The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-05-16

don't suppose my parents were ever in side of a theater From the time I was a youngster I liked the stage, and had hankering, as it were, to be an actor. I used to take part in all sorts of anna teur theatricals, and finally when I got to be real grown-up, l made my de- cision, and there you are"
 Which you have never regretted?" I said casually.
 Not at all. said Mir Bruce" I made my debut in Antigone at the age of 16. You see I started with the classics-and although I didn't have a very impor- tant role in the production. it was a be- ginning. I took the part of the First Messenger and I was very proud of my chance"
 And then you began to cimb," I ob- served
 Prom that moment I felt that I had chosen wisely, and so I continued my work
 Have you ever played in stock be- fore?" I asked.
 "Oh, yes," said MT. Bruce; q think it the best training school that the stage has,"
 Isn't it very taxing to the memory to have to learn so many parts in so short a time as a week, for instance?' questioned.
 Decidedly" was the reply. "but the memory profits by such training, and one becomes more versatile, and in fact 1t helps an actor in every way. You know 1t is a proverbial fact that our best ac- tors have the poorest memories. Take Ellen Terry, for instance; she will study a role for months and then as soon as the production has been staged and shelved-say two weeks afterwards-she hasn't the vaguest idea of a line that she spoke in the play"
 What was the first vehicle that gave you your chance as starr" l asked.
 q played The Virginian' after Dustin Farnum,' said MT. Bruce, and then l have never had role yet that gave me have never had rol eyet that gave me the chance to make the hit on Broadway that I want. Of course, that is the goal that every actor strives for Once you make a Broadway hit your reputation is secure. The past season I have been with MT. William Gillette in the revivals of his plays-'Held by the Enemy The Private Secretary Secret Service and the others. I played the lead with him in all these. and in Held by the Enemy did the leading role, as MT. Gillette is now too old for it."
 Tile is wonderful man in so many respects" l reflected, and MT. Bruce catching the train of thought said quickly.
 One of the most remarkable men T ever knew. He has a splendid mind vivid imagination. fine head for detail and withal. one of the foremost actors on the stage today.
 Have you any plans after your en- gagement here.' I asked, having heard 1t rumored that MT. Bruce will in all probability be Miss Maude Adams Heading man" next season.
 That is up to MT. Frohman.' said MT Bruce Mir Richard Bennett, who Is such popular Broadway favorite-you probably saw him in the Lion and the Mouse'--and MT. Bruce McRae, for so long Miss Ethel Barrymores leading man, have both gone over to other managers. and Mr. Frohman rather counts on me, so that is the situation in nutshell"
 Have you any fads?" I asked MT. Bruce as our interesting little chat was drawing to close.
 'Automobiling, he promptly replied. ''I think it is the greatest sport in the world I brought my EMF with me to Birmingham, and you can imagine the pleasure 1t gives me after the hard work that stock company rehearsals and per- f0rmances demand"