Algiers
Doctor Watson
1944
Gypsy Wildcat
High Sheriff
The Scarlet Claw
Doctor Watson
The Pearl of Death
Dr. John Watson
Frenchman’s Creek
Lord Godolphin
1943
Lassie Come Home
The Spider Woman
Dr. John H. Watson
Crazy House
Dr. Watson
Sherlock Holmes Faces Death
Doctor Watson
Forever and a Day
Major Garrow
Sherlock Holmes in Washington
Doctor Watson
1942
Journey for Margaret
Herbert V. Allison
This Above All
Ramsbottom
Roxie Hart
E. Clay Benham
Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon
Doctor Watson
Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror
Doctor Watson
1941
Play Girl
William McDonald Vincent
Free and Easy
Florian Clemington
This Woman Is Mine
Duncan MacDougall
The Chocolate Soldier
Bernard Fischer
1940
Rebecca
Hudson’s Bay
Prince Rupert
Lillian Russell
William Gilbert
Susan and God
'Hutchie'
The Blue Bird
Mr. Luxury
1936
The Trail of the Lonesome Pine
Thurber
The White Angel
Dr. West
Screen Snapshots (Series 16, No. 1)
Self
The Charge of the Light Brigade
Sir Benjamin Warrenton
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