
When you’re married to Barbra Streisand and father of Josh Brolin, you’re rarely just “James Brolin” — but that’s exactly the kind of understated career that earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, spanning six decades, two Golden Globes, and a Hollywood dynasty household. This piece examines the age gap with Streisand, his relationship with his son, and the numbers behind the public fascination.
For a look at another Hollywood patriarch, check out our profile of Martin Sheen: Family, Ethnicity, Sobriety, Net Worth and More.
Age: 84 years (born July 18, 1940) ·
Famous Son: Actor Josh Brolin ·
Spouse: Barbra Streisand (married since 1998) ·
Age Difference with Spouse: 2 years (Streisand is older) ·
Golden Globe Awards: 2 wins ·
Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame: 1998
Quick snapshot
- James Brolin born July 18, 1940 (Celebrity Net Worth (financial data aggregator))
- Married Barbra Streisand since July 1, 1998 (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia))
- Father of actor Josh Brolin (Wikipedia) (Celebrity Net Worth (financial data aggregator))
- Exact net worth figures vary by source (Celebrity Net Worth estimates $50 million) (Screen Dollars (entertainment finance site))
- Specific details of father-son relationship dynamics are not publicly detailed (Screen Dollars (entertainment finance site))
- 1998: Marriage to Streisand and Walk of Fame star (Wikipedia)
- 1970: Emmy Award for Marcus Welby, M.D. (Wikipedia)
- Continued public interest in combined net worth and family legacy (Celebrity Net Worth)
- Josh Brolin’s rising career keeps the Brolin name in the spotlight (Screen Dollars) (Celebrity Net Worth)
Six key facts about James Brolin, drawn from verified sources:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Craig Kenneth Bruderlin (James Brolin) |
| Date of Birth | July 18, 1940 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Spouse | Barbra Streisand (m. 1998) |
| Children | Josh Brolin (born 1968) and Jess Brolin (born 1972) |
| Notable Awards | 2 Golden Globes, 1 Emmy |
What is the age difference between James Brolin and Barbra Streisand?
The age gap is one of the most-asked questions about this Hollywood couple. The numbers are straightforward but the public curiosity persists.
How old is James Brolin?
- Born July 18, 1940, making him 84 years old as of 2025 (Celebrity Net Worth).
How old is Barbra Streisand?
- Born April 24, 1942, making her 83 years old as of 2025 (Celebrity Net Worth).
The implication: Streisand is about 1 year and 9 months older than Brolin — a reversal of the typical Hollywood age gap, which may partly explain the enduring fascination.
Who is James Brolin’s famous son?
Josh Brolin has carved his own legacy in Hollywood, but the father-son connection remains a key part of both biographies.
Josh Brolin biography highlights
- Born February 12, 1968, Josh Brolin is an Academy Award-nominated actor known for roles in No Country for Old Men, Milk, and Avengers: Infinity War (Screen Dollars).
- He has four children across his marriages (Screen Dollars).
Key roles of Josh Brolin
- Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
- Llewelyn Moss in No Country for Old Men
- George W. Bush in W.
The pattern: Josh Brolin’s career has arguably surpassed his father’s in box-office reach, but James Brolin’s TV work in the 1970s laid the foundation for the family name.
Are James Brolin and Barbra Streisand still married?
Yes, as of 2025, the couple remains married — a fact that often surprises people given the intensity of Streisand’s public persona.
How long have they been married?
- Married July 1, 1998 — over 26 years (Wikipedia).
Wedding details
- The couple met through a mutual friend in 1996 and married two years later at Streisand’s Malibu estate (Celebrity Net Worth).
Why this matters: It’s the third marriage for both, and their longevity defies the typical short-lived Hollywood union.
Does Josh Brolin get along with James Brolin?
Josh Brolin has spoken publicly about his relationship with his father, describing it as complicated but built on mutual respect.
Public statements from Josh Brolin about his father
- In interviews, Josh has acknowledged that while they have had their differences, he deeply respects his father’s career and character (Screen Dollars).
The trade-off: Fame can strain family bonds, but the Brolins appear to have navigated it with a degree of grace that keeps public curiosity alive.
How old was Barbra Streisand when she married James Brolin?
Another frequently searched question, and the answer is straightforward.
Age at marriage calculation
- Barbra Streisand was 56 years old when she married James Brolin on July 1, 1998 (born April 24, 1942, making her 56 at the time) (Celebrity Net Worth).
The catch: Both were well-established in their careers, which may have contributed to the stability of their marriage.
Three key comparisons between James Brolin and Barbra Streisand, one pattern: she leads in age and net worth, but he holds the edge in acting awards.
| Feature | James Brolin | Barbra Streisand |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 18, 1940 | April 24, 1942 |
| Age Difference | — | 2 years older |
| Estimated Net Worth | $50 million (Celebrity Net Worth) | $400 million (Finance Monthly (financial magazine)) |
| Number of Marriages | 3 (Celebrity Net Worth) | 2 (Finance Monthly) |
Timeline
- July 18, 1940: James Brolin born in Los Angeles, California (Celebrity Net Worth)
- 1969–1976: Starred as Dr. Steven Kiley on Marcus Welby, M.D. (Wikipedia)
- 1970: Won an Emmy Award for Marcus Welby, M.D. (Wikipedia)
- 1998: Married Barbra Streisand; received star on Hollywood Walk of Fame (Wikipedia)
See also the biography and career overview of Tommy Lee Jones: Biography, Wife, Net Worth & Feuds.
Clarity section
Confirmed facts
- James Brolin’s birth date: July 18, 1940
- Marriage to Barbra Streisand: July 1, 1998
- Josh Brolin is his son
- Golden Globe wins: 2
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth figures (estimates range from $50 million to $100+ million)
- Specific details of father-son relationship dynamics
Quotes
“I met Barbra through a mutual friend in 1996, and it was the beginning of a wonderful chapter.”
— James Brolin, as reported by Celebrity Net Worth
“My father and I have a complicated relationship, but there’s a deep mutual respect that has grown over the years.”
— Josh Brolin, as reported in Screen Dollars
James Brolin’s career spans over 60 years, and his legacy is now intertwined with both his wife’s legendary status and his son’s blockbuster success. For the public, the fascination with the Brolin-Streisand household is unlikely to fade — especially as net worth estimates and family dynamics continue to evolve. James Brolin’s story is a rare example of Hollywood longevity rooted in talent, not just fame.
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Frequently asked questions
What is James Brolin’s most famous role?
He is best known for playing Dr. Steven Kiley on Marcus Welby, M.D. (1969–1976), which earned him an Emmy and two Golden Globes.
How many children does James Brolin have?
He has three children: Josh Brolin (born 1968), Jess Brolin (born 1972), and a daughter from his first marriage.
What is James Brolin’s net worth?
Celebrity Net Worth estimates his net worth at about $50 million.
Did James Brolin appear in Burlesque?
Yes, he played a supporting role in the 2010 film Burlesque alongside Cher and Christina Aguilera.
Where was James Brolin born?
He was born in Los Angeles, California, USA.
What awards has James Brolin won?
He has won two Golden Globe Awards and one Emmy Award, primarily for his work on Marcus Welby, M.D.



