After celebrating his 71st birthday on May 16, Pierce Brosnan received a warm and nostalgic message from none other than his longtime friend and former co-star, Salma Hayek. The beloved actress took to Instagram to share her belated birthday wishes with a personal tribute that transported fans back to the duo’s memorable collaborations on the big screen.
Hayek, 57, posted a throwback photo of herself with Brosnan, reminiscing about their time filming the 2004 action-comedy After the Sunset. “Happy belated birthday dear @piercebrosnanofficial 🥳🥳 such fond memories filming with you over the years,” she wrote, adding the hashtag #AfterTheSunset as a nod to their shared history.
A Bond Beyond the Screen
The duo’s chemistry was first seen in After the Sunset, set against the tropical backdrop of the Bahamas. The film follows Brosnan as a suave master thief attempting one final diamond heist with the help of his partner-in-crime, played by Hayek. Their on-screen charisma and playful dynamic left a lasting impression on fans and critics alike.
Ten years later, the pair reunited for the 2014 romantic comedy Some Kind of Beautiful. This time, the story centered around a complicated love triangle, where Hayek portrayed a woman who falls for her sister’s ex-boyfriend — a charming college professor played by Brosnan. The film showcased their versatility and deepened the admiration fans had for their on-screen rapport.
From Admiration to Friendship
Long before they shared scenes together, Hayek was already a fan of Brosnan’s work. In a candid 2017 interview with Interview magazine, she confessed that she had been captivated by his performance in the TV series Remington Steele. Recalling their first meeting at a party hosted by producer Phyllis Carlyle, she admitted, “I was trembling… You wouldn’t remember me. I was just a fan. But you were the nicest gentleman, which is very rare nowadays. Especially in this business.”
Brosnan, in turn, expressed admiration for Hayek’s radiant spirit and screen presence. Reflecting on their collaboration during the After the Sunset press tour, he once joked about how her magnetic energy stole every scene. “I may as well be flossing my teeth while she’s on-screen,” he said with a laugh. “Hello, it’s just me there. I’m with her.”
Their mutual respect and easy camaraderie have clearly stood the test of time, resonating with audiences and industry peers alike.
A Star Celebrated by Many
While Hayek’s message charmed fans, she wasn’t the only one to mark the occasion. Brosnan’s wife, Keely Shaye Brosnan, also honored her husband with a heartfelt tribute. Sharing a vintage photo of a shirtless, younger Brosnan, she wrote, “Happy Birthday to the love of my life @piercebrosnanofficial. You are my rock, my anchor, my everything … and I love you endlessly.”
The post sparked an outpouring of love from fans and followers, celebrating not just Brosnan’s enduring career, but also the deep bond he shares with those closest to him — both personally and professionally.
A Legacy That Endures
With a career spanning over four decades, Pierce Brosnan remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring and charismatic figures. From his iconic turn as James Bond to his more recent roles in films like Black Adam, Brosnan continues to captivate audiences across generations.
His collaborations with actresses like Salma Hayek have helped shape some of his most beloved performances, and their lasting friendship adds a genuine, human layer to their legacy. Hayek’s birthday tribute is a reminder of the power of shared creative journeys — and the lasting connections they inspire.
As Brosnan begins another year, it's clear that the affection and respect he’s earned in the industry are as strong as ever. Whether it's a heartfelt Instagram message or a throwback memory from a fan-favorite film, the world is still watching — and celebrating — one of cinema’s most charming leading men.
