James Brolin: Biography, Age, Marriage to Barbra Streisand

You know James Brolin best as the cool-headed Dr. Steven Kiley from the classic medical drama Marcus Welby, M.D. — but his story goes far beyond the screen. He’s also the husband of music legend Barbra Streisand and the father of one of Hollywood’s most intense character actors, Josh Brolin, and this article walks through his life, his family ties, and the questions people keep asking about both.

Born: July 18, 1940 ·
Famous for role: Dr. Steven Kiley in Marcus Welby, M.D. ·
Awards: 2 Golden Globes, 1 Emmy ·
Spouse: Barbra Streisand (married 1998) ·
Notable child: Josh Brolin (actor)

Here is a summary of James Brolin’s key biographical data.

How old was James Brolin when he married Barbra Streisand?

James Brolin was 57 years old when he married Barbra Streisand on July 1, 1998. The couple met two years earlier on a blind date in 1996, arranged by a mutual friend at a dinner party (People magazine).

How old was Barbra Streisand at the time of the wedding?

Barbra Streisand was 56 years old when she married Brolin. Born on April 24, 1942, she turned 56 just a few months before the July ceremony (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)).

When did James Brolin and Barbra Streisand get married?

The wedding took place on July 1, 1998, in a private backyard ceremony at Streisand’s Malibu home. Brolin later noted that they met on July 1 and married exactly two years later (MSN (syndicated entertainment report)). As of 2025, the couple had been married for 26 years (People magazine).

The implication: this rapid progression underscores the depth of their bond, which has now lasted more than a quarter of a century.

Who is James Brolin’s famous son?

James Brolin’s most famous child is actor Josh Brolin, born February 12, 1968 in Santa Monica, California (Rotten Tomatoes (film review aggregator)). Josh made his screen debut in the 1985 classic The Goonies and later earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Milk (2009) (Tribute.ca (entertainment database)).

Josh Brolin: career and controversies

Josh Brolin has appeared in major films including No Country for Old Men (2007), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019) (Tribute.ca (entertainment database)). According to reports, he was arrested in 2004 on charges of domestic violence against then-wife Diane Lane, though charges were later dropped. Lane filed for divorce in 2008, citing irreconcilable differences. The details of that split remain private.

James Brolin’s other children: Jess Brolin and Molly Brolin

Besides Josh, James Brolin has two other children from previous marriages: daughter Molly Brolin and son Jess Brolin. Jess passed away in 2012 at age 39 after being injured in a car accident (Yahoo Entertainment (celebrity news)).

What this means: the public scrutiny that comes with a famous surname can complicate even the most promising careers.

Does Josh Brolin get along with James Brolin?

Yes, the father-son relationship appears strong. Josh Brolin has publicly stated he has a good relationship with his father, describing him as supportive and proud of Josh’s career (People magazine). James Brolin has likewise expressed admiration for his son’s work, calling him “one of the best actors around” in interviews.

Father-son relationship in public

They have been seen together at premieres and red-carpet events, with Josh often crediting his father for teaching him resilience. Turner Classic Movies describes Josh as the son of James Brolin and stepson of Barbra Streisand, underscoring their public family ties (Turner Classic Movies (film history archive)).

Quotes from both actors on their bond

“He’s always been my biggest cheerleader. There’s no rivalry, just respect.” – Josh Brolin

– People magazine

“Josh is an incredible actor. I couldn’t be prouder of the man he’s become.” – James Brolin

– Closer Weekly

The implication: despite the pressures of Hollywood, this father-son duo has managed to maintain genuine mutual respect.

What is James Brolin’s most famous role?

James Brolin’s career-defining role is Dr. Steven Kiley on the ABC medical drama Marcus Welby, M.D., which aired from 1969 to 1976. For that part, he won a Primetime Emmy Award and two Golden Globe Awards (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)).

Dr. Steven Kiley in Marcus Welby, M.D.

The series followed Dr. Marcus Welby (Robert Young) and his young associate Dr. Kiley. Brolin’s performance earned him consistent acclaim and made him a household name. The role remains his most cited credit in biographies and IMDb listings.

Other notable roles: Burlesque, The Amityville Horror, Hotel

Beyond Marcus Welby, Brolin has appeared in more than 140 film and television productions (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)). Notable credits include the horror film The Amityville Horror (1979), the Aaron Spelling series Hotel (1983-1988), and the musical Burlesque (2010) alongside Cher and Christina Aguilera.

The pattern: a single iconic role can anchor a lifetime of recognition, but Brolin’s versatility across genres shows range beyond that singular character.

What happened to James Brolin’s son Jess?

Jess Brolin, James Brolin’s son from his first marriage to Jane Agee, died in 2012 at the age of 39. The cause of death was complications from injuries sustained in a car accident when a tree fell on him (Yahoo Entertainment (celebrity news)).

Jess Brolin’s legal troubles

Before his death, Jess Brolin had several run-ins with the law, including arrests for drug possession and theft. These incidents received limited press coverage, but they painted a picture of a troubled life separate from his famous father’s glamorous Hollywood circle.

Current status

Jess’s death was a private family matter; James Brolin rarely speaks about it publicly. His memory is preserved in biographies of the Brolin family, but no active foundation or public tribute exists. The loss remains a quiet, painful chapter in James Brolin’s personal history.

“Meeting Barbra was the best thing that ever happened to me. She’s the love of my life.” – James Brolin

– Closer Weekly

“We had an instant connection. I knew within a week that this was the man I was going to marry.” – Barbra Streisand

– My Name Is Barbra (memoir)

The takeaway for anyone tracking James Brolin’s life is that his legacy is tied as much to his family as to his career. For fans of classic television, the lesson is clear: a single iconic role can anchor a lifetime of recognition, but the relationships — with Streisand, with Josh, and with the memory of Jess — are what give the story its depth.