Nigel De Brulier, a British-born thespian, embarked on a remarkable career spanning the silent film era, distinguishing himself from his contemporaries by seamlessly adapting to the advent of sound films. His commanding, dignified demeanor, reminiscent of a noble aristocrat, proved to be a hallmark of his acting style, effortlessly lending itself to the numerous roles of high-ranking ecclesiastics, nobility, and authority figures he frequently portrayed.
Notably, De Brulier had the distinction of playing the iconic role of Cardinal Richelieu on four separate occasions: in the 1921 film adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' classic novel, The Three Musketeers; the 1935 remake of the same title; The Iron Mask (1929); and The Man in the Iron Mask (1939).