Meet Pierce Brosnan's First Wife, Cassandra Harris, Married Thrice, Genetic Struggle Against Cancer

Cassandra Harris, born Sandra Colleen Waits, was an Australian actress who ruled the hearts of many. Her expressive eyes and luscious curls became the enchanting sound of the siren, hypnotising every fan. However, it was Pierce Brosnan who won the actress' heart. Unfortunately, fate had different plans for them, and the actress lost her life a decade after their marriage. 

Nonetheless, Cassandra Harris' life was complete, filled with every good and bad emotion. She swayed through every difficulty with a brave face and died like a warrior. But Pierce Brosnan was left heartbroken after the loss of his beloved 'Cassie'. So, as we remember the beautiful actress, let's take a closer look at her journey and her marriage to the former '007'.

Who was Pierce Brosnan's first wife, Cassandra Harris?

Cassandra Harris was a force to be reckoned with. Born in Sydney, Australia, on December 15, 1948, she found her love for acting at a very young age. At the young age of 12, she enrolled in the National Institute of Dramatic Art. She worked in theatre productions, TV and films. Some of her acting credits include the TV series, Shadows (1978), Enemy at the Door (1980), and Rough Cut (1980).

Cassandra Harris was married twice before meeting Pierce Brosnan

Cassandra Harris first tied the knot with William Firth in 1964. However, their marital bliss was short-lived, and they parted ways just after six years in 1970. She went on to marry legendary actor, Richard Harris' brother and producer, Dermot Harris, that same year her divorce from William was finalised. The couple welcomed a daughter, Charlotte, in 1971, and their little family was completed by the arrival of their son, Christopher, in 1973. But their marriage also ended in a divorce in 1978. 

Cassandra Harris and Pierce Brosnan's love story

Cassandra Harris was introduced to Pierce Brosnan by their mutual friend, David Harris. He was the nephew of Richard Harris. Pierce became David's friend during their time together at the drama school in London, while Cassandra was related to David through her second husband. The couple fell in love at first sight and eventually decided to get married. Cassandra and Pierce married on December 27, 1980. The James Bond actor became Cassandra's safe space, and the actress became his solace.

Three years after their marriage, they welcomed their son, Sean Brosnan, on September 13, 1983. However, while they only had one biological son, Pierce's bond with Cassandra's children from her previous marriage made him a father figure to them as well. So much so that he went on to legally adopt Cassandra's kids, Charlotte and Christopher, after Dermot Harris’ death from a heart attack in 1986. Both children took on the surname Brosnan.

Cassandra Harris' deadly battle with ovarian cancer  

Cassandra Harris and Pierce Brosnan's happy life faced a big storm after the For Your Eyes Only actress was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1987. The actress battled the deadly disease for four years before passing away in December 1991. Cassandra had lost her mother to the horrifying disease when she was a teenager, and the same took her life decades later.

Pierce was left heartbroken after her demise. During an interview with PEOPLE in 1992, he revealed that his late wife underwent eight surgeries and several rounds of chemotherapy during her battle with cancer. He added:

"From day one, we really had a fight on our hands. This wasn’t a shadow or a small tumour — this had invaded Cassie's being."

Cassandra Harris' daughter, Charlotte, also died of the same cancer

Years after Cassandra's passing, her daughter also passed away at the age of 41 in 2013. Pierce, during his 1992 interview with PEOPLE, had revealed that Charlotte had started undergoing regular checkups due to her family history of ovarian cancer, as the Mrs. Doubtfire star warned, 'This is a silent killer.' Pierce still fondly remembers them both, the two queens of his life who were snatched by a merciless disease. Talking about Cassandra, the actor had once revealed how she played a significant role in who he was today. He was quoted as saying:

"Cassie made me the man I am, the actor I am, the father I am. There is an incredible cruelty in it all, losing a person you shared everything with. This is the first time in my life I’ve ever experienced bereavement. And it’s overwhelming."

Pierce Brosnan is now married to Keely Shaye Smith

Pierce Brosnan had given up on love after Cassandra Harris' death. However, love knocked on his door once again a decade later. Pierce and entertainment journalist, Keely Shaye Smith, met at a party in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in April 1994. The duo began dating shortly thereafter and went on to welcome two sons: Dylan Thomas Brosnan in January 1997, and Paris Beckett Brosnan in February 2001. They tied the knot in August 2001 and have been happily married ever since. Talking about Keely and finding love again in 2001, Pierce told PEOPLE:

"I had a great marriage, which sadly had its own ending, and I was lucky enough to find love again. We were meant to find each other. I thank God for [Keely] every day."

What are your thoughts on Pierce Brosnan's first wife, Cassandra Harris? Let us know.

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