Pierce Brosnan, 67, returns to the screen Friday — as Will Ferrell’s father — in the upcoming “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga” on Netflix. Brosnan shares the photo above with “the man himself” and actor Bjorn Stefansson. Before playing comedic roles in “Mama Mia” and now “Eurovision” — Brosnan overcame tragedy when ovarian cancer ended the lives
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Read More“The Film’s Got Heart”
“I play Erick, the father, possibly ‘the most handsome man in Iceland.'” Brosnan told RTE. The song contest, Brosnan told The List, is like ‘America’s Got Talent’ … they battle it out and it’s the birthplace of ABBA,” he says, adding; “The film’s got heart.”Ovarian Cancer Changed His Life
Doting family man, Pierce Brosnan, 67, has lived through the tragedy of ovarian cancer. His first wife, Cassandra died after undergoing four years of treatment for the disease. Cassandra Brosnan’s mother also died of ovarian cancer.In 2013, their daughter, Charlotte, lost her battle with ovarian cancer as well. The family’s tragedy underscores why doctors urge women with a family history of ovarian cancer to pursue genetic testing.”I was in a helpless state of confusion and anger,” he told PEOPLE, of his grief.
He credits his wife of 26 years, Keely, who joined him in Iceland for the movie’s filming, with restoring his happiness.
Much to Celebrate
Brosnan was quiet during the early days of quarantine, but he’s become a thoughtful presence on social media, sharing comforting words with his followers: “In the face of such uncertainty, it has never been more important for us to think, create and imagine a better future,” he wrote. “We may be confined to our houses at the moment, but our imaginations are still free to dream, create, and collaborate.”
The actor has been celebrating happy milestones lately. In May, he marked his son, Dylan’s graduation from USC School of Cinematic Arts with the words: Go forth into this new world and make it your own. Be fearless, courageous and generous. Love, Dad.”
Joanna Gutermuth, an ovarian cancer survivor, shares how genetic testing saved her life.
He capped his May 14th birthday with loving words for his wife: “Thank you for the moon and sun and all the days of our lives together my darling heart Keely. I had a great 67th birthday. Thanks to one and all of you out there who wished me so. God bless, stay strong.” The two recently celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary.
Ovarian Cancer: A Genetic Cause
The link between the ovarian cancer deaths of Brosnan’s first wife, Cassandra, her mother, and their daughter is likely in the women's shared genes, and their story could be an important one to note for other women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
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Dr. Beth Karlan, gynecologic oncologist at UCLA Medical Center did not treat Cassandra or Charlotte but advises genetic testing can have life-saving benefits, especially because ovarian cancer is curable in over 90 percent of cases when diagnosed early.
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"It's important when you're deciding whether or not genetic testing would benefit you to find out what cancers run in your family," Dr. Karlan says. "Because it can really help to save lives."
Dr. Ursula Matulonis of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute says patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she should undergo genetic testing for BRCA mutations.
A recent study found that too few women are being tested for mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene. Both place those who carry the mutation at a heightened risk for breast cancer or ovarian cancer.
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Ovarian cancer usually develops in women who are post-menopause. But younger women may also get the disease. A woman who inherits the BRCA1 gene has a 44% lifetime risk (by age 80) for developing ovarian or fallopian tube cancer and 70-80% risk of developing breast cancer.
With the BRCA2 gene, the risk for ovarian and fallopian tube cancer is 17% higher, while the breast cancer risk is around 70%. Women should consult with their doctor, rather than relying on home genetic test kits to identify BRCA genes
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