Pierce Brosnan‘s life led him to a long-lasting marriage with Keely Shaye Smith. Prior to this, Brosnan was married to Cassandra Harris from 1980 until her passing in 1991. During their marriage, Brosnan and Harris welcomed son Sean in September 1983, and Brosnan also adopted Harris’ daughter Charlotte and son Chris from her previous relationship.
Harris passed away in December 1991 after a battle with ovarian cancer. In a 2008 interview, he spoke about dealing with the loss and emphasized how his family treasured their time with Harris. He described her as positive, energetic, perceptive, and possessing a great sense of humor, with a contagious laugh that has lived on in their children.
Brosnan found love again when he met Smith during a trip to Mexico in 1994. They got married in 2001 and welcomed sons Paris and Dylan into their family.
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"Unfortunately, my first marriage came to an end, but I consider myself fortunate to have found love once more. It feels like we were destined to find each other. I am grateful to God for her every day," Brosnan shared with Closer in January 2018. "Whenever Keely gazes at me, I am overcome with emotion. I adore her energy and fervor. Her resilience is something I cannot imagine living without."
Continue scrolling to revisit Brosnan and Smith's love story.
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Pierce Brosnan and Wife Keely Shaye Smith's Relationship Timeline
Pierce Brosnan's life led him to a lasting marriage with Keely Shaye Smith.
Brosnan was married to Cassandra Harris from 1980 until her passing in 1991. They had a son, Sean, in September 1983, and he also adopted Harris' daughter, Charlotte, and son, Chris, from her previous marriage.
Harris passed away in December 1991 after a battle with ovarian cancer. Brosnan spoke about dealing with the loss in a 2008 interview, expressing how much his family cherished their time with Harris. He described her as having a very positive outlook on life and an amazing energy, as well as a great sense of humor. He also mentioned that her children inherited her wonderful laugh.
Brosnan discovered a new opportunity for love when he met Smith during a visit to Mexico in 1994. They got married in 2001 and later welcomed sons Paris and Dylan into their family.
“I had a wonderful marriage that unfortunately came to an end, but I was fortunate enough to find love again. It was meant to be. I thank God for her every day,” Brosnan shared with Closer in January 2018. “When Keely looks at me, I feel vulnerable. I adore her energy, her enthusiasm. She has a resilience that I couldn't live without.”
Scroll down to relive Brosnan and Smith's romance:
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1994
The twosome crossed paths in Mexico and started dating shortly after the chance meeting.
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January 1997
After three years of dating, Brosnan and Smith welcomed their son Dylan Thomas.
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February 2001
Smith gave birth to their second child, Paris Beckett, in 2001.
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2001
The duo tied the knot at Ballintubber Abbey in Ireland.
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2004
Brosnan and Smith were in attendance at the 2004 Oscars.
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2007
The twosome posed during an appearance in Malibu, California.
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2013
The married couple only had eyes for each other at a screening for Love Is All You Need.
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January 2018
In an interview with Closer, the Irish native discussed the importance of finding the right person to spend his life with. "You have to trust and follow your heart," he shared, "and try to surround yourself with the best people in life."
He also expressed his belief in the value of a strong partner, stating, "I've been a married man most of my life — that's the way I like it. I'm one of those guys who believes you need a strong woman in your life."
Smith, for her part, noted, “Pierce is intelligent, captivating and his real beauty emanates from the soul. And, like a fine wine, he’s aging beautifully.”
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August 2021
"Happy anniversary my darling Keely, my love forever grows with you…️️," the Mamma Mia actor gushed about his wife via Instagram.
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April 2022
Brosnan shared his thoughts on his marriage in an Instagram post, "Twenty eight years ago this day, the 4th of the 8th we met in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico…and married in Ireland at Ashford Castle three years later on the 8th of the 4th…4884 …my love always, you have made my life one of joy and happiness, light of my life, love."
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August 2022
"Happy Anniversary my love Keely, we danced that night and still dance the dance today. I could it all again. ️," the actor wrote via Instagram.
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September 2022
"Happy Birthday to my beloved @KeelyShayeBrosnan," the actor expressed on Instagram, sharing a tropical snapshot of himself and his spouse. "I cherish you deeply. Numerous years filled with love, life, collaboration, and enjoyment. Forward we march!"
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October 2022
At the premiere of his new film Black Adam, the James Bond star shared that he paid tribute to his wife by wearing his actual wedding ring on screen. "This is our wedding ring and this is a watch that Keely bought me many years ago with an inscription that [reads], 'Time flies on love's wings,'" Brosnan told Entertainment Tonight. "I decided to wear it for this character. It seemed appropriate."
Smith, for her part, gushed about her husband’s sweet tribute. "I love those emblems, that he took those with him into the superpower, superhero realm,” she said.
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September 2023
"Upon her 60th birthday, I gifted my brown eyed girl with sixty roses," gushed Brosnan on Instagram as he celebrated his wife's milestone. "I have been forever happy and blessed, especially on that early morning in Cabo San Lucas when you walked around the corner @keelyshayebrosnan :rose:."
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December 2023
"We have a strong fondness for each other. Our love for each other runs deep," Brosnan shared with Fox News when discussing the key to the success of his and Smith's marriage. "We've experienced challenges and hardships, as all families do."
He added, "Witnessing someone grow and age alongside you is a deeply spiritual experience. Watching each other evolve, whether it's physically or emotionally, is a testament to the love in our hearts."
Brosnan also commended Smith for being "supportive" and described her as a journalist, reporter, and artist in her own right. He also spoke fondly of her role as a family matriarch to their sons, allowing him the freedom to pursue his career and passion.