First it was Remington Steele; then James Bond. Now his best-loved role might just be that of Pierce Brosnan, the self-obsessed Brosnan of the Sky Broadband ads, a turn that revealed a certain self-deprecation that we Irish love.
Now the 60-year-old is stepping into a different kind of suit: one from Hackett, to be precise, for the British brand’s autumn/winter campaign.
Shot by legendary fashion photographer Terry O’Neill, it sees Brosnan in a variety of Bond-like poses: in a boardroom overlooking the city, disembarking (or at least walking away from, perhaps in the instant before it explodes) a private plane; embracing a leggy blonde.
What appealed to you about working with Hackett?
I was walking down Sloane Street one day and here was this store called Hackett, that I remembered from years past – but here it was with a whole new makeover. It became my favourite store, so when they called to ask if I would be part of their campaign, it was a very organic acceptance.
What's your favourite image from the shoot?
I loved the whole shoot – I admire Terry O'Neill very much. He has worked with two of my favourite movie heroes, Sean Connery and Steve McQueen, so to replicate his own work with these two great icons was a memorable experience.
What's the best style lesson you've learned?
Always make sure your fly is done up before going out the door. Head up, shoulders back – and smile.
What items in your wardrobe can't you live without?
My Bottega Veneta slip-on shoes – and their belts – and the new Nike sneakers, the Air Free.
You travel a lot – how does your style differ from LA to London and Hawaii (where Brosnan has a home)?
Hawaii is shorts and flip flops and an old, short-sleeved shirt. London is dark jeans and a jacket. LA is blue jeans, sneakers and a great shirt.
Is there anything you wouldn't holiday without?
Sunglasses, drawing pads and good pencils, my iPhone and headphones – and a great bag to carry it all.
What film projects do you have coming up?
I have two movies coming out at the end of the year – A Long Way Down, with Toni Collette and Aaron Paul, and Love Punch, with Emma Thompson.
I'm also making a movie in Serbia with my company Irish Dream Time, called November Man.
Then I'll rest in Hawaii for a month before starting my next movie, How to Make Love Like an Englishman, with Kristin Scott Thomas and Jessica Alba.
What are your favourite films?
The Godfather; Marlon Brando and the power of every performance in Unforgiven, with Clint Eastwood; There Will be Blood, with Daniel Day Lewis – everything he does is great.
What are your other passions in life?
My family is the greatest joy and passion, and I love to paint.
To be home on the island of Kauai, golfing and swimming, hiking and stand-up paddle-boarding around the bay at sunset with the dolphins; sitting on our beach under my palapa [a shelter made of palm leaves], hand-made by me – well, with the help of my boys.
And watching the sun go down with my wife, Keely [Shay Smith]. As the stars come out we light a bonfire on the beach and toast the day with a good bottle of wine.
