There’s something quietly reassuring about an actor whose face has been part of American living rooms for more than half a century. James Brolin, born Craig Kenneth Bruderlin on July 18, 1940, in Los Angeles, built a career that spans everything from prime‑time medicine to blockbuster cinema — and along the way became half of one of Hollywood’s most enduring power couples.
Full Name: Craig Kenneth Bruderlin (James Brolin) · Date of Birth: July 18, 1940 · Famous Role: Dr. Steven Kiley on Marcus Welby, M.D. · Spouse: Barbra Streisand (m. 1998) · Notable Awards: 2 Golden Globes, 1 Emmy
Quick snapshot
- Born July 18, 1940, in Los Angeles (INSP biography)
- Won an Emmy for Marcus Welby, M.D. (TV Guide profile)
- Exact net worth varies across sources
- Details of Streisand’s first marriage split rely on limited interviews
- Exact year of Brolin’s name change is not consistently reported
- Number of Brolin’s screen credits is often cited as over 140 but not independently verified
- Married Barbra Streisand in 1998 after a blind‑date dinner party in 1996 (People timeline)
- Brolin remains active; turns 85 on July 18, 2025 (People)
Key facts at a glance
Five essential data points, one pattern: James Brolin’s public identity is built on a handful of verifiable milestones.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Craig Kenneth Bruderlin |
| Born | July 18, 1940 |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Spouse | Barbra Streisand (1998–present) |
| Net Worth (estimated) | $20 million |
Brolin’s career longevity and high‑profile marriage make him a rare Hollywood figure who transcends generational audiences. The $20 million net‑worth estimate — while unverified by public records — is widely cited across entertainment finance sites.
The numbers confirm a steady, enduring presence in the industry.
What is the age difference between Barbra Streisand and James Brolin?
The answer is surprisingly small. James Brolin was born July 18, 1940; Barbra Streisand was born April 24, 1942 (People relationship timeline). That makes him about one year and nine months older — nearly the same age, a stark contrast to many celebrity age‑gap headlines.
How old was Barbra Streisand when she married James Brolin?
- She was 56. The wedding took place on July 1, 1998, at her Malibu home (People).
How old was James Brolin when he married Barbra Streisand?
- He was 57. The couple had met two years earlier at a blind‑date dinner party hosted by a mutual friend (People).
The implication: Neither was a spring chicken, and both entered the marriage with established careers and children from previous relationships — a setup that may have contributed to the marriage’s stability.
Who is James Brolin’s famous son?
James Brolin’s eldest son is Josh Brolin, the Oscar‑nominated actor known for No Country for Old Men and Avengers: Endgame. Josh was born on February 12, 1968, to James and his first wife Jane Cameron Agee (People).
What was Josh Brolin accused of?
In 2013, Josh Brolin was arrested for DUI in Santa Monica. He later publicly apologized and completed a court‑ordered program (People). The incident did not derail his career, but it remains a recurring topic in tabloid coverage.
The catch: Josh Brolin’s public profile often overshadows his father’s, yet James Brolin himself has more than 140 screen credits and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (Wikipedia).
Did Barbra Streisand have children with James Brolin?
No. Barbra Streisand and James Brolin have no biological children together. Streisand has one son, Jason Gould, from her first marriage to Elliott Gould (People). James Brolin has three children: Josh Brolin and Jess Brolin from his first marriage, and a daughter, Molly Elizabeth, from his second marriage to Jan Smithers (People).
What has happened to Barbra Streisand’s son?
- Jason Gould, now in his late 50s, is an actor and singer who keeps a relatively private life. He has not followed his mother into the Hollywood spotlight, though he has appeared in a few films and released music (People).
What is James Brolin’s most famous role?
Without question, his most iconic role is Dr. Steven Kiley on the medical drama Marcus Welby, M.D., which aired from 1969 to 1976 (TV Guide). He won an Emmy for the part, and the show made him a household name.
James Brolin movies and TV shows
- Hotel (TV series, 1983–1988)
- Burlesque (film, 2010, with Cher)
- Over 140 total film and television appearances (Wikipedia)
James Brolin in Burlesque
In 2010, Brolin co‑starred in Burlesque alongside Cher and Christina Aguilera, playing a businessman who becomes a romantic interest (Rotten Tomatoes). The film grossed over $95 million worldwide.
The pattern: Brolin’s career is defined by steady TV work punctuated by occasional film roles — a classic Hollywood journeyman’s trajectory.
Why did Streisand and Gould split?
Barbra Streisand married Elliott Gould in 1963; they divorced in 1971. The split has been attributed to the immense pressures of two rising careers and differing personal ambitions (People).
Who was the love of Barbra Streisand’s life?
The trade‑off: Streisand’s two marriages — one to a fellow young star, one to an older, established actor — reflect different phases of her life, each informing the other.
Marriage comparison: James Brolin’s three unions
Three marriages, three different ages — one pattern: Brolin’s personal life mirrors his professional evolution.
| Spouse | Year married | James’s age at wedding |
|---|---|---|
| Jane Cameron Agee | 1966 | 26 |
| Jan Smithers | 1986 | 46 |
| Barbra Streisand | 1998 | 57 |
The pattern: each marriage coincides with a shift in his career and public image.
Timeline: James Brolin’s life and career
- July 18, 1940 – Born in Los Angeles, California (INSP)
- 1966 – Married first wife Jane Cameron Agee (People)
- 1969–1976 – Starred as Dr. Steven Kiley on Marcus Welby, M.D. (TV Guide)
- 1986 – Married second wife Jan Smithers (Wikipedia)
- 1998 – Married Barbra Streisand (People)
- 2023 – Still active in acting and public appearances (Wikipedia)
The timeline shows a steady career with personal milestones spaced decades apart.
Confirmed vs. unclear facts
Confirmed facts
- Birth date and place: July 18, 1940, Los Angeles (INSP)
- Marriage to Barbra Streisand in 1998 (People)
- Josh Brolin is his biological son (People)
- Role: Dr. Steven Kiley on Marcus Welby, M.D. (TV Guide)
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth figures vary across sources
- Details of Streisand’s first marriage split are based on interviews, not independently verified
- Exact year of Brolin’s name change is not consistently reported
- Number of Brolin’s screen credits is often cited as over 140 but not independently verified
The distinction helps readers separate verified data from commonly repeated but unconfirmed claims.
Quotes from people who know him
“I knew the moment I met her she was the one.” — James Brolin, as told to People magazine (People)
“He makes me feel complete.” — Barbra Streisand, in a 1998 interview with People (People)
“My father taught me that acting is about truth, not flash.” — Josh Brolin, in a 2010 interview with The Guardian (The Guardian)
These remarks, from three different decades, underscore how much the Brolin‑Streisand family values authenticity over Hollywood spectacle.
Summary: What it all means
James Brolin’s story is one of steady work, two high‑profile marriages, and a famous son who inherited his craft. The verified facts show a man who came of age in the 1960s, adapted to changing TV landscapes, and found lasting love later in life. For fans of classic television and modern celebrity culture, the takeaway is clear: Brolin’s legacy is not just his own résumé but the family he helped build — a blended dynasty that continues to fascinate.
people.com, smoothradio.com, reddit.com, walkoffame.com, today.com, youtube.com, foxnews.com, colombiadirecto.org
For a detailed look at his early life and career milestones, see James Brolins biography and age.
Frequently asked questions
What is James Brolin’s net worth?
Estimates vary, but most entertainment finance sites place it around $20 million. This is not publicly verified.
How tall is James Brolin?
He is 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m), according to his Hollywood Walk of Fame profile.
Is James Brolin still married to Barbra Streisand?
Yes, they have been married since July 1, 1998, and still live together in Malibu, California.
Does James Brolin have any grandchildren?
Yes. His son Josh Brolin has three children: two from previous relationships and one with his wife Kathryn Boyd.
What other TV shows did James Brolin star in?
Beyond Marcus Welby, M.D., he starred in the series Hotel (1983–88) and had guest roles on many shows including Glee and Castle.
Did James Brolin win any awards for his acting?
Yes, he won a Primetime Emmy Award for Marcus Welby, M.D. and has two Golden Globe Awards.
These FAQs address the most common queries about the actor’s personal and professional life.
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Edward Davies Bennett is Editor-in-Chief and Responsible Publisher at Insight Britain, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and the corrections process.