In 1940, after extensive travel for theater work, McBroom made his way to California and signed with a Hollywood agent, Henry Willson.

The 6' 1" (1.85 m) actor was released from his Warner's contract to join the Naval Air Force at the outset of World War II, but he was discharged due to a chronic ear infection.

[4] Bruce was the father of singer-songwriter Amanda McBroom, who wrote the song The Rose, made popular by Bette Midler.

[5] Bruce died from a heart attack in Hollywood, California at the age of 62, immediately after wrapping his first scene on the film Moving Violations.

[4] The lyrics of the song, however, contradict that statement: "It's my daddy, the actor, 'bout to die with his boots on, he's the man standing up there next to old Errol Flynn."