Career Timeline of Pierce Brosnan: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Pierce Brosnan built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Pierce Brosnan is an Irish actor and film producer, best known as the fifth actor to portray James Bond in the film series. He starred in four Bond films between 1995 and 2002 and lent his likeness to several James Bond video games, including GoldenEye 007, solidifying his place in pop culture history.
1975: Graduation and Acting Debut
In 1975, Brosnan graduated from the Drama Centre and began working at the York Theatre Royal, making his acting debut in "Wait Until Dark".
1977: Appearance in Filumena
In 1977, Brosnan was picked by Franco Zeffirelli to appear in the play "Filumena" by Eduardo De Filippo.
1980: Brief Appearances in Films
In 1980, Brosnan made brief appearances in films such as "The Long Good Friday" and "The Mirror Crack'd".
1981: Move to Southern California
In 1981, after Cassandra Harris appeared in the James Bond film "For Your Eyes Only", she and Pierce Brosnan secured a bank loan and moved to Southern California, where Brosnan was cast in the title role of the TV series "Remington Steele".
1982: Move to Southern California and Rise in Popularity
In 1982, Brosnan moved to Southern California and rose in popularity playing the title role in the NBC romantic detective series "Remington Steele".
1982: Starring in Nancy Astor Miniseries
In 1982, Brosnan starred in the BBC's nine-part miniseries "Nancy Astor", dramatizing the life of Lady Astor.
1982: Popularity in Remington Steele
In 1982, Pierce Brosnan rose to popularity for his role in the television series "Remington Steele".
1986: Remington Steele Renewal Prevents Bond Role
In 1986, the renewal of "Remington Steele", after its initial cancellation, contractually required Brosnan to return to the show, preventing him from accepting the role of James Bond at that time.
1987: Appearance in The Fourth Protocol
In 1987, Brosnan appeared in the Cold War spy film "The Fourth Protocol" after the conclusion of Remington Steele.
1987: Timothy Dalton Hired as James Bond
In 1987, due to Brosnan's contractual obligations with "Remington Steele", Eon Productions hired Timothy Dalton for "The Living Daylights".
1988: Appearances in The Deceivers and James Clavell's Noble House
In 1988, Brosnan appeared in "The Deceivers" and the mini-series "James Clavell's Noble House".
1991: Appearance in Victim of Love
In 1991, Brosnan appeared in the television film "Victim of Love".
1991: Cancellation of Proposed Third Dalton Film
In 1991, Legal disputes led to cancellation of a proposed third Dalton film.
1992: Shooting the Pilot for Running Wilde and Appearance in The Lawnmower Man
In 1992, Brosnan shot a pilot for NBC called "Running Wilde" and appeared in the film "The Lawnmower Man".
July 1993: Brosnan Denies Rumors of Playing Simon Templar
In July 1993, Brosnan denied rumors that he would inherit the role of Simon Templar in "The Saint", although he acknowledged that the project was still in development.
1993: Role in Mrs. Doubtfire
In 1993, Brosnan appeared in the comedy film "Mrs. Doubtfire".
1993: Role in Mrs. Doubtfire and Death Train
In 1993, Brosnan played a supporting role in the comedy film "Mrs. Doubtfire" and appeared in the television film "Death Train".
June 1994: Brosnan Announced as the New Bond
On June 7, 1994, Brosnan was officially announced as the fifth actor to play James Bond, succeeding Timothy Dalton.
1995: Appearance in Night Watch
In 1995, Brosnan appeared in "Night Watch", a spy thriller set in Hong Kong.
1995: Brosnan's Debut as James Bond in GoldenEye
In 1995, Pierce Brosnan debuted as James Bond in "GoldenEye", marking his first appearance as the iconic secret agent in the film series.
1995: Release of GoldenEye
In 1995, Pierce Brosnan's first Bond film, "GoldenEye", was released and grossed US$350 million worldwide, becoming the fourth-highest-grossing film of the year. Roger Ebert commented on Brosnan's more sensitive portrayal of Bond.
1995: Brosnan secures the role of James Bond
In 1995, four years after Cassandra Harris' death, Pierce Brosnan secured the role of James Bond, fulfilling her long-held wish.
1996: Founding of Irish DreamTime
In 1996, Brosnan and Beau St. Clair founded the Los Angeles-based production company Irish DreamTime.
1997: Environmental Activism
From 1997, Pierce Brosnan and his wife Keely Shaye Smith began working with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to oppose the construction of a salt factory at Laguna San Ignacio.
1997: Return as Bond in Tomorrow Never Dies
In 1997, Brosnan returned as James Bond in "Tomorrow Never Dies".
1997: Lead Role in Dante's Peak
In 1997, after achieving worldwide fame as James Bond, Brosnan took the lead in the epic disaster adventure film "Dante's Peak".
1998: Release of The Nephew
In 1998, Brosnan and St. Clair released Irish DreamTime's first production, "The Nephew".
1999: Starring in The World Is Not Enough
In 1999, Brosnan starred in "The World Is Not Enough" as James Bond.
1999: Starring in The Thomas Crown Affair Remake
In 1999, Brosnan starred in the remake of the heist film, "The Thomas Crown Affair".
2000: Continued Environmental Activism
Until 2000, Pierce Brosnan and his wife Keely Shaye Smith continued their environmental activism by working with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to oppose the construction of a salt factory at Laguna San Ignacio.
2001: Starring in The Tailor of Panama
In 2001, Brosnan starred along with Jamie Lee Curtis and Geoffrey Rush in "The Tailor of Panama".
2001: Ambassador for UNICEF Ireland
In 2001, Pierce Brosnan became an Ambassador for UNICEF Ireland.
2002: Release of Die Another Day
In 2002, Brosnan starred in "Die Another Day", his fourth Bond film. He later criticised many aspects of the movie.
2002: Likeness Used in 007: Nightfire
In 2002, Brosnan's likeness was used as the face of Bond in the James Bond video game "007: Nightfire", though the character was voiced by Maxwell Caulfield.
2002: Brosnan's Final James Bond Film
In 2002, Pierce Brosnan starred in his fourth and final James Bond film, "Die Another Day", bringing his tenure as the iconic secret agent to a close.
July 2003: Honorary OBE Awarded
In July 2003, Queen Elizabeth II made Pierce Brosnan an Honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his "outstanding contribution to the British film industry".
October 2004: Brosnan Considered Dismissed from Bond Role
In October 2004, Brosnan stated that he considered himself dismissed from the role of James Bond.
2004: Starring in James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing
In 2004, Brosnan starred in the Bond game "James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing", providing his likeness and voice for the character.
2004: Film roles in Laws of Attraction and After the Sunset
In 2004, Pierce Brosnan starred in "Laws of Attraction" as Daniel Rafferty, a role praised for its effective blend of his James Bond persona. That same year, he also appeared in "After the Sunset" alongside Salma Hayek and Woody Harrelson, though the film received negative reviews and flopped at the box office. Additionally, Brosnan spoke about backing a film about Caitlin Macnamara, wife of poet Dylan Thomas.
2004: Support for John Kerry
In 2004, Pierce Brosnan supported John Kerry in the presidential election and is a vocal supporter of same-sex marriage.
February 2005: Brosnan Announces End of Bond Tenure
In February 2005, Brosnan posted on his website that he was finished with the role of James Bond.
October 2005: Daniel Craig Takes Over Bond Role
On October 14, 2005, Daniel Craig took over the role of James Bond. Brosnan expressed his support for Craig.
2005: Starring in The Matador
In 2005, Brosnan starred in "The Matador" as Julian Noble, a role praised as one of the best of his career. The film garnered generally positive reviews, and Brosnan received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for his performance.
2006: Narrating The Official Film of the 2006 FIFA World Cup
In 2006, Pierce Brosnan narrated "The Official Film of the 2006 FIFA World Cup", which was directed by Michael Apted.
2006: Spokesperson for Lee National Denim Day
In 2006, Pierce Brosnan served as spokesperson for Lee National Denim Day, a breast cancer fundraiser.
January 2007: Appearance in Seraphim Falls and Talks of Western Film
In January 2007, Pierce Brosnan appeared in "Seraphim Falls" alongside Liam Neeson, a film that opened to average reviews. Also during 2007, Brosnan discussed plans to make a Western film with Gabriel Byrne and Colm Meaney. Additionally, Brosnan starred in "Butterfly on a Wheel", which was released under different names in the US and Europe.
May 2007: Veto of Cabrillo Port Liquefied Natural Gas facility
In May 2007, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed the Cabrillo Port Liquefied Natural Gas facility, which Pierce Brosnan, Halle Berry, Cindy Crawford, and Daryl Hannah had successfully fought against.
May 2007: Donation for Playground Replacement
In May 2007, Pierce Brosnan and his wife, Smith, donated $100,000 to help replace a playground on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.
July 2007: Live Earth Presentation
On 7 July 2007, Pierce Brosnan presented a film at Live Earth in London and recorded a television advertisement for the cause.
2008: Starring in Mamma Mia!
In 2008, Brosnan starred in the comedy musical "Mamma Mia!".
2008: Role in Mamma Mia! and Narration of Thomas & Friends movie
In 2008, Pierce Brosnan joined Meryl Streep in the film adaptation of the ABBA musical "Mamma Mia!", playing Sam Carmichael. That year, he also provided guest narration for the Thomas & Friends movie "The Great Discovery".
2010: Starring in The Ghost Writer and Percy Jackson & the Olympians
In 2010, Brosnan starred in the political thriller "The Ghost Writer" and the action fantasy "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief".
2010: Roles in The Ghost Writer, Remember Me, and Percy Jackson
In 2010, Pierce Brosnan starred in Roman Polanski's political thriller "The Ghost Writer" as a disgraced British Prime Minister. The same year, he also played Charles Hawkins in "Remember Me" and Chiron in "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief".
2012: Role in Love Is All You Need
In 2012, Pierce Brosnan played the role of Philip in the Danish romantic comedy "Love Is All You Need".
2013: Promotion of Sky Broadband in Ireland
In 2013, Pierce Brosnan appeared in television commercials as a tongue-in-cheek version of himself to promote the launch of Sky Broadband in Ireland.
2013: Honorary Patronage and role in No Escape
In 2013, Pierce Brosnan was awarded honorary patronage of Dublin University Players at Trinity College Dublin. That year, he also starred opposite Owen Wilson in "No Escape", playing a "heroic government agent".
2014: Starring in The November Man
In 2014, Brosnan starred in the action spy thriller "The November Man".
2015: Appearance in Survivor
In 2015, Pierce Brosnan appeared alongside Milla Jovovich in the suspense thriller movie "Survivor", directed by James McTeigue.
2016: Starring in I.T.
In 2016, Pierce Brosnan starred in a revenge thriller called "I.T.", which opened in limited release through video on demand.
2017: Starring in The Foreigner
In 2017, Pierce Brosnan starred in "The Foreigner" opposite Jackie Chan, portraying a former IRA man turned government official, Liam Hennessy. The film was directed by Martin Campbell.
2018: Starring in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
In 2018, Brosnan starred in the sequel to Mamma Mia!, titled "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again".
2018: Roles in Spinning Man, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, and Final Score
In 2018, Pierce Brosnan co-starred in "Spinning Man" alongside Guy Pearce and Minnie Driver. He also reprised his role as Sam Carmichael in "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again" and had a supporting role in "Final Score".
2019: End of The Son TV series
In 2019, Pierce Brosnan's television series "The Son", in which he played Eli McCullough, aired its second and final season.
2020: Starring in Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
In 2020, Brosnan starred in "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga".
2021: Starring in The Misfits and False Positive
In 2021, Pierce Brosnan executive produced and starred in "The Misfits". He also appeared in A24's horror film "False Positive" opposite Ilana Glazer.
2021: Launch of "Big Noise" NFT Collection
In 2021, Pierce Brosnan launched his first NFT collection of digital artworks entitled "Big Noise" – on a digital platform focusing on artist empowerment, sustainability, and technical innovation.
2022: Role in Black Adam
In 2022, Brosnan played Kent Nelson / Doctor Fate in the DC Extended Universe film "Black Adam".
2022: Role as Doctor Fate in Black Adam
In 2022, Pierce Brosnan played Doctor Fate/Kent Nelson in the DC Extended Universe film, "Black Adam".
2023: Roles in The Out-Laws and The King's Daughter
In 2023, Pierce Brosnan joined Adam Devine in the Netflix action-comedy film "The Out-Laws" and starred as King Louis XIV in "The King's Daughter", based on the novel "The Moon and the Sun".
2023: Leading Role in Fast Charlie
In 2023, Pierce Brosnan led the hitman thriller film "Fast Charlie", directed by Phillip Noyce.
Mentioned in this timeline
Arnold Schwarzenegger is an Austrian-American actor businessman and former politician...
Elizabeth II reigned as Queen of the United Kingdom and...
Salma Hayek is a Mexican and American actress and film...
California is a U S state on the Pacific Coast...
Jackie Chan born Fang Shilong is a highly influential Hong...
Hong Kong is a densely populated special administrative region of...
Trending
1 month ago James Gunn Plans Superman Sequel Shooting Soon; Teases 'Peacemaker' Role in DCU.
1 month ago Motorcycle crash in Beloit on Cranston Road: Police investigate single-vehicle incident.
1 month ago Zion: Influencers' Storm, Hidden Trail & East Mesa Hike, Views and Fewer Crowds
1 month ago Qatar Airways and Accenture partner for AI-driven aviation excellence, creating 'AI Skyways'.
1 month ago Ketel Marte's Absence and Day Off Requests Cause Frustration Among Diamondbacks Teammates
1 month ago Jamie Lee Curtis Celebrates 'Freakier Friday' with Fan Event and Lookalike Screening
Popular
Charlie Kirk is a prominent American conservative activist author and...
Turning Point USA TPUSA is a conservative nonprofit organization founded...
Kash Patel is an American lawyer and former federal prosecutor...
Candace Owens is an American political commentator and author known...
George Soros is a prominent American investor and philanthropist As...
Bernard Sanders is a prominent American politician serving as the...