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DUBLIN, Ireland (Reuters) -- Irish actor Pierce Brosnan said he was bowled over on Saturday to be honored by Britain's Queen Elizabeth for portraying her most famous and unflappable spy, James Bond.
"I'm sure I'm very humbled by an honor like this," the 50-year-old Brosnan said as he was made an honorary officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) -- honorary because he is not a British subject.
On screen, Brosnan has saved the world from annihilation several times over, but he said receiving the honor in his native Ireland, with his mother, stepfather, three children and granddaughter by his side, had touched him deeply.
"I'm completely bowled over by it, really," he said after the medal, entitling him to use the honorific "Sir," was presented by Britain's ambassador to Ireland, Stewart Eldon.
Brosnan has made his fortune portraying the debonair and indestructible 007 in the most recent four of the 20 Bond films.
He declined to be drawn on who he saw succeeding him in a role that virtually guarantees an actor will become one of the 10 sexiest men alive.
"I have no idea who's going to play the next Bond but I'm sure he's waiting in the wings there, unknown but ready."
As for how many more Bond films he would do, he ruled out going for the lucky record of seven set by Roger Moore.
"Just one more for now," he said, delivering the line coolly but authoritatively, just like Bond, James Bond.
www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/07/19/brosnan.obe.reut/=======================================
BBC: Bond star Brosnan honoured Mr Brosnan received his OBE at the British Ambassador's residence Irish-born James Bond star Pierce Brosnan has been awarded an honorary OBE in recognition of services to the British film industry. The Navan man received the award from the British ambassador in Dublin on Saturday.
Other Irish citizens to be honoured by the Queen include Live Aid organiser 'Sir' Bob Geldof, country singer Daniel O'Donnell, fashion designer John Rocha and the late comedian Spike Milligan.
Flanked by his mother, step-father, and children, Brosnan said the honour was a "real joy".
"It has been something that when they called me a few months ago about this I wasn't quite sure they had the right person but as the months wore on I realised it was for real," he said.
"I am here today with my family, my children, and it is a day to be treasured."
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw praised Brosnan, 50, for boosting the UK's image around the world as well as for his charity work.
Mr Straw said: "In his portrayal of 007 in the last four Bond films, he has added style and glamour to the image of Britain overseas.
"But he has also worked very hard behind the scenes in supporting an array of charitable causes."
The award celebrated a "truly remarkable achievement" he said, and Brosnan had "captivated audiences at home in Ireland, here in the UK and across the world".
The actor was born in County Meath but moved to England at an early age and studied at the Drama Centre of London.
Stylish His big break came when he was given the title role in 1980s TV drama Remington Steele. He went on to star in films including The Fourth Protocol, The Lawnmower Man and Dante's Peak.
He first appeared as Britain's most stylish spy in GoldenEye in 1995, and has said he will make one more 007 film before handing on the title.
He is also a Special Patron of Unicef Ireland and Ambassador for Women's Health Issues for Permanent Charities of the Entertainment Industry.
Only UK citizens, or citizens of any country where Queen Elizabeth II is head of state, can receive full honours.
news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3079285.stm===================================
Irish Examiner: 'Humble' Brosnan recieves his OBE 19/07/2003
Special Agent James Bond was honoured by Britain at a special ceremony in Dublin today.
Irish-born actor Pierce Brosnan, the current holder of the 007 move mantle, was given an honorary OBE by Britain’s ambassador to Ireland, Stewart Eldon.
Honorary OBEs are awarded on merit to non-British citizens by the Queen on the advice of the British Foreign Office to people who have made an important contribution to British interests.
The 50-year-old present-day OO7, who has so far featured in four Bond films, was born in Navan, Co Meath.
Today’s ceremony, held at the British envoy’s residence on the outskirts of Dublin, formally made him “an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire“.
Afterwards Brosnan said he was “flattered and humbled” by the honour, adding: “I never expected this or dreamt of it. I hope I can carry on doing good things with it.
“I am bowled over really.”
He said he had been told about the OBE about four months ago and at first thought it was a friend pulling his leg, “but later I realised it was for real“.
Brosnan was accompanied by his parents, Bill and Mary Carmichael, sons Chris and Sean, daughter Sharon and granddaughter Isabella, commenting: “It’s wonderful to have the whole family here like this.”
His acting achievements apart, Brosnan is also campaign chairman for the Entertainment Industry Foundation and has been a leading figure in environmental protection efforts over the past decade.
Two years ago, he was appointed a special patron for Unicef Ireland.
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said: “From his first steps as an actor at the Drama Centre of London, through numerous starring roles on stage and screen, Pierce Brosnan has captivated audiences at home in Ireland, here in the UK and across the world.
“In his portrayal of 007 in the last four Bond films, he has added style and glamour to the image of Britain overseas.
“But he has also worked very hard behind the scenes in supporting an array of charitable causes. This award celebrates a truly remarkable achievement.”
Other well-known Irishmen to receive a British honour in Dublin have included Co Donegal-based crooner Daniel O’Donnell.
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