Pierce Brosnan has responded to criticism of his Irish accent in the new series “MobLand.” The Irish Times called his attempt at a Kerry accent a “horror for the ages.”
Brosnan was born in Ireland but moved to England at age 12. He plays Irish mob boss Conrad Harrigan in the show. Fans and critics have not been convinced by his version of the Southwest Irish accent.
When asked about the criticism, Brosnan said his own Irish accent is “very soft” and different from the character’s. He worked with a dialect coach who suggested modeling the accent on a well-known Kerry man. “I told [the coach] that I needed a Kerry accent, so he gave me the name of a man, and I Googled the guy and that was it,” Brosnan said.
“It was a Kerry accent.
Brosnan defends Kerry accent efforts
And so, I just gave it full tilt.”
In “MobLand,” Brosnan stars with Helen Mirren, who plays his wife Maeve Harrigan.
This is their second project together in the past year. Brosnan called Mirren “a magnificent actress” and “a great woman.” He said they have become good friends. Brosnan acknowledged his Irish accent has “dissipated to the mists of time.” He said he raised concerns about the accent with director Guy Ritchie.
“Last summer, I spoke to Guy for the first time about it,” the actor said. “Having read the five episodes, he said not to worry about it.”
Some opinions have been more forgiving of Brosnan’s accent. Irish writer Ben Allen said critics are “being a little harsh.” He believes Brosnan is “largely pulling off what seems to be a semi-thick Kerry accent.”
The debate over Brosnan’s accent will likely continue.
But the actor seems to stand by his work, having given it “full tilt” to be authentic.
