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 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.

Sections (5)

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

May 1953: Pierce Brosnan's Birth

On May 16, 1953, Pierce Brendan Brosnan was born. He later became an Irish actor and film producer known for playing James Bond.

1962: Awareness of the Nuclear Arms Race

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

August 1964: Move to Scotland

On August 12, 1964, Brosnan left Ireland and went to Scotland to live with his mother and stepfather, William Carmichael.

1971: Birth of Charlotte Harris

Cassandra Harris' daughter, Charlotte Harris, was born in 1971.

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".

December 1980: Marriage to Cassandra Harris

In December 1980, Pierce Brosnan married Australian actress Cassandra Harris. They had met shortly after he left drama school and eventually bought a house in Wimbledon before getting married.

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".

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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".

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September 1983: Birth of Sean Brosnan

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

1986: Adoption of Charlotte and Chris Harris

In 1986, Pierce Brosnan adopted Cassandra Harris's two children from her prior marriage, Charlotte and Chris, after their father Dermot Harris died. Subsequently, they took his surname.

1987: Cassandra Harris' illness during filming

In 1987, while filming "The Deceivers" in Rajasthan, Cassandra Harris became seriously ill, leading to her eventual diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

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December 1991: Death of Cassandra Harris

On December 28, 1991, Cassandra Harris, Pierce Brosnan's wife, died from ovarian cancer. Brosnan struggled to cope with her death.

1994: Meeting Keely Shaye Smith

In 1994, Pierce Brosnan met American journalist Keely Shaye Smith in Mexico, marking the beginning of their relationship.

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.

1999: Navan Considered Hometown

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

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: Marriage to Keely Shaye Smith

In 2001, Pierce Brosnan and Keely Shaye Smith were married at Ballintubber Abbey in Ireland, solidifying their relationship.

2001: Ambassador for UNICEF Ireland

In 2001, Pierce Brosnan became an Ambassador for UNICEF Ireland.

2002: Brosnan's Aston Martin

In 2002, Pierce Brosnan owned a 2002 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish which was later destroyed in a fire in February 2015.

2002: Honorary Degree from Dublin Institute of Technology

In 2002, Pierce Brosnan was awarded an honorary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, recognizing his achievements and contributions.

September 2004: American Citizenship

On September 23, 2004, Pierce Brosnan became an American citizen while retaining his Irish citizenship, emphasizing his connection to both cultures.

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.

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: 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: Spiritual Beliefs

In 2008, Pierce Brosnan discussed his spiritual beliefs, mentioning his adherence to Buddhist philosophy and how it provides comfort to him.

June 2013: Death of Charlotte Brosnan

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

2013: Death of Charlotte Brosnan

In 2013, Charlotte Brosnan, Pierce Brosnan's adopted daughter, died of ovarian cancer.

2013: Comment on Christian Brothers education

In 2013, Pierce Brosnan commented on his Christian Brothers education, expressing contempt for it.

February 2015: Fire at Malibu home

On February 11, 2015, Pierce Brosnan's $18 million Malibu home caught fire, causing $1 million in damages. The fire destroyed the contents of the garage, including his 2002 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish.

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.