Although he played the seemingly older Dr. Watson opposite Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes, he was actually 2 1/2 years younger.
Began his acting career on stage in 1920.
Best known for his inimitable, forever-indelible portrayals of a most blithering Dr. John Watson opposite Basil Rathbone's Sherlock Holmes in Universal's World War II-era Holmes films.
Fought in the British army during World War I and was seriously wounded in action.
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.
In May 1945 Bruce underwent surgery for varicose veins in his legs as a result of his war injuries.
Two daughters: Jennifer and Pauline
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.