Pierce Brosnan always kept his family "central" and insisted his kids have never lived an "extravagant life in Hollywood."

The James Bond star, 73, raised five children - he adopted Christopher and Charlotte, who died in 2013, during his marriage to late first wife Cassandra Harris as well as biological son Sean, and two boys Dylan and Paris with second wife Keely Shaye Smith - and Pierce is adamant he's always tried his best to put his family first even when he was massively busy playing 007.

He told The Times newspaper: "I was busy saving the world as James Bond when I became a father to Paris. It was a very hectic time in my life, but one of exhilaration and joy ... With all my four sons I have an emotional and spiritual connection. There was no father figure for me growing up, so I had to trust my instincts as to how to be a father to them ...

"We don't live an extravagant life in the Hollywood sense of flamboyance, but the boys could visit me on movie sets ...

"Even in the joy and full force of playing Bond for a decade, my family was always central to my life. We have a great love and mutual respect, and enjoy each other's company. I'm a blessed man to have my sons."

It comes after Pierce admitted he's embraced ageing and is determined to make the most of all the time he has left.

He admitted his work as an actor keeps him "alive" but he can feel the tick" of time as he gets older and doesn't want to waste a moment.

He told The Independent newspaper: "It's the creative life that keeps me alive. I'm 72, time is moving on for me, and I can feel the tick of it. "I've been down this path a long way now. But what else do I do but really live the life and the time that I have left?"

He went on to add he still suffered from moments of self-doubt as an actor despite being in the industry for such a long time and he credits his wife, Keely, and his Catholic faith with keeping him going.

He added: "It's such a capricious game to be an actor. That black dog of doubt sits beside you, but it's also what spurs you on. You're constantly constructing yourself and then destroying yourself, in the best possible way ...

"[My self-belief comes from] family, for sure. I have a great wife, who's given me wings to fly. I'm a Catholic, and my faith is very strong. "And you have to be as tough as old boots to be in the game this long."