James Brolin is an American actor, producer, and director whose career has spanned more than six decades. Born Craig Kenneth Bruderlin on July 18, 1940, in Los Angeles, California, he became a household name through his portrayal of Dr. Steven Kiley on the medical drama Marcus Welby, M.D. He is also widely recognized as the husband of Barbra Streisand and the father of actor Josh Brolin. This article covers his age, family, filmography, net worth, and major life milestones.
Brolin has appeared in over 140 film and television productions since his debut in the early 1960s. His work includes acclaimed films such as Westworld (1973), The Amityville Horror (1979), Traffic (2000), and Catch Me If You Can (2002). He also voiced Emperor Zurg in the 2022 Pixar film Lightyear. On television, he starred in Hotel (1983–1988) and the sitcom Life in Pieces (2015–2019).
Over the course of his career, Brolin has earned two Golden Globe Awards and one Primetime Emmy Award. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1998. His personal life, particularly his marriage to Streisand and his son’s success, continues to draw public interest.
How old is James Brolin?
Craig Kenneth Bruderlin (James Brolin)
July 18, 1940 (age 84)
Dr. Steven Kiley on Marcus Welby, M.D.
Barbra Streisand (m. 1998)
- James Brolin has won two Golden Globe Awards and one Primetime Emmy Award.
- He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1998.
- His son, Josh Brolin, is a major Hollywood actor (No Country for Old Men, Avengers: Infinity War).
- His marriage to Barbra Streisand in 1998 boosted his media profile and made him stepfather to Jason Gould.
- Brolin began acting professionally in his early 20s, appearing in television shows in the 1960s.
- He has been married three times: to Jane Cameron Agee, Jan Smithers, and Barbra Streisand.
- His filmography includes more than 140 credits across film, television, and voice work.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Craig Kenneth Bruderlin |
| Date of Birth | July 18, 1940 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Occupation | Actor, producer, director |
| Years Active | 1961–present |
| Notable TV Role | Dr. Steven Kiley (Marcus Welby, M.D., 1969–1976) |
| Notable Film | The Amityville Horror (1979), Burlesque (2010) |
| Awards | 2 Golden Globes, 1 Emmy |
| Spouse | Barbra Streisand (m. 1998) |
| Children | Josh Brolin (son), stepson Jason Gould |
| Net Worth | Estimated $50 million (unverified) |
Who is James Brolin married to?
Who is James Brolin’s current wife?
James Brolin has been married to Barbra Streisand since 1998. The couple wed on July 1, 1998, in a private ceremony at Streisand’s home in Malibu, California. Streisand is a legendary singer, actress, and filmmaker. Through this marriage, Brolin became stepfather to Streisand’s son, Jason Gould, from her previous relationship with actor Elliott Gould.
Was James Brolin married before Barbra Streisand?
Yes, Brolin was married twice before Streisand. His first marriage was to Jane Cameron Agee in 1966; they had two children, Josh Brolin and Jess Brolin, and divorced in 1984. Agee died in a car accident in 1995. His second marriage was to actress Jan Smithers, best known for her role on the television series WKRP in Cincinnati. They married in 1986, had a daughter named Molly Brolin, and divorced in 1995.
James Brolin is the biological father of actor Josh Brolin and has a daughter, Molly Brolin, from his marriage to Jan Smithers. He also has a son named Jess Brolin from his first marriage. He is stepfather to Jason Gould, Barbra Streisand’s son.
Who is James Brolin’s son?
Is Josh Brolin James Brolin’s son?
Yes, Josh Brolin is the son of James Brolin and his first wife, Jane Cameron Agee. Born on February 12, 1968, Josh Brolin has become one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, with roles in films such as No Country for Old Men, Milk, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Thanos. The father and son have appeared together in public events and have spoken about their close relationship in interviews.
Does James Brolin have other children?
Beyond Josh Brolin, James Brolin has a son named Jess Brolin and a daughter named Molly Brolin. Jess Brolin is from his first marriage, and Molly Brolin is from his second marriage to Jan Smithers. He also has a stepson, Jason Gould, from Barbra Streisand’s previous relationship.
Some online sources occasionally confuse James Brolin’s filmography with that of his son Josh Brolin. For example, Josh Brolin starred in Avengers: Infinity War, but James Brolin did not. Always check the actor’s name and release year to avoid mix-ups.
What movies and TV shows has James Brolin been in?
What is James Brolin’s most famous TV role?
Brolin’s most famous television role is Dr. Steven Kiley on Marcus Welby, M.D., which aired from 1969 to 1976. The role earned him an Emmy Award and two Golden Globe Awards. He also starred as Peter McDermott in the prime-time soap opera Hotel from 1983 to 1988, and later appeared in the sitcom Life in Pieces from 2015 to 2019.
Was James Brolin in the movie Burlesque?
Yes, James Brolin appeared in the 2010 musical film Burlesque as Mr. Anderson. The film starred Cher and Christina Aguilera and was a box office success. Brolin’s role was a supporting character, a businessman who becomes involved with the club where the story takes place.
What are some recent James Brolin movies?
In recent years, Brolin has continued to work in film and television. He voiced Emperor Zurg in the 2022 animated film Lightyear. He also appeared in the 2023 film The Last Republic and has guest-starred on television series such as Grace and Frankie. His television credits in the 2020s include Life in Pieces and Masters of the Air.
James Brolin’s net worth is not publicly disclosed. Estimates range from $20 million to $50 million, but these figures are unverified and should be treated as speculative. His wealth comes from decades of acting, producing, and directing, as well as his marriage to Barbra Streisand.
What is James Brolin’s career timeline?
- 1940 – Born in Los Angeles, California.
- 1961 – First television appearance.
- 1966 – Married Jane Cameron Agee.
- 1968 – Son Josh Brolin born.
- 1969 – Began role on Marcus Welby, M.D.
- 1970 – Won Emmy Award for Marcus Welby, M.D.
- 1979 – Starred in The Amityville Horror.
- 1995 – First wife Jane Cameron Agee died.
- 1998 – Married Barbra Streisand; received Hollywood Walk of Fame star.
- 2010 – Appeared in Burlesque.
What is confirmed and what remains unclear about James Brolin?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Birth date and place (July 18, 1940, Los Angeles) | Exact net worth not publicly disclosed; estimates vary from $20 million to $50 million |
| Marriage to Barbra Streisand since 1998 | Details of early life before acting career are sparse in public records |
| Son Josh Brolin | No major rumors; occasional confusion between James Brolin and his son’s filmography |
| Major awards (2 Golden Globes, 1 Emmy) | |
| Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame |
What is the broader context of James Brolin’s career?
James Brolin’s career reflects the evolution of American television, from the golden age of TV drama to modern streaming. His long-running role on Marcus Welby, M.D. established him as a household name, while his marriage to Barbra Streisand kept him in the spotlight. His son Josh Brolin has achieved immense success, but James remains a respected figure with a legacy spanning genres from horror (The Amityville Horror) to musical (Burlesque). The public’s continued interest in his net worth and family details underscores his enduring relevance.
Brolin began acting professionally in his early 20s, landing his first television roles in the early 1960s. He built his reputation through steady work in episodic television before Marcus Welby, M.D. made him a star. Over the decades, he has worked with many of the industry’s most notable directors and actors, including Steven Spielberg, Robert Redford, and Cher.
His career also includes work behind the camera as a producer and director. He directed episodes of television series such as Hotel and Life in Pieces, and produced the 1999 television film The Last Producer. His ability to adapt to changing industry trends has kept him active well into his 80s.
What do authoritative sources say about James Brolin?
“James Brolin (born Craig Kenneth Bruderlin; July 18, 1940) is an American actor. He has appeared in over 140 film and television productions since his debut in 1961.”
“James Brolin is an American actor. Brolin has won two Golden Globes and an Emmy. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 27, 1998.”
Additional authoritative sources include the Golden Globes profile, the Emmys biography, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame page. Rotten Tomatoes also provides a celebration of his filmography with critic and audience scores.
James Brolin at a glance
James Brolin remains an enduring figure in American entertainment. From his breakthrough on Marcus Welby, M.D. to his recent voice work in Lightyear, he has demonstrated remarkable versatility. His family connections to Barbra Streisand and Josh Brolin have kept him in the public eye, but his own body of work stands on its own merit. For more about his son, see James Brolin’s son, and for details on his marriage, see James Brolin’s wife.
Frequently asked questions about James Brolin
Was James Brolin in Burlesque?
Yes, he played a supporting role as Mr. Anderson in the 2010 film Burlesque alongside Cher and Christina Aguilera.
Does James Brolin have other children besides Josh Brolin?
He has one biological son, Josh Brolin, and a stepson, Jason Gould, from Barbra Streisand’s previous relationship with Elliott Gould. He also has a daughter, Molly Brolin, from his marriage to Jan Smithers, and a son, Jess Brolin, from his first marriage.
What is James Brolin’s net worth?
His net worth is not publicly disclosed. Estimates range from $20 million to $50 million, but these figures are unverified.
How old is James Brolin?
He was born on July 18, 1940, making him 84 years old as of 2024.
What awards has James Brolin won?
He has won two Golden Globe Awards and one Primetime Emmy Award, all for his role on Marcus Welby, M.D.
What is James Brolin’s most famous TV role?
His most famous role is Dr. Steven Kiley on Marcus Welby, M.D., which aired from 1969 to 1976.
Is James Brolin related to Barbra Streisand?
Yes, he is married to Barbra Streisand. They have been married since 1998.
What did James Brolin look like when he was young?
He began acting in his early 20s in the 1960s, with a youthful appearance seen in early television roles and films. He was known for his dark hair, athletic build, and classic Hollywood good looks.
How many times has James Brolin been married?
He has been married three times: to Jane Cameron Agee, Jan Smithers, and Barbra Streisand.
What is James Brolin’s real name?
His birth name is Craig Kenneth Bruderlin. He adopted the stage name James Brolin early in his career.
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Lucy Hartley covers community affairs, civic society, local services and public life for Civic Affairs.