Bruno Lawrence

David Charles Lawrence (12 February 194110 June 1995), known professionally as Bruno Lawrence, was an English-born New Zealand musician and actor who was active in the industry in New Zealand and Australia.

Initially notable as a musician and founder of the 1970s ensemble Blerta, he went on to well-regarded roles in several major films. His television work included starring in the 1990s era Australian satirical series Frontline.

Early life David Charles Lawrence By the age of 14, he had acquired a drum kit, and discovered his passion for jazz music

Career

Music Lawrence was a jazz and rock drummer in numerous bands. In 1961, he joined jazz pianist Ronnie Smith's new band, with Tommy Tamati and Ricky May for about a year, playing the drums. In 1963, Lawrence drummed as a session musician for several bands, recorded jazz tracks for radio shows and formed a trio who appeared on television. The show was repeated in 1990, with the New Zealand String Quartet. Lawrence then formed a band with Jonathan Crayford called Jazzmin, playing in Wellington from 1990 to 1993. His last foray into music was in a band called Cracker. who at the age of 16, worked on the set of 1983 film Utu, alongside his father (as lead actor) and mother (as location manager). Thad also appeared alongside his father in a 1975 television commercial for Crunchie.

After Blerta's 1974 tour, Lawrence and family set up base at a commune called 'Snoring Waters', in the Hawke's Bay community of Waimārama.

Death In 1994, while enjoying the success of the Australian television series Frontline, Lawrence was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. He died in Wellington, New Zealand, on 10 June 1995 at the age of 54.

Filmography

Film Year Title Role Notes Ref. 1968 Hurry Hurry Faster Faster Dr Brunowski Short filmAlso director 1969 The Box The Robber Short Film 1980 Goodbye Pork Pie Mulvaney A Woman of Good Character Younger Son Beyond Reasonable Doubt Pat Vesey Race for the Yankee Zephyr Barker Carry Me Back Motorway Traffic Cop Prisoners Peeky 1982 A Point of View Grant Goodman Short Film 1984 Wild Horses Tyson Heart of the Stag Peter Also writer Death Warmed Up Tex 1985 An Indecent Obsession Matt Sawyer The Quiet Earth Zac Hobson Also writer 1986 Bridge to Nowhere Mac 1987 Initiation Nat Molloy 1988 Rikky and Pete Sonny As Time Goes By Ryder Grievous Bodily Harm Det. Sgt. Ray Birch 1989 The Delinquents Bosun

Television Year Title Role Notes Ref. 1969 Tank Busters Bruno TV movie short 1971 Time Out Johnny O'Keefe TV documentary Pukemanu Biker Episode: "Pukemanu Welcomes You" 1974 Percy the Policeman Burglar Bill 5 episodes Country Calendar The Neighbour Episode: "Fred Dagg" 1979 The Neville Purvis Family Show Various roles / Guru Pallet on the Floor (aka Pallet on the Floor) Ronald Hugh Morrieson Also composer / music director 1983 It's Lizzie to Those Close Younger Son TV movie 1984 Welcome to Paradise Tony Blackwood TV movie Inside Straight Nick Episode 7: "Card Game" Special Squad Arthur Poole Episode 32: "Until Death" 1985 Kaleidoscope – Roger Donaldson in Hollywood Himself TV documentary special 1986 Pokerface Ray 'Creepy' Crawley Miniseries, 3 episodes The Great Bookie Robbery Cracka Park Miniseries, 3 episodes 1988 The Rainbow Warrior Conspiracy Terry Batchelor TV movie 1989 Night of the Red Hunter Ish Murdie 4 episodes Magic Kiwis – Bruno Do That Thing Himself TV special 1992 The Rainbow Warrior Terry Batchelor TV movie

Theatre Year Title Role Notes Ref. 1972 Sausage and Mash Performer Star Boating Club, Wellington with Blerta & Acme Sausage Company 1980 The State of the Nation Musician (drums) Circa Theatre, Wellington 1991 Henceforward... Lupus (appears on video) Circa Theatre, Wellington

Awards and nominations Year Work Award Category Result Ref.1965 "Bruno Do That Thing" Aotearoa Music Awards Single of the Year Loxene Golden Disc Awards Best Song 1970 "Ride the Rain" Best Song