While Pierce Brosnan always shines in his films, he hasn’t had a very easy life. Despite being abandoned by his father, having multiple tragic losses and facing much hardship, he overcame everything to find success. We compiled a list of unknown facts about the famous Irishman.
Humble Beginnings
In 1953, Pierce Brosnan was born in Ireland to a humble life. His father supported his family as a carpenter, but he left the family while Pierce was still an infant. His mother began to work as a nurse to support the family, and Pierce was mostly raised by his grandparents. Later on, his mother moved to London to get a higher paying job, but this meant she only saw Pierce a couple times a year. His mother got married, and then they were reunited in one household. It was his stepfather who took him to his first James Bond Film.
Humble Beginnings
First Marriage
Pierce met his first wife, Cassandra Harris in 1977. They married in 1980 and Pierce adopted Cassandra’s children from a previous marriage after their biological father passed away in 1986.
First Marriage
Beginnings of Acting Career
In the 1970s, Pierce began acting in London. He was handpicked by legendary playwright Tennessa Williams to star in The Red Devil Battery Sign. In the 1980s he transitioned into films. His first big role was opposite Helen Mirren in The Long Good Friday. He also starred in a TV mini-series called The Manions of America which introduced him to American audiences.
Beginnings Of Acting Career
Gaining Recognition
The Manions of America was a success and made Pierce very popular. He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Golden Globe’s in 1985 for his role as Robert Gould Shaw II in the theatre documentary about Lady Nancy Astor, the first woman to sit in British Parliament.
Gaining Recognition
From London to L.A.
Pierce moved to Tinseltown in 1982. He was gaining popularity in Hollywood for his role in Remington Steele. People began to see him as the next Bond after he played this role. The Washington Post wrote he “could make it as a young Bond.”
From London To L.A.
Bond Beginnings
Pierce’s wife very much wanted her husband to play James Bond. She had a role in For Your Eyes Only and Pierce was able to meet Bond producer Albert Broccoli on this set. In 1987, Pierce was offered the role of Bond but he declined so he could continue working on the sitcom Remington Steele.
Bond Beginnings
Reunited
Due to the popularity of the TV show, Pierce had the opportunity to meet his father again. He approached Pierce and they met in a hotel in Ireland. His father apologized for his actions. They enjoyed a day together then parted ways.
Reunited
Fourth Protocol
Pierce gained experience in acting as a spy in the movie The Fourth Protocol which debuted in 1987. He played a KGB officer who was sent on a mission to the UK to set up an accidental nuclear disaster.
Fourth Protocol
How Diet Coke Helped Pierce
Diet Coke had Pierce appear in commercials. They portrayed him as a “dashing bond-like character” which caused an issue over the distribution rights of the film and character. This led to the cancellation of Dalton’s third Bond film. After this, Dalton resigned from the franchise. In 1994, Pierce signed up for his first Bond role.
How Diet Coke Helped Pierce
Bond Legacy
Pierce fulfilled his wife’s dream by starring in multiple Bond films. He appeared in GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World is Not Enough and Die Another Day. He certainly made his mark on the role. Robert Ebert stated Bond made the character what it was. It was only in 2005 that Pierce ended his Bond tenure and Daniel Craig took over the role.
Bond Legacy
Injury During Tomorrow Never Dies
Brosnan sustained an injury while filming Tomorrow Never Dies. A stuntman’s helmet flew off and hit Brosnan in his face splitting it open. He needed 8 stitches!
Injury During Tomorrow Never Dies
Pierce Was An Exception
Pierce was the only actor allowed to film other movies while still working on James Bond. He was forbidden to wear a tuxedo in other projects and even in his personal life because it was considered James Bond material. He does break the rule in the film The Mirror Has Two Faces one year after he completed his first Bond film.
Pierce Was An Exception
Irish Dreamtime
Pierce co-founded a production company with his friend called “Irish Dreamtime” in 1996. Their first movie was a film called The Thomas Crown Affair. It was finished in 1999 and Pierce played the lead role. It got positive reviews from fans and critics.
Irish Dreamtime
Fire-eater
One interesting fact about Brosnan is he actually worked as a fire-eater before he became an actor. He left school when he was 16 to enroll in an art school to study illustration. When he was at the art school he came across a fire-eater which inspired him to try it himself. He was discovered by a circus agent who offered him a three-year contract. Pierce later joined the Drama School of London to study acting. He decided to pursue that as his career instead of fire-eating. We think that was a good decision.
Fire Eater
Second Marriage
Pierce met his second wife, Keely Shay Smith in 1994. They got married in 2001 in Ireland. They have two children together named Dylan and Paris. They are still together and have now been married over fifteen years.
Second Marriage
Mamma Mia
Pierce went on to star in a number of very popular films including Laws of Attraction, After the Sunset and The Matador. One of his biggest roles was in Mamma Mia opposite Meryl Streep. He did all of his own singing. Quite impressive, Pierce!
Mamma Mia
Seraphim Falls
In 2006, Pierce played Gideon in Seraphim Falls. His starred alongside fellow Irishman Liam Neeson and ironically they both played Americans in the film.
Seraphim Falls
Full-Figured Wife
Pierce’s second wife Keely came under fire from the media for gaining weight. Pierce supported his wife and helped her through this. He even made public comments defending her.
Full Figured Wife
Working With Roman Polanski
Pierce worked with director Roman Polanski on the film The Ghost Writer in 2010. This was a controversial decision because Polanski was famously charged with sexual assault in the 1970s and is unable to travel to the US.
Working With Roman Polanski
Daughter’s Death
In 2013, Brosnan’s daughter died of ovarian cancer. This inspired him to participate in a celebrity benefit called Stand Up 2 Cancer.
Daughter’s Death
White Bond Only?
Pierce made a controversial comment recently that landed him in the news. He stated he thought the next Bond would white after rumors circulated the new Bond would be black or female. He said there is no reason why the next Bond couldn’t be black, but believed producers would go with a white person.
White Bond Only?
Honors From Other Countries
In 2003, Pierce was made an honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire. This award was given to him by the Queen of England. Usually, only British citizens receive this award. Pierce became a legal citizen of the US in 2004 but maintains his Irish citizenship.
Honors From Other Countries
Catholic Faith
Pierce had a Catholic upbringing and still practices. He does hold aspects of other religions close to his heart. For instance, he agrees with some aspects of Buddhism.
Catholic Faith
Environmental Work
Pierce and his wife Keely are environmentalists and over the years they have helped with a variety of causes. For example in the 1990s, he worked with Greenpeace to lobby for ending nuclear testing. He and his wife have also worked with the Natural Resources Defense Council and the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
Environmental Work
Helping Out in Hawaii
Pierce and his wife have also donated over $100,000 to replace an unsafe playground in Kuai. They donated the funds to Hawaii’s non-profit organization named 3R’s (Repair, Remodel and Restore Hawaii’s public schools).
Helping Out In Hawaii
Tragic Fire
Pierce owned an $18.5 million eco-friendly home in Malibu but it sadly sustained severe damage in a fire. The fire was caused by an electrical problem in the house. It resulted in over one million dollars of damage. Luckily no one was injured.
Tragic Fire
James Corden Claims
On an episode of The Late Late Show With James Corden, James played a game called “Spill Your Guts or Fill Your Guts” with Khloe Kardashian. It was during this segment of the show that James discussed an encounter he had with Pierce. He named him as one celebrity who had been rude to him.
James Corden Claims
A U2 Run-In
Corden stated that he didn’t think Pierce was always rude, but he was rude to him. He explained how the encounter happened. Both James and Pierce went to see a U2 performance. Pierce left an area with some friends, and Corden moved there with his wife. When Pierce returned, Corden claims he pushed him out of the way without saying anything to him or making eye contact.
A U2 Run In
Mary Tyler Moore Connection
Pierce Bronson very much liked Mary Tyler Moore, and he was very upset when she died in 2017. They both worked with the production company MTM Enterprises. Pierce wrote an Instagram post to mourn her death and he stated she was responsible for giving him his breakout role on Remington Steele.
Mary Tyler Moore Connection
Pierce Is a Trained Illustrator
Pierce loves to paint and contribute to charities that work to promote the arts. As he went to art school, he is also a professionally-trained illustrator. He still makes art and when he sells it he often donates its profits to charity.
Pierce Is A Trained Illustrator
He’s An LGBTQ Ally
Pierce works with many charitable organizations and promotes causes he believes in. He is an ambassador for UNICEF and is well known for his support of the LGBTQ community. He stated that he supports a 007 film made with a gay James Bond.
He’s An LGBTQ Ally
He Thought He Was Gay
Brosnan released a biography in 2000 where he revealed when he was younger he questioned his sexuality and thought he might be gay.
He Thought He Was Gay
He Became a U.S. Citizen In 2004
Brosnan’s was born in Drogheda, Ireland and lived in Navan, Country Meath for 12 years. He considers that to be his hometown. He moved to other cities in Ireland before moving in with his mother and stepfather in London. He moved to California in 1982 but it wasn’t until 2004 that he became a dual citizen.
He Became A U.S. Citizen In 2004
He Really Crashed the Car In Shattered
In 2007, the film Shattered was released. Pierce played a bad guy in the film. There is a scene with a car crash and Brosnan was actually in the car during the crash.
He Really Crashed The Car In Shattered
Pierce Brosnan the Director?
Pierce isn’t only an actor and artist, he also has directing skills. During The World Is Not Enough, Brosnan made some changes including one part where he ties his tie while being submerged in water. While this may seem like a subtle detail, it is a very memorable moment in the film. It was entirely Brosnan’s idea.
Pierce Brosnan The Director?
He Watched James Bond As a Kid
When he was only 12 years old, he watched the original Goldfinger in 1964. I doubt he ever imaged three decades later he would be starring in the franchise.
He Watched James Bond As A Kid
He Plays The Ukelele
As previously mentioned, Brosnan is a talented artist. He is a talented painter and illustrator. He also loves music and actually plays the ukelele. He became interested in the instrument after visiting Hawaii.
He Plays The Ukelele
He Loves Working With Independent Filmmakers
Brosnan is legendary. He has now acted in over 70 movies, 10 TV series, and even some video games. In general, he loves working with independent filmmakers taking on small, meaningful roles.
He Loves Working With Independent Filmmakers
He’s Claustrophobic
While James Bond is rough and tough, Brosnan is actually terrified of tight places. He is extremely claustrophobic and thus filming certain scenes have been difficult for him.
He’s Claustrophobic
His Facial Scar
While having stunt doubles are common in Hollywood, being injured by one isn’t so common. After getting hit in the face by a stuntman he was left with a permanent scar. Too bad! Pierce was famously fired from the 007 franchise and encouraged Daniel Craig to take the part.
His Facial Scar
Drama Centre Launched His & Many Other A-List Celebrity Careers
Pierce began to studying acting at the age of 16 at the Drama Centre in London. He studied there for three years. The school is well known and other A-list alumni such as Russell Brand, Michael Fassbender, Tom Hardy and of course his Mama Mia! co-star Colin Firth.
Drama Centre Launched His Many Other A-List Celebrity Career
He Was Close With Robin Williams
Pierce Brosnan met Robin Williams on the set of Mrs. Doubtfire. The two became fast friends and Pierce took the death of the famous comedian and actor hard. When reflecting on his close friendship with Williams Pierce stated, “I was so thrilled to have this job in the company of this great star comedian.” He continued to explain, “I walked into the trailer and there was Robin in a pair of Ugg boots, hairy legs, shorts, Hawaiian shirt, and hairy chest. That’s how I met Robin Williams, and that’s how I met Mrs. Doubtfire. And I had the time of my life.” He also added “every day was just sheer magic with the man. His hilarity, his grace, his brilliance of mind and soul. His reverence, sincerity.”
He Was Close With Robin Williams
Bond #6
Did you know when Brosnan became James Bond in 1994, he became the fifth actor to portray the secret agent? The party was portrayed previously by Sean Connery (1962–67; 1971; 1983), David Niven (1967), George Lazenby (1969), Roger Moore (1973–85) and Timothy Dalton (1987–89).
Bond 6
He’s Not The Best Singer…
When Pierce sang in the musical and romantic comedy, Mama Mia! critics were quick to remark about his sub-par singing skills. The media was pretty harsh. For example, New York Magazine compared his singing voice to a “donkey braying.” Another review stated he sounded like he was “choking out the lyrics as if he’s being subjected to a prostate exam….” He didn’t let the reviews stop him, and he sang again in Mama Mia! Here We Go Again. We love how fearless he is!
He’s Not The Best Singer…
His BFF, Beau St. Clair, Recently Died Of Ovarian Cancer
Did you know Pierce Brosnan has an L.A. based production company called Irish Dreamtime? He formed the company along with his friend, Beau St. Clar in 1996. The duo partnered for over two decades and were very close. Sadly, Beau St. Claire died in 2016 after losing a battle with ovarian cancer when she was only 63 years old. Pierce stated, “Beau was the sister I never had, my dearest friend for 30 years.” He continued, “[She] was a beautiful woman in every way. She had style, grace, humor, intellect, and a kind heart that I will forever miss.” To Pierce, she was “the sister he never had” and “my dearest friend for 30 years.”
Beau St. Clair
He’s Lost 3 Women In His Life To Ovarian Cancer
Sadly, Beau St. Clair is just one of three women close to Pierce who passed from Ovarian Cancer. His previous wife, Cassandra Harris, as well as his own daughter Charlotte, died from the disease.
He’s Lost 3 Women In His Life To Ovarian Cancer
The Love Of His Life
As we mentioned, Pierce is still happily married to the American journalist, model and TV producer Keely Shaye Smith. She has made a name for herself in Hollywood. She appeared in General Hospital in 1990 and has worked as an entertainment correspondent for NBC’s Today Show and CBS’s Entertainment Tonight. The two still seem to be head over heels in love with each other. Pierce said, “When Keely looks at me, I go weak. I love her vitality, her passion.” He continued to explain, “She has this strength that I wouldn’t be able to live without.”
The Love Of His Life
2 Golden Globe Nominations
Pierce Brosnan is regarded as one of the most handsome and talented actors in recent Hollywood history! He has been recognized for his acting skills. Did you know earned two Golden Globe Nominations? The first was the for the TV miniseries Nancy Astor and the second for the dark comedy film The Matador.
2 Golden Globe Nominations
Abandoned By His Father
Pierce is the only child of Thomas and May Brosnan. Sadly, his father abandoned the family when Pierce was just an infant. His mother moved him to London when he was 4 years old. Pierce says he was largely raised by his maternal grandparents until they died. He was then taken in by an aunt and uncle before he was sent to live in a boarding house. He definitely didn’t have the easiest upbringing. When reflecting on his earliest days, Pierce said his, “Childhood was fairly solitary. I grew up in a very small town called Navan in County Meath. I never knew my father. He left when I was an infant and I was left in the care of my mother and my grandparents. To be Catholic in the 1950s, and to be Irish Catholic in the 1950s, and have a marriage which was not there, a father who was not there, consequently, the mother, the wife suffered greatly. My mother was very courageous. She took the bold steps to go away and be a nurse in England. Basically wanting a better life for her and myself. My mother came home once a year, twice a year.”
Abandoned By His Father
Roman Catholic??
Pierce was raised to be Roman Catholic and actually while he was studying at a local school, he served as an altar boy! What does he really think about religion? He commented in 2013, “It always helps to have a bit of prayer in your back pocket. At the end of the day, you have to have something and for me, that is God, Jesus, my Catholic upbringing, my faith… God has been good to me. My faith has been good to me in the moments of deepest suffering, doubt, and fear. It is a constant, the language of prayer… I might not have got my sums right from the Christian Brothers or might not have got the greatest learning of literature from them but I certainly got a strapping amount of faith.” In an interview in 2008, he explained he has other spiritual beliefs. He stated in 2008, “I also love the teachings of Buddhist philosophy. It’s my own private faith. I don’t preach it, but it’s a faith that is a comfort to me when the night is long.”
Roman Catholic?
Where He Made His Acting Debut
After he graduated from the Drama Centre in 1975, Pierce worked as an acting assistant at the York Theatre Royal. He made his very first acting debut in their production of the action and thriller film entitled ‘Wait Until Dark’. The original film was released in 1967 and is somewhat of a cult classic!
Where He Made His Acting Debut
Final Score
Pierce can’t and won’t stop! He has a number of projects in the works. He is set to appear next alongside Dave Bautista in the ‘Final Score’. The film will tell the tale of an ex-soldier who has to use mad military skills to save a crowd at a major sporting event. The film is set to debut in September of 2018 and we can’t wait!
Final Score
Honorary Degrees Galore
Everyone seems to be honoring Pierce Brosnan, and we approve! Did you know he has an honorary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology and the University College Cork? Way to go, Pierce!
Honorary Degrees Galore
Dual Identity Crisis?
As we mentioned, Brosnan is a dual citizen. He became a citizen of the USA in 2004 but retains his Irish citizenship. When asked about how he identifies, he said, “my Irishness is in everything I do. It’s the spirit of who I am, as a man, an actor, a father. It’s where I come from.” When asked by a fan if he finds it annoying when people confuse his nationality he stated, “It amuses me in some respects that they should confuse me with an Englishman when I’m dyed-in-the-wool, born and bred Irishman … I don’t necessarily fly under any flag. But no, it doesn’t bother me.”
Dual Identity Crisis?
The Wreck Of The Medussa
Pierce Brosnan is set to appear alongside Jesse Eisenberg and Vanessa Redgrave in an interesting historical period film based on a novel written by Jonathan Miles. It’s called ‘The Wreck Of The Medussa’. The film’s setting is in France during the reign of King Louis XVIII.
The Wreck Of The Medusa
Thank You For Not Smoking
This is kind of crazy! In February of this year, Brosnan was actually threatened with a two-year jail sentence! Can you believe it? The issue was he appeared in an advertisement including tobacco which was circulated in India. Including tobacco in ads is illegal in India, so he was threatened with jail time and a lawsuit! Yikes!
Thank You For Not Smoking
Less Singing, More Mama Mia!
Pierce made his second appearance in the Mama Mia movies reprising his character of Sam, the husband of Meryl Streep’s Donna. As we mentioned, Pierce maybe doesn’t have the best voice and faced harsh criticism of his voice after the first film made its debut. When initially asked to be in Mama Mia! Here We Go Again, Pierce refused. He eventually agreed after producers caved and said he could provide fewer vocals. In an interview with Britain’s Radio Times, he stated he is “relieved — very relieved” that his musical obligations to the new film are limited.
Less Singing More Mama Mia
What Else Is He Working On?
Pierce has worked a few times with director Martin Campbell. Actually, for the third time, the two are planning to collaborate on a film adaptation of the Ernest Hemingway novel, “Across the River and Into The Trees.” Brosnan is set to play the protagonist named Colonel Cantwell.
What Else Is He Working On@
‘No Escape’
Pierce Brosnan starred alongside Owen Wilson in the new action-thrilled entitled ‘No Escape.’ Lake Bell also stars in the film, and it follows an American family that goes abroad and finds themselves caught in a coup. In the film, Owen Wilson stars as Jack Dwyer, an American businessman who becomes an action hero. When asked about his character, he stated to the NY Post, “I could relate to being a father trying to protect his family. When I read the script, I thought it seemed like an exciting story, and I could imagine playing the character.” Pierce plays Hammond, who is a misogynistic undercover government agent.
No Escape
‘No Escape’ Boosted His Net Worth
‘No Escape’ was a hit at the box office and boosted his net worth. The film now puts his net worth at $80 million! He is definitely one of the most handsome, talented and most wealthy actors in the world!
No Escape Boosted His Net Worth
The Next Bond Film Is Facing Major Challenges
Pierce Brosnan is now 65, and as we mentioned was the face of the James Bond series from 1995 to 2002. They used to be the most famous and desired action films in the world. These days there is much more competition in the action movie franchise. For example, the Bourne action series which stars Matt Damon. The new Bond films need a new edge, and recently Pierce Brosnan has made some interesting comments about the next Bond film.
The Next Bond Film Faced Major Challenges
The Franchise Needs To Be Reinvented
Pierce explained in an interview with Rake, “I knew there had been a seismic shift (with films like The Bourne Identity), and little did I know I was going to be part of that in the curtain falling on my contract. I knew they had to make adjustments.” He continued, “They had strong competition and they have… haven’t reinvented it, but given it a much more muscular, dynamic twist,” he added. Pierce also took a trip down memory lane referencing the era in which he portrayed the fictional spy – when the whole vibe was seen as more humorous.”
The Franchise Needs To Be Reinvented
Old vs. New Bond
When reflecting on his own participation in the series he said, “When I played him (Bond), you have to let the audience in that this is a fantastic joke. ‘What I am doing here, jumping off a motorcycle and catching up to a plane, is completely preposterous. But for me, you had to let them in.”
Old Vs. New Bond
Who Will The Next James Bond Be?
The role of Bond was portrayed by Daniel Craig after Pierce, and now the role is going to go to another actor. People can’t seem to stop talking about this! Who will the next James Bond be? There has been much speculation, and recently it seems like all the fingers are pointing at one person.
Who Will The Next James Bond Be@
Could It Be Idris Elba?
All of the fingers are pointing at none other than Idris Elba! He is a very famous English actor, musician, and producer. He is best known for his work on The Wire. He portrayed a drug trafficker named Stringer Bell.
Could It Be Idris Elba@
He Killed It As Nelson Mandela
In addition to The Wire, he also starred as Nelson Mandela! He played the character in the biographical film “Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom.” It premiered in 2013 and wow did he do an amazing job!
He Killed It As Nelson Mandela
We Think He Is Qualified…For Sure!
He certainly has established his talent in Hollywood. He was nominated 4 times for Best Actor for the Golden Globe’s and was nominated 5 times for a Primetime Emmy Award. Pretty impressive!
Kiersey Clemons
A Mysterious Tweet Heard ‘Round The World
So, will it be him? Is Idris Elba going to be the next Bond? He caused a frenzy when he posted on Twitter recently. In a very mysterious tweet, he posted a picture of himself with this caption: ‘My name’s Elba, Idris Elba.’ Sounds a little like ‘The name’s Bond, James Bond,’ right? Interesting……
A Mysterious Tweet Heard Round The World
Top Level Speculation
There was speculation of him taking on the role even before the Tweet. So, what is really going on here? This comment drew extra attention because very recently Barbara Broccoli who is a producer for the film made comments that she is “open to diversifying the role.”
Top Level Speculation
Diversifying The Role Of Bond Is Inevitable
In a report from the Daily Star, they reported a conversation that Barabra Broccoli had with director Antoine Fuqua. They apparently said “it is time” for a non-white actor to take over the role. She stated an ethnic minority “will happen eventually” and “Idris could do it if he was in shape.” She said, “You need a guy with a physically strong presence. Idris has that.”
Diversifying The Role Of Bond Is Inevitable
Idris Elba Doesn’t Want To Be ‘The Token Black’ Bond
An article from last October has re-circulated adding to the drama. Apparently, Idris Elba has expressed concerns about taking on the role. In an interview with New York Times, he stated, “I think it’s more about, “We just want to have a black guy play James Bond” rather than, “Idris Elba, the actor, play James Bond. That’s the part I’m like, ugh, come on.”
Idris Elba Doesn’t Want To Be The Token Black Bond
It Could Be A Lady Bond
He also stated there could be a female bond. He said, “It could be a woman — could be a black woman, could be a white woman — do something different with it, you know?” He has stated he rather not be the “token black actor” to take over Bond, but still, he is being very much linked with the role.
It Could Be A Lady Bond
Only Time Will Tell!
So, Idris Elba is pretty clearly linked to being the next 007 after his recent Twitter comment. The past two weeks have caused crazy speculation. We will see what really happens!
Only Time Will Tell