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.