Pierce Brosnan: before Bond, and beyond

Who is Pierce Brosnan? - Actor and film producer Pierce Brosnan was born on May 16, 1953, in Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland.

Early life - After leaving school, Brosnan decided to be a painter and began training in commercial illustration at Saint Martin's School of Art in London.

Beginnings - He later joined a theater group and after rehearsing for a role in a play at the Ovalhouse in Lambeth, the young Brosnan pursued an acting career.

Big break - Brosnan's first television role was in a TV movie called 'Murphy's Stroke,' released in 1979.

Marriage to Cassandra Harris - Meanwhile, the actor had met and married Australian actress Cassandra Harris, on December 27, 1980.

'The Fourth Protocol' (1987) - The actor's next big role was starring opposite Michael Caine in the British Cold War spy thriller 'The Fourth Protocol.

'Mrs. Doubtfire' (1993) - In 1993, Brosnan appeared in the hit comedy-drama 'Mrs. Doubtfire' opposite Robin Williams and Sally Field.

Brosnan goes Bond - Brosnan continued to divide his time between the big screen and the small screen before winning the coveted role of James Bond in 'GoldenEye.'

Marriage to Keely Shaye Smith - The actor's second marriage was to American journalist Keely Shaye Smith. They'd met in 1994 and tied the knot in 2001.

'Die Another Day' (2002) - Brosnan's first film of 2002 was his last as 007. 'Die Another Day' was the highest-grossing James Bond film until the release of 'Casino Royale' in 2006.

'The Matador' (2005) - A career highpoint was achieved in 2005 with the release of 'The Matador.'

'Love Is All You Need' (2012) - The picture was selected as best comedy film at the 26th European Film Awards.

'False Positive' (2021) - In another change of direction, Brosnan chose to work in the horror genre when accepting a part in 'False Positive.'

Pierce Brosnan OBE - In July 2003, Pierce Brosnan received an honorary OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire).