History of Pierce Brosnan in Timeline

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Pierce Brosnan

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 in the James Bond film series and also appeared in related video games like GoldenEye 007. Brosnan's Bond era is recognized for its blend of action, charm, and modernization of the character for the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

May 1953: Pierce Brosnan's birth

In May 1953, Pierce Brendan Brosnan was born. He later became known as an Irish actor and film producer.

May 1953: Birth in Drogheda

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

August 1964: Moved to Scotland

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

1971: Charlotte Harris's birth year

In 1971, Cassandra Harris's daughter Charlotte was born. Brosnan later adopted her.

1975: Brosnan's acting debut

In 1975, Pierce 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, Pierce Brosnan was picked by Franco Zeffirelli to appear in the play Filumena.

December 1980: Marriage to Cassandra Harris

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

1980: Early film appearances

In 1980, Pierce Brosnan made brief appearances in films such as The Long Good Friday and The Mirror Crack'd, as well as early television performances.

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1981: Cassandra Harris in "For Your Eyes Only"

In 1981, Cassandra Harris appeared in the James Bond film "For Your Eyes Only". Following this, she and Brosnan secured a bank loan and moved to Southern California, where Brosnan was cast in the TV series Remington Steele.

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1982: Starred in Manions of America and Nancy Astor

In 1982, Pierce Brosnan became a television star in the United States with his leading role in the popular miniseries Manions of America and also starred in BBC's Nancy Astor.

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1982: Move to Southern California and Remington Steele

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

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1982: Golden Globe Nomination for Nancy Astor

In 1982, Pierce Brosnan received a Golden Globe Award nomination for his role in the miniseries Nancy Astor.

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1982: Remington Steele debut

In 1982, Pierce Brosnan rose to popularity in the television series Remington Steele.

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September 1983: Birth of son Sean

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, Pierce Brosnan garnered a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Robert Gould Shaw II in Nancy Astor.

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1986: Remington Steele renewed, Bond role lost

In 1986, after NBC cancelled Remington Steele and Pierce Brosnan was offered the role of James Bond, Remington Steele's ratings improved and it was renewed, contractually requiring Brosnan to return to the show, causing him to lose the Bond role.

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1986: Adoption of Charlotte and Chris Harris

In 1986, after the death of Dermot Harris, Cassandra Harris's former husband, Brosnan adopted her children, Charlotte and Chris, who subsequently took his surname.

1987: Timothy Dalton hired as Bond

In 1987, Eon Productions hired Timothy Dalton for The Living Daylights after Pierce Brosnan had to return to Remington Steele.

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1987: Appearance in The Fourth Protocol

In 1987, Pierce Brosnan appeared in the Cold War spy film The Fourth Protocol.

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1987: Cassandra Harris's illness during filming

In 1987, while filming "The Deceivers" in Rajasthan, Cassandra Harris became seriously ill and was later diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

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1988: Appearance in The Deceivers and Noble House

In 1988, Pierce Brosnan appeared in The Deceivers and the mini-series James Clavell's Noble House.

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1989: Dalton stars in Licence to Kill

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

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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 with her death.

1991: Television film Victim of Love

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

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1991: Cancellation of Dalton film

In 1991, legal disputes resulted in the cancellation of a proposed third James Bond film with Timothy Dalton, putting the Bond series on hiatus.

1992: Shot pilot for Running Wilde and starred in The Lawnmower Man

In 1992, Pierce Brosnan shot a pilot for NBC called Running Wilde, which never aired, and starred in The Lawnmower Man.

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July 1993: Rumors about The Saint role

In July 1993, Pierce Brosnan denied rumors that he was going to inherit the role of Simon Templar in The Saint.

1993: Appearance in Mrs. Doubtfire

In 1993, Pierce Brosnan appeared in the comedy Mrs. Doubtfire.

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June 1994: Brosnan announced as the fifth Bond

On June 7, 1994, Pierce Brosnan was officially announced as the fifth actor to play James Bond.

1994: Meeting Keely Shaye Smith

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

1995: Release of GoldenEye

In 1995, GoldenEye, Pierce Brosnan's first James Bond film, was released and grossed US$350 million worldwide, becoming the fourth-highest-grossing film of the year and the most successful Bond film since Moonraker.

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1995: Television film Night Watch

In 1995, Pierce Brosnan appeared in the television film Night Watch, a spy thriller set in Hong Kong.

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1995: Brosnan's debut as James Bond in GoldenEye

In 1995, Pierce Brosnan debuted as James Bond in the film GoldenEye, marking his first appearance in the James Bond film series.

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1995: Brosnan secures James Bond role

In 1995, four years after the death of his wife Cassandra Harris, Pierce Brosnan secured the role of James Bond, fulfilling her wish.

1996: Founding of Irish DreamTime

In 1996, Pierce Brosnan and Beau St. Clair founded the Los Angeles–based production company Irish DreamTime.

1997: Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

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

1997: Release of Tomorrow Never Dies

In 1997, Pierce Brosnan returned as James Bond in Tomorrow Never Dies, which received mixed reviews but was a box office success.

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1997: Starring in Dante's Peak

In 1997, Pierce Brosnan starred in the epic disaster adventure film Dante's Peak.

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1998: Release of The Nephew

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

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1999: Navan as hometown

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

1999: Release of The World Is Not Enough

In 1999, Pierce Brosnan returned as Bond in The World Is Not Enough, which received mixed reviews but was a success at the box office.

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1999: Starring in The Thomas Crown Affair

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

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2001: Marriage to Keely Shaye Smith

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

2001: Starred in The Tailor of Panama

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

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2002: Brosnan's Aston Martin V12 Vanquish

In 2002, Brosnan owned an Aston Martin V12 Vanquish, which was destroyed in a fire at his Malibu home in 2015.

2002: Release of Die Another Day

In 2002, Pierce Brosnan starred in Die Another Day as James Bond; the movie received mixed reviews but was a box office success.

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2002: Brosnan's last appearance as James Bond

In 2002, Pierce Brosnan starred in his fourth and final James Bond film, Die Another Day, marking the end of his run in the series.

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2002: Honorary Degree from Dublin Institute of Technology

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

2002: Likeness in 007: Nightfire

In 2002, Pierce Brosnan's likeness was used as the face of James Bond in the video game 007: Nightfire.

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, Pierce Brosnan was awarded the Irish Film and Television Academy Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Irish Film.

September 2004: Becomes American Citizen

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

October 2004: Brosnan considered dismissed from Bond role

In October 2004, Pierce Brosnan stated that he considered himself dismissed from the role of James Bond.

2004: Post-Bond Roles and Film Backing

In 2004, Pierce Brosnan discussed backing a film about Caitlin Macnamara, with Miranda Richardson in the lead role. He also starred in "Laws of Attraction" and "After the Sunset", with the former receiving positive reviews and the latter being a box office failure.

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2004: Starring in James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing

In 2004, Pierce Brosnan starred in the James Bond game James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing, lending both his likeness and voice.

2004: Support for John Kerry

In 2004, Pierce Brosnan supported John Kerry in the U.S. 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 for his environmental advocacy.

February 2005: Brosnan announces end with Bond role

In February 2005, Pierce Brosnan posted on his website that he was finished with the role of James Bond.

October 2005: Daniel Craig took over the role of James Bond

On October 14, 2005, Daniel Craig officially took over the role as James Bond, replacing Pierce Brosnan. Brosnan expressed his support for Craig in the role.

2005: Starring in The Matador

In 2005, Brosnan starred in "The Matador" as Julian Noble, receiving positive reviews and a Golden Globe nomination for his performance.

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2005: Golden Globe Nomination for The Matador

In 2005, Pierce Brosnan received a Golden Globe Award nomination for his role in the dark comedy film The Matador.

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2006: Narrating FIFA World Cup Film

In 2006, Pierce Brosnan narrated "The Official Film of the 2006 FIFA World Cup", directed by Michael Apted.

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2006: Spokesperson for Lee National Denim Day

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

January 2007: Appearance in Seraphim Falls

In January 2007, Pierce Brosnan appeared in "Seraphim Falls" with Liam Neeson, receiving mixed reviews upon its limited release.

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2008: Starring in Mamma Mia!

In 2008, Pierce Brosnan starred in the comedy musical Mamma Mia!

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2008: Mamma Mia! Film Adaptation and Thomas & Friends Narration

In 2008, Pierce Brosnan starred in the film adaptation of "Mamma Mia!" as Sam Carmichael, alongside Meryl Streep. His singing in the film was poorly received. He also narrated "Thomas & Friends: The Great Discovery".

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2008: Spiritual Beliefs

In 2008, Pierce Brosnan stated that he attends Mass but also adheres to Buddhist philosophy, which he considers his private faith and a source of comfort.

2010: Roles in The Ghost Writer, Remember Me, and Percy Jackson

In 2010, Pierce Brosnan starred in "The Ghost Writer", which won a Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. He also appeared in "Remember Me" and "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief".

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2010: Starring in The Ghost Writer and Percy Jackson

In 2010, Pierce Brosnan starred in the political thriller The Ghost Writer and the action fantasy Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief.

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2012: Role in Love Is All You Need

In 2012, Pierce Brosnan played Philip in the Danish romantic comedy "Love Is All You Need".

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June 2013: Death of Charlotte Brosnan

On June 28, 2013, Charlotte Brosnan, Pierce Brosnan's adopted daughter, died of ovarian cancer, the same disease that took her mother's life.

2013: Charlotte Brosnan's death

Charlotte Brosnan, Pierce Brosnan's adopted daughter, passed away in 2013.

2013: Comments on Christian Brothers Education

In 2013, Brosnan expressed contempt for his Christian Brothers education but offered further commentary.

2013: Sky Broadband Commercials

In 2013, Pierce Brosnan appeared in television commercials as a humorous version of himself to promote Sky Broadband in Ireland.

2013: Honorary Patronage and Role in No Escape

In 2013, Pierce Brosnan received honorary patronage from Dublin University Players at Trinity College Dublin. He also starred in "No Escape" with Owen Wilson.

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2014: Starring in The November Man

In 2014, Brosnan starred in "The November Man", an adaptation of Bill Granger's novel, receiving negative reviews.

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February 2015: Malibu Home Fire

On February 11, 2015, Pierce Brosnan's $18 million Malibu home caught fire, sustaining $1 million in damages, including the destruction of his 2002 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish. No injuries were reported.

2015: Appearance in Survivor

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

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2016: Starring in I.T.

In 2016, Pierce Brosnan starred in a revenge thriller called "I.T.", released in limited form through video on demand.

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2017: Role in The Foreigner and The Son

In 2017, Pierce Brosnan starred in "The Foreigner" opposite Jackie Chan. He also replaced Sam Neill in "The Son", a TV adaptation of Philipp Meyer's novel.

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2018: Spinning Man and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

In 2018, Pierce Brosnan co-starred in "Spinning Man" with Guy Pearce and Minnie Driver. He also reprised his role in "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again" and had a supporting role in "Final Score".

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2019: The Son Ending

In 2019, the television series "The Son", in which Pierce Brosnan starred as Eli McCullough, aired its second and final season.

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

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

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2020: Listed on The Irish Times' list

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

2021: The Misfits and False Positive

In 2021, Pierce Brosnan executive produced and starred in "The Misfits", which received poor reviews. He also appeared in A24's horror film "False Positive".

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2021: Launch of NFT Collection

In 2021, Pierce Brosnan launched his first NFT collection of digital artworks, "Big Noise", inspired by his painting Earplugs.

2022: Black Adam

In 2022, Pierce Brosnan played Doctor Fate/Kent Nelson in the DC Extended Universe film, "Black Adam".

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2023: Roles in The Out-Laws and The King's Daughter

In 2023, Pierce Brosnan appeared in the Netflix action-comedy film "The Out-Laws" and starred as King Louis XIV in "The King's Daughter".

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2023: Leading Role in Fast Charlie

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

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