Biography of Bruce:
Born with an innate talent for acting, Bruce demonstrated his natural flair at a tender age of three. Growing up in Depression-era Chicago, he would often recreate scenes from movies he had watched with his mother, attempting to understand the characters' emotions by embodying them himself. This early instinct for acting was evident even at such a young age.
As he grew older, Bruce's knack for comedy became apparent. During a church pageant, he delivered the line "No room at the Inn" with such gusto that it sent the entire congregation into laughter. The audience's response was so overwhelming that he repeated the line multiple times, even as he was chased by the minister around the altar, further amplifying the laughter.
Bruce's early life was marked by a strong work ethic. At the age of six, he began working part-time, earning 60 cents for six days of delivering groceries. He continued to hold various jobs throughout his childhood and teenage years, including working on a newsstand and in a glass factory.
Tragedy struck when Bruce's father fell ill, and his desperate plea to quit school to support the family was answered by his mother taking on a job herself. This sacrifice allowed Bruce to continue his education, where he discovered his passion for art and football. He played football in high school and later in college, even moonlighting on a semi-pro team.
However, a chance encounter with a stripper who needed a strong man to wear an ape suit and toss her around led Bruce to discover his true calling as an actor. A magician at the club jokingly referred to him as an actor, further solidifying his decision to pursue the craft.
After being drafted into the U.S. Army for the Korean War, Bruce served for the last six months of the conflict and returned with malaria, which delayed his football career. He eventually tried out for a play and landed the lead role, receiving great reviews and going on to perform in summer stock and on Broadway and off-Broadway.
Bruce's visit to Hollywood in 1965 marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life. He eventually made the city his home in 1967, marking the start of his successful career in the entertainment industry.
