
James Brolin: Age, Health, Net Worth, and Marriage
Few actors can claim a television career that spans from the golden age of network drama to the streaming era, but James Brolin has done exactly that: born in Los Angeles in 1940, he became a household name as Dr. Steven Kiley on Marcus Welby, M.D. and later built a legacy that includes an Emmy, two Golden Globes, and a marriage to Barbra Streisand.
Birth date: July 18, 1940 ·
Age (2025): 84 ·
Spouse: Barbra Streisand (m. 1998) ·
Children: 3 (including Josh Brolin) ·
Golden Globes won: 2 ·
Emmy Awards won: 1
Quick snapshot
- Born July 18, 1940, in Los Angeles, California (INSP biography archive)
- Married to Barbra Streisand since July 1, 1998 (Yahoo Entertainment)
- Won two Golden Globes and one Emmy (Hollywood Walk of Fame official biography)
- Specific current health condition — no official public statements (People recent activity report)
- Exact net worth — estimates range from $30–50 million (HotNewHipHop net worth estimate)
- Acting debut in 1961; star of Marcus Welby, M.D. (1969–1976) (Wikipedia)
- Married Streisand in 1998; continues working in 2025 (TV Insider actor profile)
- Appearing in Netflix series Ransom Canyon (2025) (TODAY / YouTube interview)
- Remains active on social media (Facebook fan group post)
Key biographical details at a glance:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | James Kenneth Brolin |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Profession | Actor, producer, director |
| Years active | 1961–present |
| Notable awards | 2 Golden Globes, 1 Emmy |
| Spouse | Barbra Streisand (m. 1998) |
| Children | 3 |
What is the age difference between Barbra Streisand and James Brolin?
Barbra Streisand was born on April 24, 1942, making her about 1 year and 9 months younger than James Brolin, who was born on July 18, 1940 (TV Insider actor profile). That difference is relatively narrow for a Hollywood couple, and the pair have often joked about it in interviews.
Are James Brolin and Barbra Streisand still married?
Yes. James Brolin and Barbra Streisand have been married since July 1, 1998 (Yahoo Entertainment wedding report). They remain together as of 2025, frequently appearing at events and sharing social media posts. Streisand has called Brolin “the love of my life” in interviews (Good Morning America 2018 feature).
Who was Barbra Streisand’s love of her life?
In a 2018 interview with Good Morning America, Streisand stated outright that James Brolin is “the love of my life.” Before Brolin, she was married to actor Elliott Gould (1963–1971) and had long relationships with Jon Peters and others, but she has repeatedly emphasized that Brolin is her forever partner.
Streisand’s declaration puts Brolin in an exclusive category — the man who finally anchored one of the most famous entertainers in American history. For readers tracking celebrity marriages, the Brolin‑Streisand union stands out for its durability in an industry where long marriages are rare.
What is James Brolin’s most famous role?
James Brolin is best known for playing Dr. Steven Kiley on Marcus Welby, M.D., which aired from 1969 to 1976 (People career retrospective). The role earned him an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe. He later starred as Peter McDermott in the TV series Hotel (1983–1988) and had prominent film roles in The Amityville Horror (1979) and Catch Me If You Can (2002).
The pattern is clear: Brolin’s greatest cultural footprint came from long‑running TV series rather than blockbuster films. His Dr. Kiley was a beloved character in an era when medical dramas dominated ratings.
Is James Brolin in good health?
Public information about James Brolin’s health is limited. No major illnesses have been reported by official sources, and he has continued to take occasional acting roles and appear in public (People recent activity report). In 2025, he appeared on TODAY to promote the Netflix series Ransom Canyon (TODAY / YouTube interview), suggesting he remains active and healthy enough for travel and filming.
Because Brolin is 85, any public health updates could affect his ability to continue acting. For now, he shows no signs of slowing down.
The implication: Brolin’s continued public appearances and projects indicate robust health for a man his age.
What is James Brolin’s net worth?
Estimates place James Brolin’s net worth between $30 million and $50 million (HotNewHipHop estimate). This wealth comes from decades of acting, producing, and directing. While exact figures are not publicly confirmed, his long career and marriage to Barbra Streisand (whose net worth is estimated at $400+ million) provide substantial financial stability.
What has happened to James Brolin?
As of 2025, James Brolin has not experienced any major negative events. He continues to accept roles, most recently in the Netflix drama Ransom Canyon (TODAY / YouTube interview). He maintains an active presence on Instagram, often posting about family and travel. In short, nothing dramatic — just a veteran actor enjoying a later career with dignity.
The pattern: Brolin’s later years are defined by selective work and family focus, not by scandal or health crisis.
Who are James Brolin’s children?
James Brolin has three children. His eldest son is actor Josh Brolin (born 1968), known for No Country for Old Men, Avengers: Endgame, and an Academy Award nomination (Good Morning America 2018 feature). He also has a daughter, Molly Brolin, from his marriage to Jan Smithers (TV Insider actor profile), and a son, Jess Brolin, from his first marriage to Jane Cameron Agee. The Brolin family has a strong Hollywood lineage: Josh Brolin is now a major star in his own right.
The catch: While Josh Brolin’s fame often overshadows his father’s, James Brolin’s own career created the foundation for that legacy.
James Brolin vs. Barbra Streisand: a quick comparison
The table below highlights the contrast between the two celebrities across key biographical categories.
| Attribute | James Brolin | Barbra Streisand |
|---|---|---|
| Birth date | July 18, 1940 | April 24, 1942 |
| Age (2025) | 84 | 82 |
| Primary profession | Actor, producer, director | Singer, actress, director, producer |
| Notable awards | 2 Golden Globes, 1 Emmy | 2 Oscars, 10 Grammys, 5 Emmys, 1 Tony |
| Marriage | Married Barbra Streisand (1998–present) | Married James Brolin (1998–present) |
| Children | 3 (including Josh Brolin) | 1 (Jason Gould) |
The pattern: Both are icons, but Streisand’s fame is global and multi‑hyphenate, while Brolin’s is rooted in classic television.
Timeline of James Brolin’s life and career
- 1940: James Brolin born in Los Angeles (INSP biography archive).
- 1961: Acting debut (Wikipedia).
- 1969–1976: Starred as Dr. Steven Kiley on Marcus Welby, M.D.; won Emmy and Golden Globe (People career retrospective).
- 1979: Starred in The Amityville Horror (People career retrospective).
- 1983–1988: Starred in TV series Hotel (TV Insider actor profile).
- 1998: Married Barbra Streisand; received star on Hollywood Walk of Fame (Hollywood Walk of Fame official biography).
- 2002: Appeared in Catch Me If You Can (People career retrospective).
- 2022: Continued acting in film (TV Insider actor profile).
What’s confirmed and what remains unclear
This table separates verified facts from open questions about James Brolin.
| Confirmed facts | Unclear areas |
|---|---|
| Born July 18, 1940 (INSP) | Exact health status — no official statements |
| Married Barbra Streisand since 1998 (Yahoo Entertainment) | Precise net worth — estimates vary |
| Won two Golden Globes and one Emmy (Hollywood Walk of Fame) | Whether he will return to series TV |
| Father of actor Josh Brolin (Good Morning America) | Details on his current daily routine |
The takeaway: most major biographical points are well‑sourced, while financial and health specifics remain private.
Quotes from James Brolin and Barbra Streisand
“He’s the love of my life.”
— Barbra Streisand, Good Morning America 2018 interview
“I’m having more fun now than I ever did.”
— James Brolin, People career retrospective
For fans of classic Hollywood, James Brolin is a rare example of sustained relevance. His marriage to Barbra Streisand keeps him in the spotlight, but his own body of work — from Marcus Welby, M.D. to Ransom Canyon — proves he built a career on his own terms. The takeaway for readers: Brolin is not just “Barbra’s husband.” He’s a two‑time Golden Globe winner, an Emmy winner, and the father of an Oscar‑nominated actor. For anyone following his story, the next chapter is already filming.
Frequently asked questions
Does James Brolin have any health issues?
No major health issues have been publicly reported. He remains active in acting and public appearances as of 2025.
How old is James Brolin?
He was born on July 18, 1940, making him 84 years old in 2025.
What is James Brolin’s most famous TV role?
Dr. Steven Kiley on Marcus Welby, M.D. (1969–1976).
Did James Brolin win an Emmy?
Yes, he won a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Marcus Welby, M.D.
Who is James Brolin’s son?
His son is Josh Brolin, an actor known for No Country for Old Men and Avengers: Endgame.
What movies has James Brolin been in?
Notable films include The Amityville Horror (1979), Catch Me If You Can (2002), and The Last Thing He Wanted (2020).
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