Pierce Brosnan is an Irish actor widely recognized for his portrayal of James Bond, the fictional secret agent, in four films from 1995 to 2002. He also lent his likeness to several video games featuring the character. Brosnan, who holds an OBE title, is the fifth actor to embody the iconic British spy on the big screen.
1950: Publication of "Across the River and Into the Trees"
Ernest Hemingway's novel "Across the River and into the Trees," which Brosnan was initially set to star in an adaptation of, was published in 1950.
May 1953: Early Life and Family Background
Pierce Brosnan was born in Drogheda, County Louth, in May 1953. His father left when he was an infant, and he was primarily raised by his maternal grandparents.
May 1953: Birth of Pierce Brosnan
Pierce Brosnan was born in May 1953.
1962: Brosnan's First Awareness of Nuclear Arms Race
At nine years old in 1962, Pierce Brosnan became aware of the nuclear arms race when U.S. nuclear testing in Nevada sparked international condemnation and made headlines.
August 1964: Move to London and Early Education
In August 1964, Brosnan moved to London with his mother and stepfather, attending Elliott School in Putney.
1971: Birth of Charlotte Harris
Charlotte Harris, Pierce Brosnan's future stepdaughter, was born in 1971.
1975: Graduation from Drama Centre and Theatre Debut
After graduating from the Drama Centre in 1975, Brosnan began his acting career at the York Theatre Royal with his debut in "Wait Until Dark".
1977: Performance in Filumena
Brosnan was chosen by Franco Zeffirelli to perform in the play "Filumena" in 1977.
December 1980: Brosnan Marries Cassandra Harris
Pierce Brosnan and Cassandra Harris married in December 1980 after a period of dating and living together in Wimbledon.
1980: Early Film and Television Appearances
Brosnan made brief film appearances in "The Long Good Friday" and "The Mirror Crack'd" and appeared in television shows like "The Professionals" in 1980.
1981: Cassandra Harris Appears in "For Your Eyes Only"
Cassandra Harris, Brosnan's then-girlfriend, landed a role in the James Bond film "For Your Eyes Only" in 1981.
1982: Start of Remington Steele and Brosnan's Rise to Fame
Pierce Brosnan's role in the television series "Remington Steele" began in 1982, marking his rise to fame.
1982: Rise to Fame with Remington Steele
Pierce Brosnan's popularity in the United States grew with his leading role in the NBC series "Remington Steele", starting in 1982.
1982: Golden Globe Nomination for Nancy Astor
Pierce Brosnan received his first Golden Globe Award nomination in 1982 for his role in the miniseries "Nancy Astor".
1982: Breakthrough Role in Manions of America
Brosnan gained recognition in the United States for his leading role in the miniseries "Manions of America" in 1982.
September 1983: Birth of Sean Brosnan
Sean Brosnan, son of Pierce Brosnan and Cassandra Harris, was born on September 1983.
1985: Golden Globe Nomination for Nancy Astor
Brosnan's portrayal of Robert Gould Shaw II in the miniseries "Nancy Astor" earned him a Golden Globe Award nomination in 1985.
1986: Brosnan Adopts Cassandra's Children
After the death of Dermot Harris, Cassandra's ex-husband, in 1986, Pierce Brosnan adopted her children, Charlotte and Chris, who then took his last name.
1986: Remington Steele Cancellation and Bond Role Offer
NBC cancelled Brosnan's show "Remington Steele" in 1986. However, he was offered the role of James Bond, leading to a renewal of the show that contractually obligated him to return. This caused him to lose the Bond role initially, which went to Timothy Dalton.
1987: End of Remington Steele and Film Appearances
After "Remington Steele" ended in 1987, Brosnan appeared in films such as "The Fourth Protocol" and "The Deceivers."
1987: Conclusion of Remington Steele and Release of The Fourth Protocol
In 1987, "Remington Steele" ended and Brosnan starred in the film "The Fourth Protocol".
1987: Timothy Dalton's Debut as James Bond
Timothy Dalton, chosen as a replacement for Pierce Brosnan, made his debut as James Bond in "The Living Daylights" in 1987.
1987: Cassandra Harris Diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer
While filming "The Deceivers" in Rajasthan in 1987, Cassandra Harris fell ill. She was subsequently diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
1988: Appearance in Noble House
Brosnan appeared in the miniseries "James Clavell's Noble House" in 1988.
1989: Dalton's Second Bond Film: Licence to Kill
Timothy Dalton starred in his second James Bond film, "Licence to Kill," in 1989.
December 1991: Death of Cassandra Harris
Cassandra Harris, Pierce Brosnan's wife, sadly succumbed to ovarian cancer in December 1991.
1991: Cancellation of Proposed Third Dalton Bond Film
Legal battles between Bond producers and the studio over distribution rights resulted in the cancellation of a planned third James Bond film featuring Timothy Dalton in 1991. This led to a hiatus for the Bond franchise.
1991: Television Film Appearance
Brosnan appeared in the television film "Victim of Love" in 1991.
1992: Filming of Unaired Pilot Running Wilde
In 1992, Brosnan filmed the pilot episode for a television series called "Running Wilde," but it was not picked up for a full season.
July 1993: Brosnan Addresses Rumors about Taking on James Bond and The Saint Roles
In July 1993, Brosnan refuted claims that he would succeed Roger Moore in "The Saint" but acknowledged the persistent rumors about him becoming the next James Bond.
1993: Supporting Role in Mrs. Doubtfire and Television Film Appearance
Brosnan took on a supporting role in the film "Mrs. Doubtfire" and appeared in the television film "Death Train" in 1993.
1993: Appearance in Mrs. Doubtfire
Pierce Brosnan had a role in the comedy "Mrs. Doubtfire" in 1993.
June 1994: Pierce Brosnan Announced as the Fifth James Bond
In June 1994, after a series of legal disputes and the departure of Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan was officially announced as the fifth actor to portray the iconic secret agent, James Bond.
1994: Brosnan Meets Keely Shaye Smith
Pierce Brosnan met Keely Shaye Smith, an American journalist, in Mexico in 1994.
1995: Television Film Appearance
Brosnan appeared in the television film "Night Watch" in 1995.
1995: Start of Brosnan's Tenure as James Bond
In 1995, Pierce Brosnan began his role as James Bond in the film series.
1995: Brosnan Secures James Bond Role
In 1995, four years after Cassandra Harris's death, Pierce Brosnan fulfilled her wish for him to portray James Bond, a role he would inhabit for several films.
1995: GoldenEye: Brosnan's Debut as Bond
Pierce Brosnan's first outing as James Bond in "GoldenEye" was released in 1995, becoming a major box office success and receiving generally positive reviews. The film marked a significant comeback for the franchise.
1996: Founding of Irish DreamTime
Brosnan and Beau St. Clair established the production company Irish DreamTime in 1996.
1996: Brosnan Founds Irish DreamTime Production Company
In 1996, Pierce Brosnan, along with Beau St. Clair, established Irish DreamTime, a film production company aimed at bringing diverse stories to the screen.
1997: Brosnan Returns in Bond Sequel: Tomorrow Never Dies
Pierce Brosnan continued his successful run as James Bond with the release of "Tomorrow Never Dies" in 1997.
1997: "The Moon and the Sun" Publication
The novel "The Moon and the Sun" by Vonda N. McIntyre, on which "The King's Daughter" which Brosnan starred in is based, was published.
1997: Brosnan and Wife Begin Environmental Activism
From 1997 to 2000, Pierce Brosnan and his wife, Cassandra Smith, joined forces with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in an effort to prevent the construction of a salt factory at Laguna San Ignacio.
1997: Release of Dante's Peak
Brosnan starred in the disaster film "Dante's Peak", released in 1997.
1997: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
In recognition of his contributions to the film industry, Pierce Brosnan received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1997.
1998: Irish DreamTime Releases First Film: The Nephew
Irish DreamTime, Brosnan's production company, released its first film, "The Nephew," in 1998, marking a significant milestone in Brosnan's career beyond acting.
1999: Brosnan Acknowledges Navan as Hometown
In 1999, Pierce Brosnan publicly stated that he considers Navan, County Meath, where he lived for 12 years, to be his hometown.
1999: Brosnan's Third Bond Film: The World Is Not Enough
Pierce Brosnan's third outing as James Bond in "The World Is Not Enough" hit theaters in 1999.
1999: Release of The Thomas Crown Affair Remake
The remake of "The Thomas Crown Affair," starring Pierce Brosnan, was released in 1999.
2000: Brosnan and Wife Continue Environmental Activism
Pierce Brosnan and Cassandra Smith's environmental activism continued into 2000 as they worked to oppose a proposed salt factory at Laguna San Ignacio alongside the NRDC and IFAW.
2001: Brosnan Stars in The Tailor of Panama and Lends Voice to The Simpsons
In 2001, Brosnan starred alongside Jamie Lee Curtis and Geoffrey Rush in "The Tailor of Panama." He also lent his voice to an episode of "The Simpsons" titled "Treehouse of Horror XII."
2001: Brosnan Marries Keely Shaye Smith
Pierce Brosnan and Keely Shaye Smith were married in 2001 at Ballintubber Abbey in Ireland.
2001: Brosnan Becomes UNICEF Ambassador
Pierce Brosnan became an Ambassador for UNICEF Ireland in 2001.
2002: End of Brosnan's Time as James Bond
Pierce Brosnan's run as James Bond concluded in 2002.
2002: Brosnan Receives Honorary Degree from DIT
The Dublin Institute of Technology awarded Pierce Brosnan an honorary degree in 2002.
2002: Brosnan Lends Likeness to James Bond Video Game
Pierce Brosnan's image was used for James Bond in the video game "007: Nightfire" released in 2002, although his voice was provided by Maxwell Caulfield.
2002: Brosnan Stars in Fourth Bond Film: Die Another Day
Pierce Brosnan's fourth appearance as James Bond was in "Die Another Day", released in 2002. Although commercially successful, the film received a mixed critical response.
2002: Brosnan Purchases Aston Martin V12 Vanquish
Pierce Brosnan purchased a 2002 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish, a car closely associated with the James Bond character he portrayed.
July 2003: Brosnan Receives Honorary OBE
Queen Elizabeth II appointed Pierce Brosnan an Honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in July 2003, recognizing his significant contributions to the British film industry.
2003: Irish Film and Television Academy Lifetime Achievement Award
In recognition of his contributions to Irish cinema, Brosnan was honored with the Irish Film and Television Academy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003.
September 2004: Brosnan Becomes U.S. Citizen
While retaining his Irish citizenship, Pierce Brosnan became an American citizen in September 2004.
October 2004: Brosnan Considers Himself Dismissed as Bond
In October 2004, amidst speculation surrounding his future as James Bond, Brosnan publicly stated that he felt dismissed from the role.
2004: Brosnan Named "Best-dressed Environmentalist"
In 2004, the Sustainable Style Foundation recognized Pierce Brosnan's commitment to environmentalism and his fashion sense by naming him "Best-dressed Environmentalist".
2004: Brosnan Stars in James Bond Video Game
Pierce Brosnan not only provided his likeness but also voiced James Bond in the 2004 video game "James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing".
2004: Brosnan Supports John Kerry
Pierce Brosnan showed his support for John Kerry in the 2004 presidential election.
2004: Brosnan Stars in Laws of Attraction and After the Sunset
Pierce Brosnan starred in two films released in 2004: the romantic comedy "Laws of Attraction" and the action comedy "After the Sunset."
February 2005: Brosnan Confirms Departure from Bond Role
Ending months of speculation, Pierce Brosnan confirmed on his website in February 2005 that he would no longer be playing James Bond.
October 2005: Daniel Craig Announced as New James Bond
Daniel Craig was announced as the new James Bond on October 14, 2005, succeeding Pierce Brosnan.
2005: "The November Man" Initial Announcement
In 2005, it was reported that Brosnan would star in "The November Man," but the project was later cancelled.
2005: Golden Globe Nomination for The Matador
Pierce Brosnan's performance in the dark comedy "The Matador" earned him a Golden Globe Award nomination in 2005.
2005: Brosnan Takes on The Matador
In 2005, Brosnan starred in "The Matador" as Julian Noble, a role that earned him critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination.
2006: Brosnan Narrates 2006 FIFA World Cup Film
Brosnan provided narration for the official film of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, directed by Michael Apted.
2006: Brosnan Supports Breast Cancer Awareness
Following the death of his first wife from ovarian cancer, Pierce Brosnan became an advocate for cancer awareness. In 2006, he served as the spokesperson for Lee National Denim Day, a significant breast cancer fundraising event.
January 2007: Brosnan Stars in Seraphim Falls
Brosnan appeared alongside Liam Neeson in the Western film "Seraphim Falls", which premiered in limited release in January 2007.
May 2007: Brosnan Donates to Kauai Playground
Pierce Brosnan and Cassandra Smith donated $100,000 in May 2007 to help fund the replacement of a playground on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, where they own a home.
May 2007: Brosnan's Activism Leads to Veto of Cabrillo Port Facility
In May 2007, thanks in part to the efforts of Pierce Brosnan, Halle Berry, Cindy Crawford, and Daryl Hannah, the proposed Cabrillo Port Liquefied Natural Gas facility off the coast of Malibu was vetoed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger after the State Lands Commission denied the lease.
July 2007: Brosnan Participates in Live Earth
In July 2007, Pierce Brosnan showed his support for environmental awareness by presenting a film at Live Earth in London and recording a television advertisement for the cause.
2007: "The November Man" Cancellation
The project "The November Man," initially planned with Brosnan, was cancelled in 2007.
September 2008: Narrator for Thomas & Friends
In September 2008, Pierce Brosnan became the narrator for the Thomas & Friends movie "The Great Discovery." He was slated to continue narrating but withdrew for undisclosed reasons.
2008: Release of Mamma Mia!
Brosnan appeared in the musical film "Mamma Mia!" in 2008.
2008: Brosnan Discusses Spiritual Beliefs
Pierce Brosnan opened up about his spiritual leanings in 2008, expressing an affinity for Buddhist philosophy while also mentioning his Catholic background.
2009: The Ghost Writer Release
Pierce Brosnan starred in "The Ghost Writer," a critically acclaimed film directed by Roman Polanski, in 2009.
2010: Release of The Ghost Writer and Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
2010 saw Brosnan starring in two films: "The Ghost Writer" and "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief".
2010: Remember Me and Percy Jackson Release
In 2010, Brosnan appeared in two films: "Remember Me" as Charles Hawkins and "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" as Chiron.
2012: Love Is All You Need Release
Brosnan starred in the Danish romantic comedy "Love Is All You Need" in 2012.
2012: "The November Man" Resurgence
Pierce Brosnan's production company revived "The November Man" in 2012, with Brosnan set to star.
February 2013: Honorary Patronage at Trinity College Dublin
Pierce Brosnan received an honorary patronage of the Dublin University Players at Trinity College Dublin in February 2013.
June 2013: Death of Charlotte Brosnan
Charlotte Brosnan, whom Pierce Brosnan adopted after marrying her mother, Cassandra, died from ovarian cancer in June 2013.
2013: Brosnan Comments on Upbringing and Beliefs
In 2013, Pierce Brosnan shared his perspective on his Christian Brothers education and his personal beliefs.
2013: Sky Broadband Commercials
Pierce Brosnan appeared in commercials for Sky Broadband in Ireland, playing a tongue-in-cheek version of himself, in 2013.
2013: Death of Charlotte Brosnan
Charlotte Brosnan, Pierce Brosnan's adopted daughter, tragically passed away in 2013 from ovarian cancer, the same disease that claimed her mother.
January 2014: Filming Begins for "Survivor"
Filming for the suspense thriller "Survivor," starring Brosnan and Milla Jovovich, commenced in January 2014.
2014: Release of The November Man
Pierce Brosnan starred in the spy thriller "The November Man", released in 2014.
February 2015: Fire Damages Brosnan's Malibu Home
In February 2015, a fire broke out at Pierce Brosnan's $18 million Malibu home, causing $1 million in damages and destroying his 2002 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish.
2015: "Survivor" Release
The film "Survivor," featuring Brosnan and Milla Jovovich, was released in 2015.
June 2016: Production Begins on "The Son"
Production for the TV adaptation of "The Son," starring Pierce Brosnan, started in June 2016.
September 2016: Release of "I.T."
In September 2016, the revenge thriller "I.T.," featuring Pierce Brosnan, saw a limited theatrical release and became available on demand.
August 2017: Initial Filming Date for "H-Block"
The film "H-Block," starring Brosnan, was initially set to begin filming in August 2017.
2017: "The Son" Premieres and "The Foreigner" Releases
Brosnan's TV series "The Son" premiered, and he starred in "The Foreigner" alongside Jackie Chan in 2017.
March 2018: Postponement of "H-Block"
The filming for "H-Block," a film Brosnan is part of, was postponed until March 2018 due to scheduling issues.
2018: Multiple Projects Release
Brosnan starred in "Spinning Man," reprised his role in "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again," and appeared in "Final Score" in 2018.
2018: Release of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
The sequel to "Mamma Mia!", "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again," featuring Brosnan, was released in 2018.
2019: End of "The Son"
The television series "The Son," featuring Brosnan, concluded after two seasons in 2019.
October 2020: Webber Discusses "The Wreck of the Medusa"
In an interview, director Peter Webber discussed the challenges of getting "The Wreck of the Medusa," a film Brosnan is attached to, off the ground.
2020: Release of Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
Brosnan appeared in the film "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga" in 2020.
2020: Recognition as One of Ireland's Greatest Film Actors
The Irish Times listed Pierce Brosnan as one of the greatest Irish film actors in 2020.
March 2021: Brosnan Cast as Doctor Fate
Pierce Brosnan was cast as Doctor Fate in the DC Extended Universe film "Black Adam" in March 2021.
July 2021: Brosnan Joins "The Out-Laws"
In July 2021, it was announced that Brosnan joined the cast of the Netflix action-comedy "The Out-Laws."
2021: "The Misfits" and "False Positive" are Released
Brosnan both starred in and executive produced the heist film "The Misfits" and appeared in the A24 horror film "False Positive" in 2021.
2021: Brosnan Launches "Big Noise" NFT Collection
Inspired by his painting "Earplugs," which he created during the filming of "GoldenEye," Pierce Brosnan launched his debut NFT collection, "Big Noise," in 2021. This digital art collection incorporates elements of abstract movement, sound recordings including Brosnan's voice, and unique visual effects.
January 2022: Release of "The King's Daughter"
"The King's Daughter," starring Brosnan as King Louis XIV, had a limited release in January 2022.
2022: Filming for "Fast Charlie"
Pierce Brosnan filmed the thriller "Fast Charlie," directed by Phillip Noyce, in the spring of 2022.
2022: Brosnan Joins the DC Extended Universe
Pierce Brosnan joined the DC Extended Universe as Kent Nelson / Doctor Fate in the film "Black Adam" in 2022.
2023: "Fast Charlie" Release
"Fast Charlie," a hitman thriller starring Pierce Brosnan, was released in 2023.