James Brolin – Biography, Age, Wife, Net Worth and Movies

James Brolin is a name that has been synonymous with American television and film for over six decades. From his breakthrough role as Dr. Steven Kiley on Marcus Welby, M.D. to his iconic turn in The Amityville Horror, Brolin has built a career defined by versatility and longevity. He is also widely recognized as the husband of Barbra Streisand and the father of actor Josh Brolin.

Born in Los Angeles in 1940, Brolin began acting in the early 1960s, landing small roles in shows like Bus Stop and films like Fantastic Voyage. His big break came later in the decade, setting the stage for a career that would span generations and earn him some of the industry’s highest honors.

Today, at 85, Brolin remains a respected figure in Hollywood. His life, both personal and professional, continues to draw public interest, largely due to his famous family and a filmography that includes everything from sci-fi classics to modern blockbusters.

Who Is James Brolin? (Biography and Background)

James Brolin was born Craig Kenneth Bruderlin on July 18, 1940, in Los Angeles, California. His early life was spent in the heart of the entertainment industry, though his path to stardom was not immediate. He began his career with small television and film parts in the early 1960s, appearing in series such as Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Patty Duke Show, and The Virginian.

Key Insights

• James Brolin is an American actor and director who has enjoyed a prolific career spanning more than six decades, from early TV roles in the 1960s to modern film cameos.
• He is the father of renowned actor Josh Brolin and has been married to legendary singer/actress Barbra Streisand since 1998.
• Despite his age (84), he remains culturally relevant thanks to his family connections and recent projects.

Key Facts About James Brolin

Who Is James Brolin Married To? (Relationships and Family)

James Brolin has been married three times. His first marriage was to Jane Cameron Agee, with whom he had two children, including actor Josh Brolin. After their divorce, he married actress Jan Smithers, best known for her role on WKRP in Cincinnati. That marriage also ended in divorce.

In 1998, Brolin married Barbra Streisand, one of the most celebrated entertainers in the world. The couple met through mutual friends and have been together ever since. Their marriage has been a subject of fascination for fans, blending two major Hollywood legacies.

Who Are James Brolin’s Children?

James Brolin has three children: Josh Brolin (born 1968), Jess Brolin, and Molly Brolin. Josh is the most famous of the three, known for his roles in films like No Country for Old Men, Avengers: Infinity War, and Dune. Jess and Molly have largely stayed out of the public eye.

How Did James Brolin Meet Barbra Streisand?

The exact details of their first meeting are not widely documented, but it is known that they were introduced by a mutual friend in the mid-1990s. At the time, both were established stars in their own right, and their connection was reportedly instant. They have been together ever since.

What Are James Brolin’s Most Famous Movies and TV Shows?

James Brolin’s career is marked by several landmark roles. His first major role was playing Dr. Steven Kiley on the hit TV series Marcus Welby, M.D. (1969–1976). For this role, he won a Primetime Emmy Award in 1970 and two Golden Globe Awards in 1971 and 1973.

He went on to star in the classic sci-fi film Westworld (1973) as John Blane. In 1979, he played George Lutz in the original The Amityville Horror, a role that remains one of his most recognizable. From 1983 to 1988, he led the cast of the primetime soap opera Hotel.

In 2003, he portrayed Ronald Reagan in the miniseries The Reagans, earning both Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. More recently, he appeared in the musical film Burlesque (2010) alongside Cher and Christina Aguilera, playing the role of Mr. Anderson.

What Role Did James Brolin Play in Burlesque?

In the 2010 musical film Burlesque, James Brolin played Mr. Anderson, a wealthy businessman and love interest of Cher’s character, Tess. The film was a modest box office success and introduced Brolin to a new generation of fans.

What Are Some Other Notable Credits?

• Capricorn One (1978) – Played a NASA official in this conspiracy thriller.
• Traffic (2000) – A supporting role in Steven Soderbergh’s Oscar-winning film.
• Catch Me If You Can (2002) – A small but memorable role in Steven Spielberg’s biographical crime film.
• Life in Pieces (2015–2019) – A regular role in this CBS comedy series.
• Lightyear (2022) – Voiced a character in this Pixar animated film.

What Is James Brolin’s Net Worth?

Estimating the net worth of a public figure like James Brolin is not always straightforward. Different sources provide varying figures, and Brolin himself has not publicly confirmed an exact number. According to some estimates, his net worth is believed to be around $20 million, though other sources suggest a range between $15 million and $25 million.

Brolin’s wealth is derived from his extensive acting and directing career, which includes long-running television series, major film roles, and production work. His marriage to Barbra Streisand, who has an estimated net worth of hundreds of millions, adds a layer of complexity to any financial assessment, but their finances are managed separately.

James Brolin Career and Life Timeline

1. 1940: Born in Los Angeles, California.
2. 1961: Makes his acting debut.
3. 1970: Wins Primetime Emmy Award for Marcus Welby, M.D..
4. 1998: Receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame; marries Barbra Streisand.
5. 2010: Appears in the musical film Burlesque alongside Cher and Christina Aguilera.
6. 2022: Voices a character in Pixar’s Lightyear.

What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About James Brolin?

Analysis and Context

James Brolin’s career is a classic example of a versatile actor thriving across both television and film. His early success on Marcus Welby, M.D. made him a household name in the 1970s. Later, his marriage to Barbra Streisand and his son Josh Brolin’s rise to stardom kept him in the public eye. While his acting output has slowed in recent years, he remains a respected figure in Hollywood.

His role in The Amityville Horror, a film based on the story of the Lutz family, connects him to the broader universe of paranormal investigations. For readers interested in that topic, the Ed and Lorraine Warren controversy offers additional context. Similarly, his career parallels that of other leading men of his era, such as Tom Berenger, another actor known for diverse roles.

Sources and Quotes

“He has appeared in over 140 film and television productions since his debut in 1961.”

— Wikipedia

“Brolin has won two Golden Globes and an Emmy.”

— IMDB

“Birth Name: Craig Kenneth Bruderlin.”

— TV Guide

What’s Next for James Brolin?

As of 2025, James Brolin has no publicly announced major upcoming projects. Given his age, future appearances are likely to be either cameo roles in his son Josh Brolin’s projects or family appearances with Barbra Streisand. His legacy, however, is already well cemented.

Frequently Asked Questions About James Brolin