1. Bruce Lester was a South African-born English film actor with over 60 screen appearances to his credit between 1934 and his retirement from acting in 1958.
13 Facts About Bruce Lester
1. 2.
Bruce Lester then moved to the US, where he changed his surname to Lester, and found himself for a time appearing in some of the biggest prestige productions of their day, alongside stars such as Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Tyrone Power and Errol Flynn.
3.
Bruce Lester himself never achieved star-billing, but was said to have remarked that this at least meant that if a film was a flop, no blame ever fell on his shoulders.
4.
Bruce Lester dabbled in amateur dramatics, but showed potential as an exceptionally talented tennis player, and was considering trying to make a living from the sport until friends convinced him that acting offered far greater earning potential.
5.
Bruce Lester's performance was noticed and a good career opportunity presented itself straight away when he was offered the male romantic lead in To Be a Lady, opposite Chili Bouchier, one of Britain's top female stars of the time.
6.
Bruce Lester was promptly sent to the US, where he was cast in the James Cagney vehicle Boy Meets Girl.
7.
Bruce Lester was then signed to a three-year Hollywood contract, reportedly at Cagney's urging.
8.
Bruce Lester returned, and appeared in several films in which he played flying officers, including Man Hunt, A Yank in the RAF and Desperate Journey.
9.
Bruce Lester did then decide to join the British services, serving through to the end of the war.
10.
On his return to Hollywood, Bruce Lester's career faltered, with both the quality of film and size of role he was being offered tapering off.
11.
Bruce Lester did land a good part in 1947's Golden Earrings with Ray Milland and Marlene Dietrich, then returned for a time to Europe, where he starred in But Not in Vain and Celia: The Sinister Affair of Poor Aunt Nora.
12.
Bruce Lester continued to play tennis, and was a keen member of the Hollywood Cricket Club.
13.
Bruce Lester died in Los Angeles on 13 June 2008, one week after his 96th birthday.