History of Pierce Brosnan in Timeline

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Pierce Brosnan

Pierce Brosnan is an Irish actor and film producer, best known for his role as James Bond. He was the fifth actor to portray the iconic secret agent in the James Bond film series, starring in four films between 1995 and 2002. In addition to his film work, Brosnan also lent his likeness and voice to several James Bond video games, including GoldenEye 007.

1950: Publication of Across the River and into the Trees

In 1950, Ernest Hemingway's novel "Across the River and into the Trees" was published. Although not directly related to Pierce Brosnan's life, a later film adaptation was planned with him in the lead role, but he eventually dropped out.

Across the River and Into the Trees
Across the River and Into the Trees

May 1953: Pierce Brosnan's birth

Pierce Brendan Brosnan was born on May 1953. He later became the fifth actor to play James Bond.

1962: Awareness of the nuclear arms race

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

August 1964: Brosnan Moves to Scotland

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

1971: Birth of Charlotte Harris

In 1971, Cassandra Harris had her daughter Charlotte Harris, who would later be adopted by Pierce Brosnan.

1975: Brosnan graduates from the Drama Centre

In 1975, Brosnan graduated from the Drama Centre and began working as an acting assistant stage manager at the York Theatre Royal, making his acting debut in Wait Until Dark.

1977: Brosnan Appears in Filumena

In 1977, Brosnan was picked by Franco Zeffirelli to appear in the play Filumena by Eduardo De Filippo opposite Joan Plowright and Frank Finlay.

December 1980: Marriage to Cassandra Harris

In December 1980, Pierce Brosnan married Australian actress Cassandra Harris, solidifying their relationship after meeting through Harris's uncle. They later had one son together.

1981: Move to Southern California

In 1981, after Cassandra Harris's appearance 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 'Remington Steele'.

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1982: Brosnan appears in the miniseries Nancy Astor

In 1982, Pierce Brosnan appeared in the BBC's nine-part miniseries Nancy Astor. The miniseries dramatized the life of Lady Astor, the first woman to sit in the British Parliament.

1982: Brosnan stars in 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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September 1983: Birth of Sean Brosnan

In September 13, 1983, Pierce Brosnan and Cassandra Harris welcomed their son, Sean Brosnan, who would later become an actor.

1985: Brosnan receives a Golden Globe nomination

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

1986: NBC cancels Remington Steele

In 1986, NBC cancelled Remington Steele, but it was renewed because Brosnan was offered the role of James Bond, contractually requiring Brosnan to return to the show.

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1986: Adoption of Charlotte and Chris Harris

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

1987: Brosnan appears in The Fourth Protocol

After Remington Steele ended in 1987, Brosnan went on to appear in The Fourth Protocol, a Cold War thriller.

1987: Dalton hired for The Living Daylights

In 1987, Eon Productions hired Timothy Dalton for The Living Daylights because Brosnan was contractually required to return to Remington Steele.

1987: Cassandra Harris's illness

In 1987, during the filming of 'The Deceivers' in Rajasthan, Cassandra Harris became seriously ill, which was later diagnosed as ovarian cancer.

1988: Brosnan appears in The Deceivers and Noble House

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

1989: Dalton stars in Licence to Kill

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

December 1991: Death of Cassandra Harris

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

1991: Brosnan appears in Victim of Love

In 1991, Brosnan appeared in several television films, including Victim of Love.

1991: Proposed Dalton film cancelled

In 1991, legal disputes between the Bond producers and the studio resulted in the cancellation of a proposed third Dalton film, putting the Bond series on hiatus.

1991: Roger Moore became Goodwill Ambassador

Roger Moore served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador from 1991 until his death in 2017.

1992: Brosnan appears in The Lawnmower Man

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

July 1993: Brosnan Denies Rumors About Playing Simon Templar

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

1993: Brosnan plays a role in Mrs. Doubtfire

In 1993, Brosnan played a supporting role in the comedy film Mrs. Doubtfire.

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June 1994: Brosnan announced as the new James Bond

On June 1994, Brosnan was 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, marking the beginning of their relationship.

1995: Brosnan appears in Night Watch

In 1995, Brosnan appeared in several television films, including Night Watch, a spy thriller set in Hong Kong.

1995: GoldenEye Release

In 1995, GoldenEye was released and grossed US$350 million worldwide. It was the fourth-highest worldwide gross of any film in 1995, making it the most successful Bond film since Moonraker, adjusted for inflation.

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1995: Securing the Role of James Bond

In 1995, four years after Cassandra Harris's death, Pierce Brosnan fulfilled her wish and secured the role of James Bond.

1996: Brosnan forms Irish DreamTime

In 1996, Brosnan formed a film production company called Irish DreamTime along with producing partner and longtime friend Beau St. Clair.

1997: Working with NRDC and IFAW

From 1997 to 2000, Pierce Brosnan and his wife Keely Shaye Smith worked with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to stop a proposed salt factory from being built at Laguna San Ignacio.

1997: Brosnan receives a 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: Brosnan stars in Tomorrow Never Dies

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

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1997: Publication of The Moon and the Sun

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

Moon and the Sun
Moon and the Sun

1998: Irish DreamTime releases first production

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

1999: Brosnan stars in The World Is Not Enough

In 1999, Brosnan returned as Bond in The World Is Not Enough.

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2000: Working with NRDC and IFAW

From 1997 to 2000, Pierce Brosnan and his wife Keely Shaye Smith worked with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to stop a proposed salt factory from being built 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, formalizing their relationship.

2001: Becoming an Ambassador for UNICEF Ireland

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

2002: Brosnan stars in Die Another Day

In 2002, Brosnan returned as Bond in Die Another Day.

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2002: Purchase of Aston Martin V12 Vanquish

In 2002, Pierce Brosnan purchased an Aston Martin V12 Vanquish that was later destroyed in a fire on February 11, 2015.

2002: Honorary Degree from Dublin Institute of Technology

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

July 2003: Honorary OBE

In July 2003, Queen Elizabeth II appointed Pierce Brosnan an Honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his contributions to the British film industry.

2003: Brosnan awarded the Irish Film and Television Academy Lifetime Achievement Award

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

September 2004: Becoming an American Citizen

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

October 2004: Brosnan considered dismissed from Bond role

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

2004: Talk of backing a film about Caitlin Macnamara and Laws of Attraction

In 2004, Pierce Brosnan expressed interest in producing a film about Caitlin Macnamara, with Miranda Richardson as the lead. That same year, he starred in "Laws of Attraction" as Daniel Rafferty, a role that was well-received for its comedic take on his James Bond persona. He also starred in "After the Sunset".

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2004: Supporting John Kerry in the presidential election

In 2004, Pierce Brosnan supported John Kerry in the presidential election and is also 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 he is finished with Bond role

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

October 2005: Daniel Craig takes over as James Bond

On 14 October 2005, Daniel Craig took over the role of James Bond.

2005: Starring in The Matador

In 2005, Brosnan starred in "The Matador" as Julian Noble, receiving critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination for his performance. Roger Ebert hailed it as the best performance of Brosnan's career.

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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.

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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

In January 2007, Pierce Brosnan appeared in the film "Seraphim Falls" alongside Liam Neeson, receiving average reviews. Critics noted their strong performances despite the sparse dialogue.

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May 2007: Veto of Cabrillo Port Liquefied Natural Gas facility

In May 2007, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed the Cabrillo Port Liquefied Natural Gas facility, a project that Pierce Brosnan had actively campaigned against with Halle Berry, Cindy Crawford, and Daryl Hannah.

May 2007: Donation to replace a playground in Kauai

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: Presenting a film 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.

2008: Joining Mamma Mia! and Narrating Thomas & Friends

In 2008, Pierce Brosnan joined Meryl Streep in the film adaptation of "Mamma Mia!", playing Sam Carmichael. In the same year, he was also a guest narrator for the "Thomas & Friends" movie "The Great Discovery".

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2008: Spiritual Beliefs

In 2008, Pierce Brosnan stated that he loves "the teachings of Buddhist philosophy", which he referred to as his "own private faith".

2010: Starring in The Ghost Writer

In 2010, Pierce Brosnan starred in Roman Polanski's "The Ghost Writer" as a disgraced British Prime Minister, which won a Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. He also starred in "Remember Me" and "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" in the same year.

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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, mirroring her mother's fate.

2013: Death of Charlotte Brosnan

In 2013, Charlotte Brosnan, Pierce Brosnan's adopted daughter, passed away from ovarian cancer.

2013: Commercials for 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: Comments on Christian Brothers education

In 2013, Pierce Brosnan expressed contempt for his Christian Brothers education.

2013: Honorary Patronage and Starring 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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2014: Starring in The November Man

In 2014, Pierce Brosnan starred in "The November Man", an adaptation of Bill Granger's novel, alongside Olga Kurylenko. The film received negative reviews.

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February 2015: Malibu Home Fire

On February 11, 2015, Pierce Brosnan's Malibu home caught fire, causing significant damage, including the destruction of his 2002 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish.

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 the revenge thriller called "I.T.", which opened in limited release through video on demand.

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August 2017: Initial filming date for H-Block

Originally, filming for "H-Block", a film starring Pierce Brosnan, Jamie Dornan, and Cillian Murphy, was set to begin in August 2017, but was postponed.

2017: Replacing Sam Neill in The Son and Starring in The Foreigner

In 2017, Pierce Brosnan replaced Sam Neill in "The Son" and starred in "The Foreigner" opposite Jackie Chan, playing a former IRA man. The Foreigner was filmed in London and directed by Martin Campbell.

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2017: Roger Moore death

Roger Moore served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador from 1991 until his death in 2017.

March 2018: Postponed filming for H-Block

Due to scheduling conflicts with cast members, the filming of "H-Block" which stars Pierce Brosnan was postponed to March 2018, after an initial date of August 2017.

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

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

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2019: The Son airing for two seasons

From 2017 to 2019, Pierce Brosnan starred in the television adaptation of Philipp Meyer's novel "The Son", which aired for two seasons. Kevin Murphy was the executive producer and showrunner of the series.

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October 2020: Peter Webber discusses The Wreck of The Medusa setbacks

In October 2020, Peter Webber discussed the setbacks faced by the film "The Wreck of The Medusa", starring Pierce Brosnan, citing a lack of market interest in films about artists.

2021: Launched his first NFT collection

In 2021, Pierce Brosnan launched his first-ever NFT collection of digital artworks entitled "Big Noise" inspired by his painting Earplugs, which he painted while filming the James Bond film GoldenEye.

2021: Starring in The Misfits and False Positive

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

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2022: Brosnan stars in Black Adam

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

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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".

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

In 2023, Pierce Brosnan starred in "The Out-Laws" and "The King's Daughter" where he played King Louis XIV.

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