Pierce Brosnan, 67, Cast in First Superhero Role in ‘Black Adam’ with Dwayne Johnson; Brosnan Enjoys Continued Career Success after Cancer Losses

For D.C. comic book fans, this is extra-exciting news, and something to look forward to amid a difficult pandemic year. Brosnan’s character Dr. Fate is a founding member of the Justice Society. His superpowers come via a magical “Helmet of Fate.” We have no doubt that Brosnan will execute this superpower role with deftness, talent and ease.

Brosnan’s Cancer Losses

The actor continues to enjoy much Hollywood success after his days as James Bond, but his life hasn’t always been easy. Brosnan's first wife, Cassandra, passed from ovarian cancer in 1991. Years later, in 2013, Pierce and Cassandra's daughter, Charlotte, died of the same disease. Cassandra was 43 when she passed, and her daughter was even younger Charlotte passed at the too-young age of 41.

Related: Not Your Parents' Chemotherapy: New Solutions for Nausea, Hair Loss, and Other Chemo Side Effects During Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Ovarian cancer has been called "the cancer that whispers," due to its hard-to-detect symptoms. Dr. Beth Karlan, a gynecologic oncologist at UCLA Medical Center, says in an earlier interview, "What we've found from multiple studies, it's this constellation of symptoms," she said. "If that's really happening and you're experiencing it every day, and they seem to be crescendo-ing, getting worse, even if that goes on for only two weeks, you should call your doctor."

Related: 'Faith, Family, and Friends' Helped Beverly Reeves Get Through Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Ovarian cancer symptoms can include:

• Feeling full earlier/decrease in appetite
• Feeling bloated
• Changes in bowel habits
• Pain in the pelvis
• Urinary symptoms, such as an urgent need to go
• Extreme fatigue
• Abdominal swelling
• Pain during sex

Ovarian Cancer: The Cancer That Whispers

Finding Meaning Through Grief

Despite Brosnan’s immense losses, he’s managed to find joy and purpose in life, as he continues on with his career and his family life. Many people find that, after a cancer-related loss, therapy can be a helpful component as you go through the grieving process.

Related: Treating Depression After a Cancer Diagnosis

Camila Legaspi was in high school when she lost her mom to breast cancer and therapy was a saving grace during that time. In an earlier interview, she says, “Therapy saved my life. I was dealing with some really intense anxiety and depression at that point. It just changed my life, because I was so drained by all the negativity that was going on.”

Related: The Value of Using a Social Worker During Treatment

“Going to a therapist helped me realize that there was still so much out there for me, that I still had my family, that I still had my siblings,” says Legaspi. “The reality is, is when you lose someone, it’s really, really, really hard. And it’s totally OK to talk to someone. And I’m so happy that I talked to my therapist. Keep your chin up, and it’s going to be OK.”

"Therapy Saved My Life": After Losing A Loved One, Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help

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