Few Hollywood families carry the weight of the Brolins, and James Brolin has built a career as impressive as his famous son’s. He’s also been married to Barbra Streisand since 1998, a union that adds another layer to his fascinating life.
Born: July 18, 1940 ·
Spouse: Barbra Streisand (m. 1998) ·
Occupation: Actor, Producer, Director ·
Golden Globe Awards: 2 wins ·
Children: 3 (including Josh Brolin)
Quick snapshot
- Born July 18, 1940 (IMDb Biography)
- Won 2 Golden Globes and 1 Emmy (IMDb)
- Father of actor Josh Brolin (IMDb)
- Exact net worth (not publicly verified)
- Current health status (no recent reports)
- Details of relationship with ex-wives beyond basic facts
- Whether he is still actively acting (no recent projects announced)
- Active since 1961 (IMDb)
- Married Barbra Streisand in 1998 (People)
- Voiced Emperor Zurg in Lightyear (2022) (IMDb)
- No announced upcoming projects as of early 2025
- Likely continues to enjoy retirement and family life with Streisand
Seven key facts paint a complete picture of James Brolin’s life and career.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Brolin (born Craig Kenneth Bruderlin) |
| Born | July 18, 1940, Los Angeles, California |
| Occupation | Actor, producer, director |
| Spouse | Barbra Streisand (m. 1998); Jan Smithers (m. 1984–1986); Jane Cameron Agee (m. 1964–1972) |
| Children | 3 (Josh, Molly, Jess) |
| Notable Awards | 2 Golden Globes, 1 Emmy, Star on Walk of Fame |
| Years Active | 1961–present |
Who is James Brolin’s famous son?
Josh Brolin: A Hollywood Star in His Own Right
- Born February 12, 1968, to James and Jane Cameron Agee (IMDb)
- Known for roles in No Country for Old Men, Avengers: Infinity War, Dune (IMDb)
- Oscar-nominated for Milk (2008) (Wikipedia)
James has expressed pride in Josh’s career in multiple interviews. The actor once told People that watching his son succeed is “one of the greatest joys.” The pattern: Josh Brolin didn’t just inherit his father’s profession—he built his own legacy, and James has been his biggest fan.
Father-Son Relationship in the Public Eye
James and Josh Brolin have repeatedly spoken about their close bond. In a 2014 interview, James said they have a great father-son relationship (People).
They’ve been seen together at red carpet events, such as the premiere of Avengers: Endgame in 2019. Josh described his father as “supportive” and “a great role model.” The implication: the Brolin father-son dynamic is one of Hollywood’s most genuine examples of mutual respect and affection.
Do James and Josh Brolin get along?
Public Appearances Together
- Avengers: Endgame premiere (2019) – James accompanied Josh
- Oscars after-parties (multiple years)
- James attended Josh’s career milestones, including No Country for Old Men premiere (2007)
These public moments show a family that chooses to be together. The takeaway: their relationship isn’t just talk; they show up for each other.
Quotes from Both Actors
Mutual admiration: James and Josh have praised each other publicly.
“He’s a great father. We have a great relationship.” – James Brolin on Josh (2014 interview, People)
James Brolin
“My dad has been incredibly supportive of my career. He’s the one who taught me to work hard.” – Josh Brolin on James (interview, Today)
Josh Brolin
What this means: the Brolins have built a relationship that thrives under the spotlight.
What’s the age difference between James Brolin and Barbra Streisand?
Calculating the Age Gap
James Brolin: July 18, 1940 · Barbra Streisand: April 24, 1942 · Difference: 1 year, 9 months (Brolin older)
Barbra Streisand’s birth date is confirmed by Wikipedia. James Brolin’s comes from IMDb Biography. The gap is small, and the couple has often joked about it.
James Brolin is only 22 months older than Barbra Streisand – a negligible difference that has helped them share a long, stable marriage since 1998.
The implication: the small age gap has contributed to their long-lasting marriage.
How They Met and Married
- Met at a party in the mid-1990s
- Married on July 1, 1998, at their Malibu estate (People)
James has said he knew after their first date that Barbra was the one. The trade-off: a high-profile marriage that they’ve kept remarkably private.
Did Barbra Streisand have children with James Brolin?
Blended Family: Josh Brolin and Jason Gould
- Barbra has a son, Jason Gould, from her previous relationship with Elliott Gould (Wikipedia)
- James has son Josh from his first marriage to Jane Cameron Agee (IMDb)
- James also has two daughters, Jess and Molly, from his marriage to Jan Smithers (Tribute)
No Biological Children Together
Children from previous marriages: Josh, Molly, Jess (James) and Jason (Barbra).
Despite being married for over 25 years, James and Barbra did not have children together. Both came into the relationship with kids, forming a blended family that includes Jason Gould and the Brolin siblings. The pattern: they prioritized their existing families and built a step-parent dynamic that works.
Is Barbra Streisand a nice person in real life?
Reputation Among Colleagues
- Dustin Hoffman called her “a brilliant actress and a good friend”
- James Brolin has described her as “kind and generous”
- Co-stars note her high standards but also her warmth
In interviews, Streisand’s reputation is that of a demanding perfectionist who cares deeply about her work and the people around her. The catch: being a perfectionist can be intense, but those who know her say her heart is in the right place.
Philanthropy and Public Persona
- Founded the Barbra Streisand Foundation in 1986
- Supports women’s health, climate change, and civil rights causes (Wikipedia)
- Donated millions through her foundation and personal contributions
Her public persona is that of a fiercely private but generous star. Why this matters: Streisand’s philanthropy shows that behind the glamour is a woman committed to making a difference.
Timeline: James Brolin’s Life and Career
- : Born in Los Angeles (IMDb Biography)
- : First acting role in The New Breed (IMDb)
- : Starred as Dr. Steven Kiley in Marcus Welby, M.D. (Wikipedia)
- : Won Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor – Television (IMDb)
- : Won Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Wikipedia)
- : Received star on Hollywood Walk of Fame (Hollywood Walk of Fame)
- : Married Barbra Streisand (People)
- : Starred in Life in Pieces (Wikipedia)
- : Voiced Emperor Zurg in Lightyear (Wikipedia)
Clarity Check: What We Know and What’s Unclear
Confirmed facts
- James Brolin’s birth date: July 18, 1940 (IMDb Biography)
- Marriage to Barbra Streisand in 1998 (People)
- Father of Josh Brolin (IMDb)
- Golden Globe and Emmy wins (IMDb)
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth
- Current health status (no verified reports)
- Nature of relationship with ex-spouses beyond basic facts
- Whether he is still actively acting (no recent projects announced)
Quotes from James Brolin and Barbra Streisand
“He’s a great father. We have a great relationship.”
James Brolin on his son Josh (2014 interview with People)
“James is the love of my life. He makes me laugh every day.”
Barbra Streisand on James Brolin (interview with Today)
For James Brolin, the choice to stay grounded while surrounded by Hollywood royalty has paid off. His legacy as a father and husband is as solid as his Emmy and Golden Globe trophies. For fans of the Brolin family, the takeaway is clear: the Brolin name stands for talent and family values, and James’s example shows that a long career and a happy family are not mutually exclusive.
britannica.com, insp.com, tvinsider.com, simple.wikipedia.org, rottentomatoes.com, tribute.ca, thecityceleb.com, famousbirthdays.com
Frequently asked questions
What is James Brolin’s net worth?
Exact figures are not publicly verified. Estimates suggest around $10 million, but no official confirmation exists.
How tall is James Brolin?
He is reported to be 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm).
Is James Brolin still acting?
He has not announced any upcoming projects as of 2025, but he has not officially retired.
What is James Brolin’s real name?
His birth name is Craig Kenneth Bruderlin. He changed it to James Brolin early in his career (Hollywood Walk of Fame).
How many awards has James Brolin won?
He has won 2 Golden Globe Awards and 1 Primetime Emmy Award (IMDb).
Who was James Brolin’s first wife?
His first wife was Jane Cameron Agee, a model and actress. They were married from 1964 to 1972 (Tribute).
Does James Brolin have a daughter?
Yes, he has a daughter named Molly Brolin from his marriage to Jan Smithers (Tribute).
Alex Chen is Editor-in-Chief at Reef Brief, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.