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{{Short description|British actor (1909–1969)}}
{{for|his father, the military surgeon and historian|Bruce Gordon Seton}}
{{for|his father, the military surgeon and historian|Bruce Gordon Seton}}
{{short description|British actor (1909-1969)}}
{{more footnotes needed|date=January 2013}}
{{more footnotes|date=January 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2012}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| honorific-prefix = [[Baronet|Sir]]
| honorific-prefix = [[Baronet|Sir]]
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| othername    =  
| othername    =  
| years_active  =  
| years_active  =  
| spouse        = {{marriage|[[Tamara Desni]]|1937|1940|end=divorced}}<br />{{marriage|[[Antoinette Cellier]]<br />|1940}}
| spouse        = {{plainlist|
* {{marriage|[[Tamara Desni]]|1937|1940|end=divorced}}
* {{marriage|[[Antoinette Cellier]]|1940}}
}}
| children      = 1
| children      = 1
| notable role  =
| occupation = Actor
| occupation = Actor
|module =  
|module =  
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|allegiance  = United Kingdom
|allegiance  = United Kingdom
|branch      = [[British Army]]
|branch      = [[British Army]]
|serviceyears = 1929 - 1932<br />1939 - 1945
|serviceyears = 1929–1932<br />1939–1945
|rank        = [[Major (United Kingdom)|Major]]
|rank        = [[Major (United Kingdom)|Major]]
|servicenumber    = 44304
|servicenumber    = 44304
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}}
}}


'''Sir Bruce Lovat Seton, 11th Baronet''' (29 May 1909 – 28 September 1969) was a British actor and soldier.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://explore.bfi.org.uk/4ce2b9ef8753a|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722013149/http://explore.bfi.org.uk/4ce2b9ef8753a|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-07-22|title=Bruce Seton|work=BFI}}</ref>
'''Sir Bruce Lovat Seton, 11th Baronet''' (29 May 1909 – 28 September 1969) was a British actor and soldier.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://explore.bfi.org.uk/4ce2b9ef8753a|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722013149/http://explore.bfi.org.uk/4ce2b9ef8753a|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 July 2012|title=Bruce Seton|publisher=British Film Institute}}</ref> He is best remembered for his lead role in ''[[Fabian of the Yard]]''.
 
He is best remembered for his eponymous lead role in ''[[Fabian of the Yard]]''.


== Early life==
== Early life==
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== Military career ==
== Military career ==
Bruce was commissioned into the [[Black Watch]] in 1929 as a [[Second lieutenant|2nd Lieutenant]], but resigned his commission in 1932.   A brief interruption in his acting career came during the [[World War II|Second World War]] and in November 1939 he held the rank of [[Captain (armed forces)|Captain]] in the 10th [[Battalion]], [[Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)]], ending the war as [[Major]] (temporary).  His service number was 44304 and he was awarded the [[Medal of Freedom (1945)|Medal of Freedom]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/records/5194003/temporary-major-bruce-lovat-seton-british-army-cameronians-scottish-rifles/|title = Record Details for Bruce Lovat Seton (Cameronians (Scottish Rifles))|website = Forces War Records}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37961/supplement/2288/data.pdf|title = Supplement to the London Gazette, 23 May, 1947|website = The Gazette}}</ref>
Seton was commissioned into the [[Black Watch]] in 1929 as a [[second lieutenant]], but resigned his commission in 1932. A brief interruption in his acting career came during the [[World War II|Second World War]] and in November 1939 he held the rank of [[Captain (armed forces)|captain]] in the 10th [[Battalion]], [[Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)]], ending the war as [[Major (rank)|major]] (temporary).  His service number was 44304 and he was awarded the [[Medal of Freedom (1945)|Medal of Freedom]].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/records/5194003/temporary-major-bruce-lovat-seton-british-army-cameronians-scottish-rifles/|title = Record Details for Bruce Lovat Seton (Cameronians (Scottish Rifles))|website = Forces War Records}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37961/supplement/2288/data.pdf|title = Supplement to the London Gazette, 23 May, 1947|website = The Gazette}}</ref>


== Acting ==
== Acting ==
Bruce began his acting career in the chorus line at Drury Lane Theatre<ref name=":0" /> and starred in [[Ralph Ince]]'s film ''[[Blue Smoke (1935 film)|Blue Smoke]]'' (1935) as character Don Chinko.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/store/movies/cast/0,,1799056,00.html|title = Cast of Blue Smoke|website = Artist Direct}}</ref>
Seton began his acting career in the chorus line at Drury Lane Theatre<ref name=":0" /> and starred in [[Ralph Ince]]'s film ''[[Blue Smoke (1935 film)|Blue Smoke]]'' (1935) as Don Chinko.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/store/movies/cast/0,,1799056,00.html|title = Cast of Blue Smoke|website = Artist Direct}}</ref>


He played Inspector Fabian of Scotland Yard in the television series ''[[Fabian of the Yard]]'' (1954–1956). The series was based on the career of the former Scotland Yard Detective Inspector [[Robert Fabian]], who usually appeared briefly before the final fade-out to wind up the story.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmovie.com/movie/fabian-of-the-yard-v90806|title=Fabian of the Yard (1954) - Trailers, Reviews, Synopsis, Showtimes and Cast - AllMovie|work=AllMovie}}</ref>
He played Inspector Fabian of Scotland Yard in the television series ''[[Fabian of the Yard]]'' (1954–1956). The series was based on the career of the former Scotland Yard Detective Inspector [[Robert Fabian]], who usually appeared briefly before the final fade-out to wind up the story.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/fabian-of-the-yard-v90806|title=Fabian of the Yard (1954) – Trailers, Reviews, Synopsis, Showtimes and Cast |publisher=AllMovie|accessdate=24 March 2022}}</ref>


Bruce's last role was as the voice of Beadle in ''[[The Wonderful World of Disney]]'' (1962–1963).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dvdizzy.com/drsyn.html|title=Walt Disney Treasures: Dr. Syn - The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh DVD Review|work=dvdizzy.com}}</ref>
Seton's last role was as the voice of Beadle in ''[[The Wonderful World of Disney]]'' (1962–1963).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dvdizzy.com/drsyn.html|title=Walt Disney Treasures: Dr. Syn – The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh DVD Review|work=dvdizzy.com}}</ref>


He fenced and boxed in the Army and was a founder member with other actors of the [[Lord's Taverners]], a charity which raises funds to support participation in cricket.<ref name=":0" />
He fenced and boxed in the Army and was a founder member with other actors of the [[Lord's Taverners]], a charity which raises funds to support participation in cricket.<ref name=":0" />


==Later career ==
==Later career ==
His address in the 1940s was 15 Learmonth Gardens in western Edinburgh.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/content/images/SetonCellier1940.jpg|title = Marriage Record Bruce Lovat Seton and Florence Antoinette Glossop Cellier|website = Scotland's People}}</ref>
In 1963, on 7 February, the death of his brother, Alexander "Sandy" Hay Seton (who had no male heirs), Bruce became the 11th [[Seton baronets|Seton baronet]]. As Bruce also had no male heirs at the time of his death, in 1969, the title passed to his cousin, Christopher Bruce Seton (1909–1988).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hamishhaynes.com/ft/fam7.html |title=Family of Sir Bruce SETON of Abercorn, 9th Baronet and Elma ARMSTRONG |access-date=13 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924024732/http://www.hamishhaynes.com/ft/fam7.html |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> His {{whose|date=April 2025}} address in the 1940s was 15 Learmonth Gardens in western Edinburgh.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/content/images/SetonCellier1940.jpg|title = Marriage Record Bruce Lovat Seton and Florence Antoinette Glossop Cellier|website = Scotland's People}}</ref>
 
In 1963, on 7 February, the death of his brother, Alexander (Sandy) Hay Seton (who had no male heirs), Bruce became the 11th [[Seton baronets|Seton baronet]].<ref>https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/151502292/bruce-lovat-seton {{Bare URL inline|date=June 2021}}</ref>
 
Since Bruce also had no male heirs at the time of his death, in 1969, the title passed to his cousin, Christopher Bruce Seton (1909–1988).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hamishhaynes.com/ft/fam7.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=13 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924024732/http://www.hamishhaynes.com/ft/fam7.html |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Seton met actress [[Tamara Desni|Tamara Desni Willhelm]] (1911–2008) on the set of ''Blue Smoke'' in 1935, in which both had leading roles.
He became her second husband in 1937 in London, and divorced in 1940.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/content/images/BNASeton2.pdf|title = Daily Record and Mail, Thursday February 15, 1940 – Married Hour After Divorce|website = Scotland's People}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/culture/film/online-records-show-actor-remarried-one-hour-after-divorce-1-3989209|title = Online records show actor 'remarried one hour after divorce'|website = The Scotsman}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url = http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/Content/Help/index.aspx?2368|title = Bruce Seton|website = Scotland's People| date=10 August 2016 }}</ref>


He met fellow actor [[Tamara Desni|Tamara Desni Willhelm]] (1911-2008) on the set of ''Blue Smoke'' in 1935, became her second husband in 1937 in London and divorced in 1940.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/content/images/BNASeton2.pdf|title = Daily Record and Mail, Thursday February 15,1940 - Married Hour After Divorce|website = Scotland's People}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/culture/film/online-records-show-actor-remarried-one-hour-after-divorce-1-3989209|title = Online records show actor 'remarried one hour after divorce'|website = The Scotsman}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url = http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/Content/Help/index.aspx?2368|title = Bruce Seton|website = Scotland's People}}</ref>
He later married actress [[Antoinette Cellier]] (born Florence Antoinette Glossop Cellier). They had a daughter, Lydia Antoinette Gordon Seton (born 14 November 1941).{{citation needed|date=May 2022}}
 
He married his second wife, actor [[Antoinette Cellier]] (Florence Antoinette Glossop Cellier), in 1940 in London. They had a daughter, Lydia Antoinette Gordon Seton, born on 14 November 1941.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url = http://www.thepeerage.com/p57442.htm|title = Person Page - 57442|website = The Peerage}}</ref>


==Selected filmography==
==Selected filmography==
{{div col}}
{{div col}}
* ''[[Flame in the Heather]]'' (1935) - Murray
* ''[[Flame in the Heather]]'' (1935) – Murray
* ''[[Blue Smoke (1935 film)|Blue Smoke]]'' (1935) - Don Chinko
* ''[[Blue Smoke (1935 film)|Blue Smoke]]'' (1935) – Don Chinko
* ''[[The Vandergilt Diamond Mystery]]'' (1936) - Hardcastle
* ''[[The Vandergilt Diamond Mystery]]'' (1936) – Hardcastle
* ''[[Wedding Group]]'' (1936) - Dr. Jock Carnegie
* ''[[Wedding Group]]'' (1936) – Dr. Jock Carnegie
* ''[[Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1936 film)|The Demon Barber of Fleet Street]]'' (1936) - Mark
* ''[[Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1936 film)|The Demon Barber of Fleet Street]]'' (1936) – Mark
* ''[[Melody of My Heart]]'' (1936) - Jim Brent
* ''[[Melody of My Heart]]'' (1936) – Jim Brent
* ''[[The End of the Road (1936 film)|The End of the Road]]'' (1936) - Donald Carson
* ''[[The End of the Road (1936 film)|The End of the Road]]'' (1936) – Donald Carson
* ''[[Jack of All Trades (1936 film)|Jack of All Trades]]'' (1936) - Dancer (uncredited)
* ''[[Jack of All Trades (1936 film)|Jack of All Trades]]'' (1936) – Dancer (uncredited)
* ''[[Love from a Stranger (1937 film)|Love from a Stranger]]'' (1937) - Ronald Bruce
* ''[[Love from a Stranger (1937 film)|Love from a Stranger]]'' (1937) – Ronald Bruce
* ''[[Cafe Colette]]'' (1937) - Roger Manning
* ''[[Cafe Colette]]'' (1937) – Roger Manning
* ''[[Racing Romance (1937 film)|Racing Romance]]'' (1937) - Harry Stone
* ''[[Racing Romance (1937 film)|Racing Romance]]'' (1937) – Harry Stone
* ''[[Fifty-Shilling Boxer]]'' (1937) - Jack Foster
* ''[[Fifty-Shilling Boxer]]'' (1937) – Jack Foster
* ''[[Father Steps Out (1937 film)|Father Steps Out]]'' (1937) - Johnnie Miller
* ''[[Father Steps Out (1937 film)|Father Steps Out]]'' (1937) – Johnnie Miller
* ''[[The Green Cockatoo]]'' (1937) - Madison - Tall Henchman
* ''[[The Green Cockatoo]]'' (1937) – Madison – Tall Henchman
* ''[[Weddings Are Wonderful]]'' (1938) - John Smith
* ''[[Weddings Are Wonderful]]'' (1938) – John Smith
* ''[[You're the Doctor]]'' (1938) - Appleby
* ''[[You're the Doctor]]'' (1938) – Appleby
* ''[[Miracles Do Happen]]'' (1939) - Rodney Gilmore
* ''[[If I Were Boss (1938 film)|If I Were Boss]]'' (1938) – Steve
* ''[[Annie Laurie (1936 film)|Annie Laurie]]'' (1939) - Jamie Turner
* ''[[Miracles Do Happen]]'' (1939) – Rodney Gilmore
* ''[[Old Mother Riley Joins Up]]'' (1939) - Lt. Travers
* ''[[Annie Laurie (1936 film)|Annie Laurie]]'' (1939) – Jamie Turner
* ''[[Lucky to Me]]'' (1939) - Lord 'Tiny' Tyneside
* ''[[Old Mother Riley Joins Up]]'' (1939) – Lt. Travers
* ''[[Return to Yesterday]]'' (1940) - Journalist (uncredited)
* ''[[Lucky to Me]]'' (1939) – Lord 'Tiny' Tyneside
* ''[[The Middle Watch (1940 film)|The Middle Watch]]'' (1940) - Captain Randall
* ''[[Return to Yesterday]]'' (1940) – Journalist (uncredited)
* ''[[The Curse of the Wraydons]]'' (1946) - Jack Wraydon / Spring-Heeled Jack
* ''[[The Middle Watch (1940 film)|The Middle Watch]]'' (1940) – Captain Randall
* ''[[Bond Street (film)|Bond Street]]'' (1948) - Sergeant
* ''[[The Curse of the Wraydons]]'' (1946) – Jack Wraydon / Spring-Heeled Jack
* ''[[The Story of Shirley Yorke]]'' (1948) - Captain Sharp
* ''[[Bond Street (film)|Bond Street]]'' (1948) – Sergeant
* ''[[Bonnie Prince Charlie (1948 film)|Bonnie Prince Charlie]]'' (1948) - Allan Macrae (uncredited)
* ''[[The Story of Shirley Yorke]]'' (1948) – Captain Sharp
* ''[[Scott of the Antarctic (film)|Scott of the Antarctic]]'' (1948) - Lt. H. Pennell R.N.
* ''[[Bonnie Prince Charlie (1948 film)|Bonnie Prince Charlie]]'' (1948) – Allan Macrae (uncredited)
* ''[[Look Before You Love]]'' (1948) - Johns
* ''[[Scott of the Antarctic (film)|Scott of the Antarctic]]'' (1948) – Lt. H. Pennell R.N.
* ''[[Whisky Galore! (1949 film)|Whisky Galore!]]'' (1949) - Sergeant Odd
* ''[[Look Before You Love]]'' (1948) – Johns
* ''[[The Blue Lamp]]'' (1950) - PC Campbell
* ''[[Whisky Galore! (1949 film)|Whisky Galore!]]'' (1949) – Sergeant Odd
* ''[[Paul Temple's Triumph]]'' (1950) - Bill Bryant
* ''[[The Blue Lamp]]'' (1950) – PC Campbell
* ''[[Seven Days to Noon]]'' (1950) - Brigadier Grant (uncredited)
* ''[[Paul Temple's Triumph]]'' (1950) – Bill Bryant
* ''[[Portrait of Clare (film)|Portrait of Clare]]'' (1950) - Lord Steven Wolverbury
* ''[[Seven Days to Noon]]'' (1950) – Brigadier Grant (uncredited)
* ''[[Blackmailed (1951 film)|Blackmailed]]'' (1951) - Supt. Crowe
* ''[[Portrait of Clare (film)|Portrait of Clare]]'' (1950) – Lord Steven Wolverbury
* ''[[Worm's Eye View]]'' (1951) - Squadron Leader Briarly
* ''[[Blackmailed (1951 film)|Blackmailed]]'' (1951) – Supt. Crowe
* ''[[White Corridors]]'' (1951) - Policeman
* ''[[Worm's Eye View]]'' (1951) – Squadron Leader Briarly
* ''[[White Corridors]]'' (1951) – Policeman
* ''[[High Treason (1951 film)|High Treason]]'' (1951)
* ''[[High Treason (1951 film)|High Treason]]'' (1951)
* ''[[Take Me to Paris]]'' (1951) - Gerald Vane
* ''[[Take Me to Paris]]'' (1951) – Gerald Vane
* ''[[Emergency Call (1952 film)|Emergency Call]]'' (1952) - Sgt. Bellamy
* ''[[Emergency Call (1952 film)|Emergency Call]]'' (1952) – Sgt. Bellamy
* ''[[The Second Mrs Tanqueray (1952 film)|The Second Mrs Tanqueray]]'' (1952) - Gordon Jayne
* ''[[The Second Mrs Tanqueray (1952 film)|The Second Mrs Tanqueray]]'' (1952) – Gordon Jayne
* ''[[The Cruel Sea (1953 film)|The Cruel Sea]]'' (1953) - Tallow
* ''[[The Cruel Sea (1953 film)|The Cruel Sea]]'' (1953) – Tallow
* ''[[Mogambo]]'' (1953) - Wilson (uncredited)
* ''[[Mogambo]]'' (1953) – Wilson (uncredited)
* ''[[Eight O'Clock Walk]]'' (1954) - D. C. I.
* ''[[Eight O'Clock Walk]]'' (1954) – D. C. I.
* ''[[Doctor in the House]]'' (1954) - Police Driver (uncredited)
* ''[[Doctor in the House (film)|Doctor in the House]]'' (1954) – Police Driver (uncredited)
* ''[[Delayed Action]]'' (1954) - Sellars
* ''[[Delayed Action]]'' (1954) – Sellars
* ''[[Man of the Moment (1955 film)|Man of the Moment]]'' (1955) - Fabian of the Yard (uncredited)
* ''[[Man of the Moment (1955 film)|Man of the Moment]]'' (1955) – Fabian of the Yard (uncredited)
* ''[[Breakaway (1955 film)|Breakaway]]'' (1956) - Webb
* ''[[Breakaway (1955 film)|Breakaway]]'' (1956) – Webb
* ''[[Morning Call (film)|Morning Call]]'' (1957) - Inspector S.G. Brown
* ''[[Morning Call (film)|Morning Call]]'' (1957) – Inspector S.G. Brown
* ''[[There's Always a Thursday]]'' (1957) - James Pelly
* ''[[There's Always a Thursday]]'' (1957) – James Pelly
* ''[[West of Suez]]'' (1957) - Major Osborne
* ''[[West of Suez]]'' (1957) – Major Osborne
* ''[[The Crooked Sky]]'' (1957) - Inspector 'Mac' Macauley
* ''[[The Crooked Sky]]'' (1957) – Inspector 'Mac' Macauley
* ''[[Undercover Girl (1958 film)|Undercover Girl]]'' (1958) - Ted Austin
* ''[[Undercover Girl (1958 film)|Undercover Girl]]'' (1958) – Ted Austin
* ''[[The Heart of a Man]]'' (1959) - River Police Inspector (uncredited)
* ''[[The Heart of a Man]]'' (1959) – River Police Inspector (uncredited)
* ''[[Strictly Confidential (film)|Strictly Confidential]]'' (1959) - Inspector Shearing
* ''[[Strictly Confidential (1959 film)|Strictly Confidential]]'' (1959) – Inspector Shearing
* ''[[Make Mine a Million]]'' (1959) - Supt. James
* ''[[Make Mine a Million]]'' (1959) – Supt. James
* ''[[Violent Moment]]'' (1959) - Inspector Davis
* ''[[Violent Moment]]'' (1959) – Inspector Davis
* ''[[The 39 Steps (1959 film)|The 39 Steps]]'' (1959) - Policeman on Train (uncredited)
* ''[[The 39 Steps (1959 film)|The 39 Steps]]'' (1959) – Policeman on Train (uncredited)
* ''[[John Paul Jones (film)|John Paul Jones]]'' (1959) - 1st Villager
* ''[[Life in Danger]]'' (1959) – George, the landlord
* ''[[Carry On Constable]]'' (1960) - (uncredited)
* ''[[John Paul Jones (film)|John Paul Jones]]'' (1959) – 1st Villager
* ''[[Trouble with Eve]]'' (1960) - Col. Digby-Phillpotts
* ''[[Carry On Constable]]'' (1960) – (uncredited)
* ''[[Operation Cupid]]'' (1960) - Representative
* ''[[Trouble with Eve]]'' (1960) – Col. Digby-Phillpotts
* ''[[The League of Gentlemen (film)|The League of Gentlemen]]'' (1960) - Patrolman (uncredited)
* ''[[Operation Cupid]]'' (1960) – Representative
* ''[[Just Joe]]'' (1960) - Charlie
* ''[[The League of Gentlemen (film)|The League of Gentlemen]]'' (1960) – Patrolman (uncredited)
* ''[[Freedom to Die]]'' (1961) - Felix
* ''[[Just Joe]]'' (1960) – Charlie
* ''[[Gorgo (film)|Gorgo]]'' (1961) - Prof. Flaherty
* ''[[Freedom to Die]]'' (1961) – Felix
* ''[[Greyfriars Bobby: The True Story of a Dog]]'' (1961) - Prosecutor
* ''[[Gorgo (film)|Gorgo]]'' (1961) – Prof. Flaherty
* ''[[The Frightened City]]'' (1961) - Assistant Commissioner
* ''[[Greyfriars Bobby: The True Story of a Dog]]'' (1961) – Prosecutor
* ''[[Ambush in Leopard Street]]'' (1962) - Nimmo
* ''[[The Frightened City]]'' (1961) – Assistant Commissioner
* ''[[The Pot Carriers]]'' (1962) - Prison Officer I / C Cell Block
* ''[[Ambush in Leopard Street]]'' (1962) – Nimmo
* ''[[Dead Man's Evidence]]'' (1962) - Colonel James Somerset
* ''[[The Pot Carriers]]'' (1962) – Prison Officer I / C Cell Block
* ''[[Doctor Syn#The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh (1963)|Dr. Syn, Alias the Scarecrow]]'' (1963) - Beadle
* ''[[Dead Man's Evidence]]'' (1962) – Colonel James Somerset
* ''[[Doctor Syn#The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh (1963)|Dr. Syn, Alias the Scarecrow]]'' (1963) – Beadle
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}


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==External links==
==External links==
 
{{Portal|Biography}}
*{{IMDb name|0786074}}
*{{IMDb name|0786074}}
*[http://www.whirligig-tv.co.uk/tv/adults/other/fabian.htm Whirligig TV]
*[http://www.whirligig-tv.co.uk/tv/adults/other/fabian.htm Whirligig TV]
*{{Find a Grave|41811241}}


{{S-start}}
{{S-start}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Seton, Bruce}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Seton, Bruce}}
[[Category:Baronets in the Baronetage of Nova Scotia]]
[[Category:1909 births]]
[[Category:1969 deaths]]
[[Category:Nobility from West Lothian]]
[[Category:People educated at Edinburgh Academy]]
[[Category:British male film actors]]
[[Category:British male film actors]]
[[Category:British Army personnel of World War II]]
[[Category:British Army personnel of World War II]]
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[[Category:Cameronians officers]]
[[Category:Cameronians officers]]
[[Category:Graduates of the Royal Military College, Sandhurst]]
[[Category:Graduates of the Royal Military College, Sandhurst]]
[[Category:1909 births]]
[[Category:Actors from Shimla]]
[[Category:1969 deaths]]
[[Category:People educated at Edinburgh Academy]]
[[Category:People from Shimla]]
[[Category:British male television actors]]
[[Category:British male television actors]]
[[Category:20th-century British male actors]]
[[Category:20th-century British male actors]]
[[Category:Seton baronets|111]]
[[Category:Seton family|Bruce]]
[[Category:Seton family|Bruce]]
[[Category:Younger sons of baronets]]

Latest revision as of 11:13, 19 February 2026


For his father, the military surgeon and historian, see Bruce Gordon Seton.
Sir

Bruce Seton

Bt
File:Actor Bruce Seton.jpg
Born(1909-05-29)29 May 1909
Simla, British India
Died28 September 1969(1969-09-28) (aged 60)
London, England
OccupationActor
Spouse(s)
​
(
m. 1937; div. 1940)
Children1
Military career
AllegianceUnited Kingdom
Service/branchBritish Army
Years of service1929–1932
1939–1945
RankMajor
Service number44304
UnitBlack Watch
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
Battles/warsSecond World War
AwardsMedal of Freedom (US)

Sir Bruce Lovat Seton, 11th Baronet (29 May 1909 – 28 September 1969) was a British actor and soldier.[1] He is best remembered for his lead role in Fabian of the Yard.

Early life[edit | edit source]

Bruce Lovat Seton was born in Simla, British India, the younger of two sons of Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Bruce Gordon Seton of Abercorn (1868–1934), 9th Baronet and his wife, Elma Armstrong (died 1960).[2] He was educated at Edinburgh Academy and then trained at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.

Military career[edit | edit source]

Seton was commissioned into the Black Watch in 1929 as a second lieutenant, but resigned his commission in 1932. A brief interruption in his acting career came during the Second World War and in November 1939 he held the rank of captain in the 10th Battalion, Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), ending the war as major (temporary). His service number was 44304 and he was awarded the Medal of Freedom.[3][4][5]

Acting[edit | edit source]

Seton began his acting career in the chorus line at Drury Lane Theatre[3] and starred in Ralph Ince's film Blue Smoke (1935) as Don Chinko.[6]

He played Inspector Fabian of Scotland Yard in the television series Fabian of the Yard (1954–1956). The series was based on the career of the former Scotland Yard Detective Inspector Robert Fabian, who usually appeared briefly before the final fade-out to wind up the story.[7]

Seton's last role was as the voice of Beadle in The Wonderful World of Disney (1962–1963).[8]

He fenced and boxed in the Army and was a founder member with other actors of the Lord's Taverners, a charity which raises funds to support participation in cricket.[3]

Later career[edit | edit source]

In 1963, on 7 February, the death of his brother, Alexander "Sandy" Hay Seton (who had no male heirs), Bruce became the 11th Seton baronet. As Bruce also had no male heirs at the time of his death, in 1969, the title passed to his cousin, Christopher Bruce Seton (1909–1988).[9] His [whose?] address in the 1940s was 15 Learmonth Gardens in western Edinburgh.[10]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Seton met actress Tamara Desni Willhelm (1911–2008) on the set of Blue Smoke in 1935, in which both had leading roles. He became her second husband in 1937 in London, and divorced in 1940.[11][12][3]

He later married actress Antoinette Cellier (born Florence Antoinette Glossop Cellier). They had a daughter, Lydia Antoinette Gordon Seton (born 14 November 1941).[citation needed]

Selected filmography[edit | edit source]

Honours[edit | edit source]

Arms[edit | edit source]

Template:Infobox COA wide

Sources[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Bruce Seton". British Film Institute. Archived from the original on 22 July 2012.
  2. ↑ "Family of Sir Bruce SETON of Abercorn, 9th Baronet and Elma ARMSTRONG". Hamish Haynes. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Bruce Seton". Scotland's People. 10 August 2016.
  4. ↑ "Record Details for Bruce Lovat Seton (Cameronians (Scottish Rifles))". Forces War Records.
  5. ↑ "Supplement to the London Gazette, 23 May, 1947" (PDF). The Gazette.
  6. ↑ "Cast of Blue Smoke". Artist Direct.
  7. ↑ "Fabian of the Yard (1954) – Trailers, Reviews, Synopsis, Showtimes and Cast". AllMovie. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  8. ↑ "Walt Disney Treasures: Dr. Syn – The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh DVD Review". dvdizzy.com.
  9. ↑ "Family of Sir Bruce SETON of Abercorn, 9th Baronet and Elma ARMSTRONG". Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 13 February 2015.
  10. ↑ "Marriage Record Bruce Lovat Seton and Florence Antoinette Glossop Cellier". Scotland's People.
  11. ↑ "Daily Record and Mail, Thursday February 15, 1940 – Married Hour After Divorce" (PDF). Scotland's People.
  12. ↑ "Online records show actor 'remarried one hour after divorce'". The Scotsman.

External links[edit | edit source]

Baronetage of Nova Scotia
Preceded by
Alexander Seton 		Baronet
(of Abercorn)
1963–1969 		Succeeded by
Christopher Seton
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