Bruno Lawrence was born David Lawrence on 12th February 1941 in Brighton England. He emigrated to New Zealand with his parents and sister in 1946 at the age of five, settling in New Plymouth before relocating to Wellington in 1948.

Starting out as a Jazz musician with regular work he became involved in some minor film projects with some of his friends. He either appeared in them or directed some of them which led to a role in  Tank Busters.  He then played a role in a television documentary called Time Out. He did such a good job of it that he was awarded the 1970 Feltex Television Award for Best Actor. Further roles followed with a part in the television series Pukemanu.and a career in tv and film followed.