Over the past few years, Pierce Brosnan, who turns 71 on May 16, expanded his portfolio of talents with a paint-stained smock and a palette.
The Irish actor, who for over 40 years entertained audiences with his onscreen performances, produced more than 300 pieces of art and hosted his first solo exhibition “So Many Dreams” in 2023.
“I have been painting since ’87 and it’s very therapeutic,” Brosnan told Vanity Fair in May 2023. “Painting has helped me find my way in life. Whenever I feel angst, I’ll go to the canvas. It brings me comfort and it’s just so joyful.”
Explaining that he had no intentions of displaying his art, the James Bond actor then shares it was his wife, Keely Shaye Smith, who encouraged him to go public.
“I never thought about having my paintings going out into the world, but Smith documented it all and said, ‘Let’s try for a show.’ She has a strong hand in the work, in the celebration of the work and the love that she has for the work.”
Adding to that, Smith, a documentary filmmaker and journalist, says, “Pierce’s work is deeply personal so that’s why I thought we should show it.” Smith, her husband’s biggest champion, continues, “Many of these paintings have been in storage…Everywhere he goes and every movie set he’s on, he always sets up a studio and paints. What you see at the exhibition is the result.”
Timeless love
The mutually supportive relationship between Smith and the star of Mamma Mia! started 30 years ago in Mexico.
“I found a great woman in Keely Shaye. Not if I searched a million times over would I find one as good,” Brosnan says of the former model, whom he married in 2001.
“We like each other a lot. We love each other a lot,” the Mrs. Doubtfire star told Fox News in December 2023. “Watching someone grow up with you and grow old with you is a very spiritual journey. To watch each other change…whatever it may be, the hair, the waist. But it’s the love in the heart.”
Brosnan’s statement to Fox was in response to a hateful tweet that shows him and his wife in side-by-side photos taken decades apart.
The viral post, with 59.8 million views, is captioned, “Your daily reminder to avoid marriage.”
“This is what happens when your woman doesn’t respect you. She gains weight because she is not afraid of losing you,” writes one troll.
While some fans jumped in with cruel comments, the majority supported the two, praising their timeless love.
One netizen writes, “Why? They are happy and have been married for years. So you’re telling people to avoid happiness?”
A second shares, “They look very happy, I’d say they’re a good advert for marriage.”
‘Youthful face’
In early March 2024, Brosnan shared on his Instagram, images from his latest “So Many Dreams” exhibit in Palm Desert, California.
In one of the photos, The King’s Daughter actor is seen standing next to Smith – who shed 50 pounds – flaunting her new figure, in a bright pink, floral laced dress.
Fans immediately jumped in, complimenting the 60-year-old Smith, “You look glowing Keely. Isn’t it wonderful when you recognise your youthful face? Well done,” pens one.
“She looks terrific. Wish I knew her method for weight loss,” writes a second, while another shares, “Keely, you are stunningly beautiful! My goodness she’s gorgeous.”
‘Wings to fly’
In Early April, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the day they met, Smith posted a heart-melting tribute to her handsome husband, whom she shares two sons.
In the Instagram post, which shows a series of photos of the two over years, Smith writes, “4-8-94 was my lucky day. How could I have known as I walked around the corner and into your life that my destiny was about to change forever?”
The post continues, “Thanking my lucky stars that I had the courage to introduce myself to you and forever grateful for the connection and family we share 3 decades later. Happy 30th Anniversary! Time flies on loves wings.”
Even sweeter, her adoring husband responded, “Thank God for you my dear Keely, you have given me wings to fly. Love you dearly.”
