Fortunately Nigel's injury did not stop his craving for the stage and afterwards in 1920, he made his debut in The Creaking Chair. In 1922 Nigel married Violet Shelton. They later had two children, Jennifer and Pauline.

Nigel appeared in more than 30 films before his "definitive" role as Watson, including his first film roll in Red Aces (1929). He also appeared in Treasure Island (1934); The Scarlet Pimpernel (1935); Under Two Flags (1936); and Charge of the Light Brigade, The (1936) for a total of more than 70 films during his career.

Unlike Rathbone, Nigel never tired of his role as Watson and enthusiastically continued to play it through all 15 films and countless radio programs. He greatly contributed to the films success, impressing audiences with his gifts of humor and genuine characterization.
Rathbone states in his autobiography
"There is no question in my mind that Nigel Bruce was the ideal Dr. Watson... There was an endearing quality to his performance...".

Nigel passed away on October 8, 1953,
after a heart attack.