History of Pierce Brosnan in Timeline

Share: FB Share X Share Reddit Share Reddit Share
Pierce Brosnan

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.

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".

1977: Appearance in Filumena

In 1977, Brosnan was picked by Franco Zeffirelli to appear in the play "Filumena" by Eduardo De Filippo.

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.

1980: Brief Appearances in Films

In 1980, Brosnan made brief appearances in films such as "The Long Good Friday" and "The Mirror Crack'd".

Loading Video...

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".

Loading Video...

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".

Loading Video...

1982: Golden Globe Nomination for Nancy Astor

In 1982, Brosnan received a Golden Globe Award nomination for the miniseries "Nancy Astor".

Loading Video...

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.

Loading Video...

1982: Popularity in Remington Steele

In 1982, Pierce Brosnan rose to popularity for his role in the television series "Remington Steele".

Loading Video...

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.

1985: Golden Globe Nomination for Nancy Astor

In 1985, Brosnan received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Robert Gould Shaw II in "Nancy Astor".

Loading Video...

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.

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.

Loading Video...

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.

Loading Video...

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".

Loading Video...

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.

Loading Video...

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".

Loading Video...

1989: Dalton in Licence to Kill

In 1989, Timothy Dalton starred in "Licence to Kill" as James Bond.

Loading Video...

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.

1991: Appearance in Victim of Love

In 1991, Brosnan appeared in the television film "Victim of Love".

Loading Video...

1991: Cancellation of Proposed Third Dalton Film

In 1991, Legal disputes led to cancellation of a proposed third Dalton film.

1991: Roger Moore's Goodwill Ambassadorship

In 1991, Roger Moore became a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF before Pierce Brosnan.

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".

Loading Video...

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.

Loading Video...

1993: Role in Mrs. Doubtfire

In 1993, Brosnan appeared in the comedy film "Mrs. Doubtfire".

Loading Video...

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".

Loading Video...

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.

1994: Meeting Keely Shaye Smith

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

1995: Appearance in Night Watch

In 1995, Brosnan appeared in "Night Watch", a spy thriller set in Hong Kong.

Loading Video...

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.

Loading Video...

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.

Loading Video...

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: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 1997, Brosnan received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the film industry.

1997: Return as Bond in Tomorrow Never Dies

In 1997, Brosnan returned as James Bond in "Tomorrow Never Dies".

Loading Video...

1997: Publication of The Moon and the Sun

In 1997, Vonda N. McIntyre's novel "The Moon and the Sun" was published, which later served as the basis for the 2023 film "The King's Daughter" starring Pierce Brosnan.

Moon and the Sun
Moon and the Sun

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".

Loading Video...

1998: Release of The Nephew

In 1998, Brosnan and St. Clair released Irish DreamTime's first production, "The Nephew".

Loading Video...

1999: Starring in The World Is Not Enough

In 1999, Brosnan starred in "The World Is Not Enough" as James Bond.

Loading Video...

1999: Starring in The Thomas Crown Affair Remake

In 1999, Brosnan starred in the remake of the heist film, "The Thomas Crown Affair".

Loading Video...

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: Starring in The Tailor of Panama

In 2001, Brosnan starred along with Jamie Lee Curtis and Geoffrey Rush in "The Tailor of Panama".

Loading Video...

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: 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.

Loading Video...

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 Aston Martin

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

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.

Loading Video...

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.

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".

2003: Irish Film and Television Academy Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2003, Brosnan was awarded the Irish Film and Television Academy Lifetime Achievement Award.

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.

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.

Loading Video...

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.

2004: Named 'Best-dressed Environmentalist'

In 2004, Pierce Brosnan was named 'Best-dressed Environmentalist' by the Sustainable Style Foundation.

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: Golden Globe Nomination for The Matador

In 2005, Brosnan received a Golden Globe Award nomination for the dark comedy film "The Matador".

Loading Video...

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.

Loading Video...

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.

Loading Video...

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.

Loading Video...

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!".

Loading Video...

2008: Spiritual Beliefs

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

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".

Loading Video...

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".

Loading Video...

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".

Loading Video...

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".

Loading Video...

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: 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: Comment on Christian Brothers education

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

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".

Loading Video...

2014: Starring in The November Man

In 2014, Brosnan starred in the action spy thriller "The November Man".

Loading Video...

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.

2015: Appearance in Survivor

In 2015, Pierce Brosnan appeared alongside Milla Jovovich in the suspense thriller movie "Survivor", directed by James McTeigue.

Loading Video...

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.

Loading Video...

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.

Loading Video...

2017: Death of Roger Moore

In 2017, Roger Moore, the former Bond actor and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, passed away.

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".

Loading Video...

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".

Loading Video...

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.

Loading Video...

October 2020: Setbacks for The Wreck of The Medusa

In October 2020, Peter Webber mentioned during an interview that "The Wreck of The Medusa" continued to face setbacks in development due to a lack of market interest in "films about artists". The film was initially set to star Pierce Brosnan.

2020: Starring in Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga

In 2020, Brosnan starred in "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga".

Loading Video...

2020: Listed on The Irish Times' List

In 2020, Brosnan was listed at No. 15 on The Irish Times' list of the greatest Irish film actors.

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.

Loading Video...

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".

Loading Video...

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".

Loading Video...

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".

Loading Video...

2023: Leading Role in Fast Charlie

In 2023, Pierce Brosnan led the hitman thriller film "Fast Charlie", directed by Phillip Noyce.

Loading Video...