85 And Still Thriving: The Untold Story Of James Brolin's Age, Iconic Roles, And 2025 Projects

The legendary actor James Brolin remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring and versatile stars, having graced both the big and small screens for over six decades. As of today, December 10, 2025, Brolin is a remarkable 85 years old, a milestone he celebrated on July 18, 2025. His career is currently experiencing a fresh resurgence with major projects, including a starring role in a new Netflix Western series, proving that age is merely a number for this seasoned performer. This deep dive explores his long-spanning career, his famous family, and the latest updates on his work.

James Brolin’s life story is a fascinating blend of television stardom, blockbuster film roles, a near-miss as James Bond, and a celebrated 27-year marriage to the iconic Barbra Streisand. From his early days as a contract player at 20th Century Fox to his current focus on directing and producing, Brolin continues to define a successful, multi-faceted Hollywood career.

James Brolin: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile

James Brolin, born Craig Kenneth Bruderlin, has built a legacy that transcends generations. His career is characterized by an ability to transition seamlessly between dramatic, action, and comedic roles, earning him multiple Golden Globe Awards and an Emmy Award nomination. The following profile provides a quick look at the man behind the roles:

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• Full Name: Craig Kenneth Bruderlin
• Current Age (as of Dec 10, 2025): 85 years old
• Date of Birth: July 18, 1940
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Occupation: Actor, Producer, Director
• Spouses:
  • Jane Cameron Agee (m. 1966; div. 1984)
  • Jan Smithers (m. 1986; div. 1995)
  • Barbra Streisand (m. 1998)
• Children:
  • Josh Brolin (son, with Jane Cameron Agee)
  • Jess Brolin (son, with Jane Cameron Agee)
  • Molly Elizabeth Brolin (daughter, with Jan Smithers)
• Notable Awards: Two Golden Globe Awards, one Primetime Emmy Award

The Early Years and Rise to Stardom

Brolin’s career began in the early 1960s, a period when he was a contract player for 20th Century Fox. His breakthrough came with the medical drama Marcus Welby, M.D., where he starred as the young, dedicated Dr. Steven Kiley from 1969 to 1976. This role cemented his status as a television star and earned him his first Golden Globe and an Emmy nomination.

The 1970s saw Brolin take on memorable film roles that became cult classics. He starred as George Lutz in the original 1979 horror film The Amityville Horror, a role that showcased his dramatic range in the supernatural genre. He also played Col. Charles Brubaker in the sci-fi thriller Capricorn One (1978), further establishing his presence in major motion pictures.

Another major television success followed in the 1980s with the popular drama series Hotel, where he played the charismatic Peter McDermott, a role that secured him a second Golden Globe Award. His ability to anchor long-running series is a testament to his consistent appeal and acting prowess.

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The Enduring Power Couple: James Brolin and Barbra Streisand

One of the most talked-about aspects of Brolin's life is his marriage to legendary singer, actress, and director Barbra Streisand. The couple’s relationship is a Hollywood fairy tale of finding love later in life. They met on a blind date in 1996 and married two years later in 1998.

In July 2025, James Brolin and Barbra Streisand celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary, a significant milestone in the often-turbulent world of celebrity relationships.

The secret to their enduring marital bliss, according to the couple, lies in respecting each other’s independence and embracing their different schedules. Streisand has openly discussed that their relationship thrives on a foundation of mutual support and a willingness to compromise, a dynamic that has kept their relationship strong for nearly three decades.

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The Famous Father-Son Dynamic with Josh Brolin

James Brolin is also widely known as the father of Academy Award-nominated actor Josh Brolin, whose mother is James's first wife, Jane Cameron Agee. The father-son duo represents a rare instance of two major Hollywood stars from the same family, though their relationship has been described as complex and evolving over the years.

Josh Brolin has often spoken about the unique and sometimes challenging nature of growing up with a famous father, but the two share a deep, professional respect for each other’s work. The Brolin name has become synonymous with a powerful, multi-generational presence in the film industry, with both men achieving success across various genres and platforms.

James Brolin's Latest Projects and Directing Focus in 2025

Despite turning 85, James Brolin shows no signs of slowing down. His recent and upcoming projects highlight his continued relevance in modern Hollywood, particularly as he expands his focus into directing and producing, an area he first explored with the series Hotel.

Starring in Netflix’s *Ransom Canyon*

One of Brolin's most anticipated recent projects is his starring role in the new Netflix Western drama series, Ransom Canyon. This modern Western focuses on land, loyalty, and legacy, a theme perfectly suited to Brolin’s rugged, authoritative screen presence. He plays a tough Texas rancher, a role that leverages his veteran status and commanding on-screen persona.

The series is a major addition to the Western genre on a streaming platform, bringing Brolin's talent to a new generation of viewers. His character is a retired military captain, aptly nicknamed "The Colonel," a figure central to the drama unfolding on the vast Texas landscape.

The Psychological Thriller *Weapons*

In 2025, Brolin is also part of the ensemble cast for the psychological horror film Weapons. This film features him playing an angry father whose daughter is one of many children who have mysteriously gone missing. This project showcases Brolin’s willingness to tackle darker, more intense material, proving his versatility even at 85.

Furthermore, Brolin has stated that his current passion lies in directing and producing. He has a number of different projects in various stages of development, indicating a shift towards working behind the camera while still taking on select, impactful acting roles. This focus on directing is a natural evolution for an actor who has spent decades learning the craft from every angle.

A Legacy of Near-Misses and Iconic Success

An interesting piece of Hollywood trivia about James Brolin's career is his near-casting as James Bond. In the early 1980s, Brolin was seriously considered to replace Roger Moore as Agent 007, even screen-testing for the role. Although the role eventually went back to Moore for Octopussy, the fact that he was a frontrunner for one of the most iconic roles in cinema speaks volumes about his international appeal and leading-man qualities.

From his early work as Dr. Steven Kiley and Peter McDermott to his recent roles in films like Traffic (2000) and the comedy series Life in Pieces, James Brolin has maintained a consistent and respected presence in the entertainment industry. His long Hollywood career, spanning over 60 years, is a masterclass in longevity and reinvention.