Before James Bond, a Young Pierce Brosnan Photographed by Jeremy Fletcher in London, 1978

In 1978, photographer Jeremy Fletcher captured several portraits of a young Pierce Brosnan in London. These images showcase Brosnan as he was just starting his acting career, and they offer a glimpse into his early style and persona. The photos depict Brosnan in various poses, including one where he’s sitting on a scooter, dressed in a suit, and wearing a cap and glasses.

Graduating from the Drama Centre in 1975, Brosnan began working as an acting assistant stage manager at the York Theatre Royal, making his acting debut in Wait Until Dark. Within six months, he was selected by the playwright Tennessee Williams to play the role of McCabe in the British première of The Red Devil Battery Sign (billed as “Pierce Brosman”). His performance caused a stir in London and Brosnan still has the telegram sent by Williams, stating only “Thank God for you, my dear boy.” In 1977, he was picked by Franco Zeffirelli to appear in the play Filumena by Eduardo De Filippo opposite Joan Plowright and Frank Finlay.

Describing the feeling of becoming an actor and the influence it had on his life, he said, “When I found acting, or when acting found me, it was a liberation. It was a stepping stone into another life, away from a life that I had, and acting was something I was good at, something which was appreciated. That was a great satisfaction in my life.”