Early Life and Education of Pierce Brosnan: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Pierce Brosnan. From birth to education, explore key events.

Pierce Brosnan is an Irish actor and film producer best known for portraying James Bond in four films from 1995 to 2002. He was the fifth actor to take on the iconic role of the fictional secret agent in the James Bond film series. Brosnan also appeared in several James Bond video games, including GoldenEye 007. His portrayal of Bond solidified his status as a major Hollywood star.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

May 1953: Brosnan's Birth in Drogheda

In May 1953, Pierce Brosnan was born in Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland, the only child of May and Thomas Brosnan.

May 1953: Pierce Brosnan's Birth

On May 1953, Pierce Brendan Brosnan was born, later becoming an actor and film producer known for portraying James Bond.

1962: Awareness of nuclear arms race

In 1962, at the age of nine, Pierce Brosnan first became aware of the nuclear arms race due to U.S. nuclear testing in Nevada.

August 1964: Move to Scotland

On August 12, 1964, Brosnan left Ireland and moved to Scotland to reunite with his mother and her new husband.

1971: Charlotte Harris born

Pierce Brosnan's step-daughter, Charlotte Harris, was born in 1971.

1975: Graduation from Drama Centre and Acting Debut

In 1975, Pierce Brosnan graduated from the Drama Centre and began his acting career as an assistant stage manager at the York Theatre Royal.

December 1980: Marriage to Cassandra Harris

In December 1980, Pierce Brosnan married Australian actress Cassandra Harris after dating and buying a house together.

1982: Move to Southern California and Remington Steele role

In 1982, Pierce Brosnan moved to Southern California and rose to popularity in the United States playing the title role in the NBC series Remington Steele.

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September 1983: Birth of son Sean

On September 13, 1983, Pierce Brosnan and Cassandra Harris had their son, Sean, who later became an actor.

1986: Adoption of Charlotte and Chris Harris

In 1986, Pierce Brosnan adopted Cassandra Harris's children, Charlotte and Chris, after their father Dermot Harris passed away; they subsequently took his surname.

December 1991: Death of Cassandra Harris

On December 28, 1991, Cassandra Harris, Pierce Brosnan's first wife, died after battling ovarian cancer.

1991: Roger Moore becomes UNICEF Ambassador

In 1991, Roger Moore became a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, a role later held by Pierce Brosnan.

1994: Meeting Keely Shaye Smith

In 1994, Pierce Brosnan met American journalist Keely Shaye Smith in Mexico.

1997: Worked with NRDC and IFAW to stop salt factory construction

From 1997, Pierce Brosnan and his wife Keely Shaye Smith worked with the Natural Resources Defense Council and International Fund for Animal Welfare to stop a proposed salt factory from being built at Laguna San Ignacio.

1999: Brosnan considers Navan his hometown

In 1999, Pierce Brosnan stated that he considers Navan, County Meath, to be his hometown, where he lived for 12 years.

2000: Worked with NRDC and IFAW to stop salt factory construction

Until 2000, Pierce Brosnan and his wife Keely Shaye Smith worked with the Natural Resources Defense Council and International Fund for Animal Welfare to stop a proposed salt factory from being built at Laguna San Ignacio.

2001: Becoming an Ambassador for UNICEF Ireland

In 2001, Pierce Brosnan became an Ambassador for UNICEF Ireland, following in the footsteps of Roger Moore.

2001: Marriage to Keely Shaye Smith

In 2001, Pierce Brosnan married Keely Shaye Smith at Ballintubber Abbey in Ireland.

2002: Honorary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology

In 2002, Pierce Brosnan received an honorary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology.

September 2004: Became an American citizen

On September 23, 2004, Pierce Brosnan became an American citizen while retaining his Irish citizenship.

2004: Supporting John Kerry in the presidential election

In 2004, Pierce Brosnan supported John Kerry in the presidential election and is a vocal supporter of same-sex marriage.

2006: Spokesperson for Lee National Denim Day

In 2006, Pierce Brosnan served as spokesperson for Lee National Denim Day, a breast cancer fundraiser.

May 2007: Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed Cabrillo Port LNG facility

In May 2007, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed the Cabrillo Port Liquefied Natural Gas facility, which Pierce Brosnan and others had fought against.

May 2007: Donation to replace playground on Kauai

In May 2007, Pierce Brosnan and his wife, Smith, donated $100,000 to help replace a playground on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, where they own a house.

July 2007: Presentation at Live Earth in London

On July 7, 2007, Pierce Brosnan presented a film at Live Earth in London and recorded a television advertisement for the cause.

June 2013: Death of Charlotte Brosnan

On June 28, 2013, Charlotte Brosnan, Pierce Brosnan's adopted daughter, died of ovarian cancer.

2013: Honorary patronage and role in 'No Escape'

In 2013, Pierce Brosnan was awarded honorary patronage of Dublin University Players at Trinity College Dublin. He also starred in 'No Escape' opposite Owen Wilson.

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February 2015: Malibu home fire

On February 11, 2015, Pierce Brosnan's Malibu home caught fire, causing $1 million in damages, including the destruction of his 2002 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish.