Nigel was, from the beginning, typecast as bumbling English aristocrats, military types or drawing room society snobs and, within the narrow parameters of his range, he was very, very good at playing these parts. Nigel Bruce was born in Mexico, where his father, Sir William W. Bruce, worked as an engineer. His family was part of English aristocracy, ever since Charles I. bestowed a baronetcy upon them in 1629 .
Best known for his inimitable, forever-indelible portrayals of a most blithering Dr. John Watson opposite Basil Rathbone s Sherlock Holmes in Universals World War II-era Holmes films.
Two daughters: Jennifer and Pauline
In late 1944 he began writing an autobiography entitled "Games, Gossip and Greasepaint" which was never published. However many extracts were published in The Sherlock Holmes Journal (London/Oxford, England) Winter issue 1998 Volume 19 Number 1.
Younger brother of Sir Michael William Selby Bruce, 11th Baronet of Stenhouse and Airth, a descendant of Robert the Bruce and of the Royal Stuarts. Source: Book entitled Tramp Royal by Sir Michael Bruce of Stenhouse. Published 1945 by Elek Books Ltd, 14 Great James St, London.
Fought in the British army during World War I and was seriously wounded in action.
In May 1945 Bruce underwent surgery for varicose veins in his legs as a result of his war injuries.
Began his acting career on stage in 1920.
Although he played the seemingly older Dr. Watson opposite Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes, he was actually 2 1/2 years younger.
Best known for playing Dr. Watson, he is fittingly also a cousin of Christopher Plummer , who went on to play Sherlock Holmes.
I am in no way a distinguished man, but if I died tomorrow, I can,honestly claim to have been what few men can call themselves - a really,happy one. For 26 years I have been blessed with the love and,friendship of a very wonderful woman. I have two attractive and,splendid daughters of whom I am very proud, and my two sons-in-law I,respect and like enormously. Except for a groggy leg I have been given,excellent health, and all through my life I have had the friendship of,many attractive and worthwhile people, for all this I am very grateful.
I have made a few enemies and for their opinions I care not a fig. I,may be broke or ill again, but as long as I have Bunny beside me I,shall be happy, and I can only hope that our two daughters will enjoy,their lives as much as their father has enjoyed every minute of his.
