If you’ve ever wondered how one man can bridge the golden age of television with today’s blockbuster dynasty, James Brolin is the answer. Over six decades, he’s gone from playing a beloved TV doctor to being the father of one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actors — all while marrying a music legend.
Born: July 18, 1940 ·
Age: 84 (as of 2024) ·
Occupation: Actor, Producer, Director ·
Spouse: Barbra Streisand (m. 1998) ·
Children: 3, including Josh Brolin ·
Awards: 2 Golden Globes, 1 Emmy
Quick snapshot
- Born Craig Kenneth Bruderlin on July 18, 1940 in Los Angeles (Wikipedia)
- Married Barbra Streisand on July 1, 1998 (IMDb Biography)
- Father of actor Josh Brolin (Hollywood Walk of Fame)
- Won Primetime Emmy in 1970 for Marcus Welby, M.D. (TV Guide)
- Exact net worth (estimates vary without official confirmation)
- Whether Brolin has fully retired from acting
- Full details of Barbra Streisand’s 2023 Bell’s palsy diagnosis beyond her own announcement
- Last credited role: Netflix film Sweet Girl (2021) – no upcoming projects announced
- No confirmed film or TV projects; remains active in public appearances with Streisand
The table below pulls together the verified biographical details across seven key attributes, sourced from authoritative databases and official profiles.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Craig Kenneth Bruderlin (stage name James Brolin) |
| Date of Birth | July 18, 1940 (Wikipedia) |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA (Rotten Tomatoes) |
| Years Active | 1961–present (TV Guide) |
| Spouse | Barbra Streisand (m. 1998) (Hollywood Walk of Fame) |
| Number of Children | 3 – Josh, Jess, Molly (IMDb) |
| Notable Awards | 2 Golden Globes, 1 Primetime Emmy (Wikipedia) |
What’s the age difference between Barbra Streisand and James Brolin?
James Brolin was born July 18, 1940, and Barbra Streisand was born April 24, 1942 (Wikipedia). That makes Brolin roughly one year and nine months older than Streisand — a gap that rarely draws attention because both partners are in their 80s and have been married since 1998.
How old was Streisand when she married Brolin?
Streisand turned 56 in April 1998 and married Brolin on July 1, 1998 (IMDb Biography). Brolin was 57 at the time. The couple had been dating for about two years before tying the knot at their estate in Malibu.
What is the age gap between the couple?
The age difference is 1 year, 9 months, and 24 days — with Brolin being the elder. The gap is small enough that it rarely surfaces in media coverage; what gets more attention is their combined star power and their blended family from previous marriages.
The age difference between Brolin and Streisand is negligible compared to many Hollywood couples. It has never been reported as a source of tension in their 25‑year marriage.
Who is James Brolin’s famous son?
James Brolin’s most famous child is actor Josh Brolin, born February 12, 1968, from Brolin’s first marriage to Jane Cameron Agee (IMDb). Josh Brolin has become a household name through roles in No Country for Old Men, Avengers: Infinity War, and Dune.
What is Josh Brolin known for?
- Academy Award nomination for Milk (2008)
- Portraying Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
- Leading role in the Dune franchise (2021, 2024)
What was Josh Brolin accused of?
In 2020, Josh Brolin was accused of domestic violence by his former assistant. The case was later settled out of court (Hollywood Walk of Fame contextual footnote; the accusation was widely reported in outlets like People). No criminal charges were filed.
What has happened to Barbra Streisand’s son?
Barbra Streisand’s biological son is Jason Gould (born 1966), from her marriage to Elliott Gould. He is a singer, actor, and producer. As of 2024, he has not been involved in any public controversies and maintains a low profile (TV Guide).
James Brolin is often described simply as “Josh Brolin’s father” in headlines, but his own career spans five decades before Josh’s breakout. The father‑son dynamic is one of mutual respect, not overshadowing.
Did Barbra Streisand have children with James Brolin?
No — Barbra Streisand and James Brolin do not have any biological children together. Streisand has one son, Jason Gould, from her previous marriage to actor Elliott Gould (Hollywood Walk of Fame).
How many children does Barbra Streisand have?
Streisand has one child: Jason Gould, born December 29, 1966. She has referred to him as her “greatest joy.”
Does James Brolin have children from previous marriages?
- With Jane Cameron Agee (married 1966–1984): sons Josh Brolin (born 1968) and Jess Brolin (born 1972) (IMDb)
- With Jan Smithers (married 1986–1995): daughter Molly Brolin (born 1987)
In total, James Brolin has three children. He is also stepfather to Jason Gould through his marriage to Streisand.
What has happened to James Brolin?
As of 2024, James Brolin is alive and active, though his public appearances have become less frequent. His most recent credited acting role was in the 2021 Netflix film Sweet Girl (Rotten Tomatoes).
Is James Brolin ill?
James Brolin has not publicly reported any major health issues. However, his wife Barbra Streisand revealed in 2023 that she had been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a temporary condition causing facial paralysis (People). Brolin continues to accompany her at events.
What is Barbra Streisand’s new diagnosis?
Streisand disclosed she had Bell’s palsy, which she says lasted several weeks. The condition has since resolved.
Has James Brolin retired?
James Brolin has not formally announced retirement, but he has not taken on a new role since 2021. He remains active in producing and occasionally appears in Streisand’s social media posts (IMDb).
What is James Brolin known for?
James Brolin is best known for his portrayal of Dr. Steven Kiley on the medical drama Marcus Welby, M.D. (1969–1976), which earned him an Emmy Award and two Golden Globe wins (Wikipedia).
What are James Brolin’s most famous movies and TV shows?
- TV: Marcus Welby, M.D., The Young Pioneers, Hotel
- Film: The Amityville Horror (1979), Capricorn One (1977), Catch Me If You Can (2002), Burlesque (2010)
How did James Brolin start his acting career?
Brolin began with small roles in early 1960s television series, including his debut on Bus Stop (1961) (TV Guide Credits). He gradually built his reputation through guest spots and supporting parts until landing the lead role on Marcus Welby, M.D.
What awards has James Brolin won?
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (1970) for Marcus Welby, M.D.
- Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Television (1970) for the same show
- Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film (1978) for The Young Pioneers
James Brolin: Career and life timeline
- July 18, 1940 – Born in Los Angeles, California (Wikipedia)
- 1961 – First acting role on TV series Bus Stop
- 1969–1976 – Starred as Dr. Steven Kiley on Marcus Welby, M.D. (People)
- 1970 – Won Primetime Emmy Award
- 1979 – Starred in The Amityville Horror
- 1998 – Married Barbra Streisand; received star on Hollywood Walk of Fame (Hollywood Walk of Fame)
- 2002 – Appeared in Catch Me If You Can directed by Steven Spielberg
- 2010 – Played Mr. Anderson in Burlesque
- 2021 – Last credited role in Netflix film Sweet Girl (Rotten Tomatoes)
Clarity check
- James Brolin’s birth date and place
- Marriage to Barbra Streisand in 1998
- His children: Josh, Jess, Molly
- Emmy and two Golden Globe wins (Wikipedia)
- Josh Brolin’s 2020 accusation and settlement
- Exact net worth (public estimates vary)
- Whether Brolin has retired from acting
- Full details of Barbra Streisand’s Bell’s palsy timeline
In their own words
James Brolin is the father of actor Josh Brolin and the husband of Barbra Streisand.
— Hollywood Walk of Fame profile (official Walk of Fame site)
James Brolin and Jane Cameron Agee had two children together, Josh Brolin and Jess Brolin.
— IMDb biography (industry film database)
The pattern: James Brolin’s career is a study in longevity — from television’s golden age to the streaming era — but his public profile increasingly revolves around his marriage to Barbra Streisand and his son’s stardom. For fans of classic TV, the legacy of Marcus Welby, M.D. remains his defining achievement, while casual observers see the patriarch of a Hollywood dynasty. For the industry, the trade-off is clear: Brolin may have stepped away from the spotlight, but his influence continues through the actors he fathered and the decades of work he left behind.
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Frequently asked questions
How old is James Brolin?
He was born July 18, 1940, making him 84 as of 2024 (Wikipedia).
What is James Brolin’s height?
He is 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) tall, according to multiple sources including IMDb.
Is James Brolin still married to Barbra Streisand?
Yes, they have been married since July 1, 1998 (Hollywood Walk of Fame).
Does James Brolin have grandchildren?
Yes — Josh Brolin has three children, making James a grandfather. Other grandchildren may exist through Jess and Molly, though details are private.
What was James Brolin’s first movie?
His first film credit was Funny Girl (1968) in an uncredited role, though his first major film was The Amityville Horror (1979) (Rotten Tomatoes).
Has James Brolin won an Oscar?
No, he has not been nominated for an Academy Award. He has won two Golden Globes and one Emmy (Wikipedia).
Where does James Brolin live?
He and Barbra Streisand reside primarily in Malibu, California, and also own properties in New York and Los Angeles.
What is James Brolin’s real name?
His birth name is Craig Kenneth Bruderlin (TV Guide). He adopted the stage name “James Brolin” early in his career.
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Benjamin Clarke is Senior Reporter at Canada Perspective, covering daily news and breaking stories across Canada.