How Old Is James Brolin? Age and Biography
James Brolin, a name synonymous with classic television drama, has built a career that spans more than six decades. From his breakthrough role on Marcus Welby, M.D. to his later appearances alongside Hollywood royalty, his life story offers a fascinating look at longevity in an unpredictable industry.
Born Craig Kenneth Bruderlin on July 18, 1940, in Los Angeles, California, he is 85 years old as of 2025. He grew up in the Westwood area, the eldest of four siblings, with a homemaker mother and a building contractor father.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Age | 84 (born July 18, 1940) |
| Spouse | Barbra Streisand (m. 1998) |
| Children | 3, including Josh Brolin |
| Net Worth | $10–20 million (estimated) |
- James Brolin has won two Golden Globe Awards and an Emmy Award.
- He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1998.
- He has been married to Barbra Streisand since 1998.
- His son Josh Brolin is a well-known actor.
- Brolin has appeared in over 140 film and television productions since 1961.
- He played a supporting role in the 2010 movie Burlesque.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Brolin (born Craig Kenneth Bruderer) |
| Birth Date | July 18, 1940 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Occupation | Actor, producer, director |
| Spouse | Barbra Streisand (m. 1998); previous spouses: Jane Cameron Agee (1966–1984), Jan Smithers (1986–1995) |
| Children | Josh Brolin, Jess Brolin, Molly Brolin |
| Awards | 2 Golden Globes, 1 Emmy, 1 star on Hollywood Walk of Fame |
| Net Worth | Estimated $10–20 million (not officially confirmed) |
His original surname, Bruderlin, was changed to Brolin in 1960 when he signed a contract with 20th Century Fox. He attended UCLA, where he majored in theater arts, though his early interests leaned toward animals and model airplanes rather than performance.
Who Is James Brolin Married To? Family and Spouse
James Brolin married Barbra Streisand on July 1, 1998, in a third marriage for both. The couple met through mutual friends in the 1990s, and their relationship has remained one of Hollywood’s most enduring partnerships.
Who are James Brolin’s Children?
Brolin has three children. With his first wife, Jane Cameron Agee (married 1966–1984), he had sons Jess Brolin and Josh Brolin. With his second wife, Jan Smithers (married 1986–1995), he has a daughter, Molly Elizabeth.
Is James Brolin Related to Josh Brolin?
Yes, Josh Brolin is his son. Josh has built a successful acting career of his own, known for roles in The O.C. and Traffic. The father-son duo are both established figures in American entertainment.
What is James Brolin’s Connection to Barbra Streisand?
Beyond their marriage, Brolin and Streisand have collaborated professionally. She directed him in the 2010 film Burlesque, in which he played a supporting role. Their personal and professional lives have been intertwined for over two decades.
What Is James Brolin’s Net Worth?
James Brolin’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $40 million, though exact figures vary by source and no official public disclosure exists. Most estimates place it between $10 million and $20 million, based on his decades of high-profile work in television and film.
Brolin’s wealth stems primarily from his long-running TV roles in Marcus Welby, M.D. and Hotel, along with film appearances and directing work. His marriage to Barbra Streisand, whose own net worth is significantly higher, has also contributed to public curiosity about his finances.
The uncertainty around his net worth reflects a broader pattern: reliable financial data for celebrities is often difficult to verify. Most figures cited in media are estimates compiled from known salaries, property records, and public appearances.
What Are James Brolin’s Most Famous Movies and TV Shows?
How Did James Brolin Start His Career?
Brolin began as a character actor in the early 1960s, appearing in bit parts on shows like Bus Stop (1961), Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Love, American Style, and three guest spots on Batman (1966–67). His breakthrough came in 1969 when he was cast as Dr. Steven Kiley on Marcus Welby, M.D., a role that earned him his first Emmy.
Has James Brolin Won Any Awards?
His awards include a Primetime Emmy Award in 1970 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Marcus Welby, M.D., and two Golden Globe Awards for Best Supporting Actor in 1971 and 1973. He also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 27, 1998, and was named Actor of the Year at the Hollywood Film Festival in 2008.
What Are James Brolin’s Most Famous Roles?
Beyond Marcus Welby, M.D., he starred as Peter McDermott in the series Hotel (1983–1988), which earned two more Golden Globe nominations. His film credits include The Amityville Horror (1979), Capricorn One (1978), Westworld (1973), Skyjacked (1972), and Catch Me If You Can (2002). More recently, he voiced Emperor Zurg in the Toy Story spin-off Lightyear (2022).
He also appeared in Life in Pieces (2015–2019) as John Short and has amassed over 140 film and television productions since his debut.
Was James Brolin in Burlesque? Specific Roles and Projects
Yes, James Brolin appeared in the 2010 musical drama Burlesque alongside Cher and Christina Aguilera. He played a supporting role in the film, which was directed by Steven Antin. Barbra Streisand was not involved in the production, though the film occasionally draws questions about a connection due to Brolin’s marriage to her.
What Was James Brolin Like When He Was Young?
As a child, Brolin was more interested in animals and model airplanes than acting. He built and flew model airplanes at age 10. His teenage years were rebellious: he reportedly stole car radios and experimented with drugs and alcohol. His parents divorced in 1984, and his mother died in a car accident. These early experiences shaped his later focus and discipline as an actor.
Some biographical details are inconsistently reported. His height is often listed as 6’3″ (190 cm) but varies by source. His birth name appears as both Craig Kenneth Bruderlin and Craig Kenneth Bruderer in different records. The exact date of his legal name change is not widely documented.
James Brolin Career Timeline
- 1940 – Born in Los Angeles, California.
- 1961 – Made acting debut in TV series Bus Stop.
- 1970 – Won Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Marcus Welby, M.D.
- 1972 – Starred in TV-movie Short Walk to Daylight.
- 1998 – Married Barbra Streisand; received star on Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- 2002 – Appeared in Catch Me If You Can (96% Rotten Tomatoes rating).
- 2010 – Appeared in Burlesque alongside Cher and Christina Aguilera.
- 2024 – Remains active in occasional projects.
What Is Known and What Remains Uncertain About James Brolin
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Date of birth (July 18, 1940) | Net worth: widely reported as $10–20 million but no official public disclosure |
| Marriage to Barbra Streisand (1998) | Real name: born Craig Kenneth Bruderer, legally changed to James Brolin; exact date of change not widely documented |
| Number of children (3) and identity of Josh Brolin | Height: often listed as 6’3″ (190 cm) but varies by source |
| Awards won (2 Golden Globes, 1 Emmy) | — |
| His role in the film Burlesque | — |
| His film and TV career spanning 1961 to present | — |
What Is James Brolin’s Legacy in American Entertainment?
James Brolin is a veteran American actor whose career spans over six decades. He achieved television stardom in the 1970s with Marcus Welby, M.D. and later transitioned to film and directing. His marriage to Barbra Streisand brought him broader public recognition, while his son Josh Brolin has also become a major Hollywood star. Despite his age, Brolin continues to be remembered for both his classic TV work and later film roles like in Burlesque. He is semi-retired as of 2025, with no major upcoming projects publicly announced, though he occasionally appears in documentaries or cameos.
What Do the Sources Say About James Brolin?
“James Brolin is an American actor, producer, and director. 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. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 27, 1998.”
IMDb
“James Brolin, highest rated: 96% Catch Me If You Can (2002), lowest rated: 0% Love, Wedding, Marriage (2011).”
Rotten Tomatoes
James Brolin: A Life in Television and Film
James Brolin’s journey from a rebellious teenager building model airplanes in Westwood to a multi-award-winning actor married to one of the most famous entertainers in the world is a story of persistence, talent, and reinvention. His six-decade career, his family legacy through Josh Brolin, and his partnership with Barbra Streisand have cemented his place in entertainment history. For a deeper look at another actor who has experienced a remarkable career resurgence, read about Brendan Fraser – Comeback, Oscar Win, and 2025 Updates. For more on a fellow industry veteran, explore Glenn Close – Net Worth, Spouse, Daughter, Movies & Biography.
Frequently Asked Questions About James Brolin
What is James Brolin’s real name?
He was born Craig Kenneth Bruderer and later changed his name to James Brolin.
What is James Brolin’s height?
He is often listed as 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm), though some sources vary.
Is James Brolin related to other actors?
He is the father of actor Josh Brolin. No other prominent acting relatives.
How did James Brolin meet Barbra Streisand?
They met through mutual friends in the 1990s and married in 1998.
Was James Brolin in Burlesque?
Yes, he appeared in the 2010 film Burlesque alongside Cher and Christina Aguilera.
How many children does James Brolin have?
He has three children: Josh Brolin, Jess Brolin, and Molly Brolin.
What awards has James Brolin won?
He has won two Golden Globe Awards and one Primetime Emmy Award, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
What is James Brolin’s most famous TV role?
He is best known for playing Dr. Steven Kiley on Marcus Welby, M.D. from 1969 to 1976.
Is James Brolin still acting?
He is semi-retired but occasionally appears in documentaries or cameo roles.
How old is James Brolin?
He was born on July 18, 1940, making him 84 years old as of 2024.
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Philip Rowe is Senior Reporter at UKBullet.uk, covering breaking UK news stories.