By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
October 6, 2002
Arriving at 7:30 Friday night at the Chicago Theatre, a dapper Pierce Brosnan surveyed the fans screaming out his name.
“Being an Irishman, I’m very happy and proud to be here in Chicago,” Brosnan said. “Chicago is a good Irish city in many respects, and I’m here to premier our film ‘Evelyn,’ which is an Irish story. Everything just feels right.”
Dressed in a black suit and accompanied by his wife, Keely Shaye Smith, Brosnan was honored at the 38th Chicago International Film Festival with the Career Achievement Award.
Earlier, during an interview at the Park Hyatt Hotel downtown, Brosnan, 49, joked, “I hope they’re not saying my career is over. I feel like I’m just getting started here, and they’re giving me a gold watch to get off the stage. To be given such an award now is a little premature, but nevertheless I’ll accept it graciously.”
About 200 fans gathered outside the theater to catch a glimpse of Brosnan, his “Evelyn” co-star Julianna Margulies and screenwriter Paul Pender. Margulies, who spent many winters in Chicago filming “ER,” said she was pleased to return during warmer weather.
“I love Chicago so much,” said Margulies, who looked chic in a colorful blouse and tailored slacks. Noticing young fan Jason Suran, 11, of Lincolnwood, the actress touched the boy’s cheek and playfully asked if he was married. Flustered, Jason said, “No.”
Describing himself as Brosnan’s No. 1 fan, Jason managed to grab the actor’s attention and autograph.
“I want to grow up to be just like him,” the sixth-grader said. “He’s a great actor, he’s rich and he’s famous. I’ve been waiting months to meet him. I can’t believe he was so nice to me.”
Jason first saw Brosnan in 1993’s “Mrs. Doubtfire,” but most of the fans in attendance looked old enough to remember his breakthrough series “Remington Steele,” which ran from 1982 to 1987.
“He’s always been my favorite actor,” said Laura Golden, 37, of Evanston. “It’s not that he’s just good looking. But he carries himself so well and seems to be capable. You really believe he actually could be James Bond.”
Brosnan, just off a 19-hour flight from Bangkok, Thailand, said he was tired but wouldn’t have missed the opportunity to come to Chicago for the award.
“I’m very pleased to be here,” he said. “I’m joyfully nervous, excited and proud. This isn’t just another gig for me that I wanted to breeze in and out of. This has very strong meaning for me, and I really appreciate everything the city has done to support me and my career. I hope Chicago will invite me back soon.”
