[2] His father, the manufacturer August Zappert, came from a prominent Jewish family which originated in Bohemia and later spread to Hungary and lower Austria.
Although he aspired to pursue university studies, he enrolled in the Vienna Commercial Academy in 1862 to prepare for the continuation of his father's business.
The unexpected passing of his father led Bruno to change course, and he instead entered the publishing business in Vienna.
He began by learning the trade from Wallishauser, and in 1869, he assumed full control of Hügel's establishment in Herrengasse, overseeing its operations until 1877.
He then shifted his focus to dramatic literature, becoming secretary and artistic director at the Presburg Theatre, and later dramatist of the Carltheater.