Bruce Robinson is a British film director, screenwriter, and actor best known for writing and directing the cult British comedy Withnail and I. Born on 2 May 1946 in Broadstairs, Robinson initially pursued a career as an actor before moving into writing and directing.

During the late 1960s and early 1970s he appeared in several films, including Romeo and Juliet, directed by Franco Zeffirelli, where he played Benvolio. However, Robinson became increasingly disillusioned with acting and turned to screenwriting. His breakthrough came with Withnail and I, a semi-autobiographical film about two unemployed actors living in London in the late 1960s. The film later became one of the most celebrated cult comedies in British cinema.

Robinson later directed films including How to Get Ahead in Advertising and The Rum Diary, an adaptation of the novel by Hunter S. Thompson starring Johnny Depp. Known for his sharp dialogue and dark humour, Robinson’s work often explores eccentric characters and the struggles of artists and outsiders. Withnail and I in particular has secured his reputation as a distinctive voice in British film.