8 Surprising Facts About James Brolin's Life And Career As He Turns 85
The enduring Hollywood star James Brolin remains a fixture on screen, even as he enters a remarkable new decade of his life. As of today, December 19, 2025, the veteran actor is 85 years old, having celebrated his latest birthday on July 18, 2025. His longevity in the entertainment industry, which spans over six decades, is a testament to his versatility as an actor, director, and producer, with recent projects keeping his career fresh and relevant for a new generation of fans.
From his breakout role as Dr. Steven Kiley in the classic medical drama *Marcus Welby, M.D.* to his recent work in the 2024 Netflix series *Ransom Canyon*, Brolin has navigated the ever-changing landscape of film and television with grace. This article delves into the life, career milestones, and personal journey of the man who has captivated audiences for generations, exploring how his age is simply a number in a career defined by continuous success.
James Brolin: A Complete Biography and Profile
James Brolin, born Craig Kenneth Bruderlin, has one of the most distinguished and lengthy careers in Hollywood. His life has been marked by significant professional achievements and a well-documented personal life, most notably his nearly three-decade marriage to entertainment icon Barbra Streisand.
- Full Name: Craig Kenneth Bruderlin (also cited as James Brudelin)
- Date of Birth: July 18, 1940
- Current Age (December 2025): 85 years old
- Place of Birth: Westwood, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
- Occupation: Actor, Director, Producer
- Spouses:
- Jane Cameron Agee (m. 1966; div. 1984)
- Jan Smithers (m. 1986; div. 1995)
- Barbra Streisand (m. 1998; present)
- Children:
- Josh Brolin (Actor, with Jane Cameron Agee)
- Jess Brolin (with Jane Cameron Agee)
- Molly Brolin (with Jan Smithers)
- Notable Awards: Primetime Emmy Award (1970), Golden Globe Award (1971, 1973)
The Golden Age: Career Highlights and Awards
Brolin’s career is a masterclass in staying power. While many know him from his major film roles, his foundation was built on television, which cemented his status as a leading man in the late 1960s and 1970s.
The Television Breakthrough with Dr. Steven Kiley
His role as the young, dedicated Dr. Steven Kiley in the series *Marcus Welby, M.D.* (1969–1976) was the defining moment of his early career. This performance not only made him a household name but also earned him significant critical acclaim.
For his work on the show, Brolin secured a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Drama in 1970. He followed this with two Golden Globe Awards for Best Supporting Actor in Television in 1971 and 1973. This early success set a high bar for the rest of his career.
From Medical Drama to Cinematic Horror and Sci-Fi
Brolin successfully transitioned to major feature films, showcasing his range across multiple genres. He played the lead in the iconic sci-fi thriller *Westworld* (1973) as John Blane, a role that pre-dated the popular HBO series adaptation by decades.
Perhaps his most famous film role is George Lutz in the terrifying 1979 horror classic *The Amityville Horror*. His portrayal of a man tormented by supernatural forces remains a benchmark in the horror genre. His later film credits demonstrate his versatility, including roles in critically acclaimed films like Steven Soderbergh’s *Traffic* (2000) and Steven Spielberg’s *Catch Me If You Can* (2002).
A Life in the Spotlight: Family, Longevity, and Recent Projects
At 85, James Brolin is not slowing down. His recent work and public appearances continue to generate interest, especially concerning his personal life and his famous family members.
The Brolin-Streisand Dynasties
Brolin's marriage to Barbra Streisand in 1998 is one of Hollywood's most enduring and high-profile unions, approaching its 30-year milestone.
In April 2025, Brolin spoke publicly about the secrets to their long marriage, emphasizing the importance of communication and mutual respect—a topic that frequently surfaces in celebrity news and interviews, highlighting their status as a power couple.
The Brolin name is also carried forward by his son, Josh Brolin, a highly successful actor known for major roles in films like *Dune* and as Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The multi-generational acting talent of the Brolin family is a fascinating aspect of James's legacy. James Brolin also has two other children, Jess Brolin and Molly Brolin, from his previous two marriages to Jane Cameron Agee and Jan Smithers, respectively.
Staying Current: From *Westworld* to *Ransom Canyon*
Despite his age, James Brolin remains active in contemporary media. The "how old is James Brolin" question is often followed by "what is he working on now?"
In 2024, he starred in the Netflix drama series *Ransom Canyon*, a modern-day western that demonstrates his continued ability to take on leading roles. This commitment to new projects, even in his mid-80s, highlights his passion for the craft and his remarkable longevity in an industry that constantly seeks new faces.
His roles, whether as the compassionate Dr. Kiley, the tormented George Lutz, or a modern rancher, showcase a career that has consistently evolved. Brolin’s work serves as an inspiration, proving that a long, successful career in Hollywood is achievable through dedication and a willingness to embrace new opportunities.
Key Entities and LSI Keywords Related to James Brolin
The story of James Brolin is interwoven with many famous names, iconic films, and awards that define his topical authority:
- Family: Barbra Streisand, Josh Brolin, Jane Cameron Agee, Jan Smithers, Jess Brolin, Molly Brolin.
- Television Roles: *Marcus Welby, M.D.*, *Hotel*, *Pensacola: Wings of Gold*, *Life in Pieces*, *Ransom Canyon*.
- Film Roles: *Westworld*, *The Amityville Horror*, *Skyjacked*, *Traffic*, *Catch Me If You Can*, *A Star Is Born* (2018).
- Awards: Primetime Emmy Winner, Golden Globe Winner, Best Supporting Actor, Director.
These entities not only provide depth to his biography but also serve as key LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords, naturally connecting his story to broader searches about classic Hollywood, celebrity marriages, and acting dynasties.
Conclusion: The Legacy of a Hollywood Veteran
James Brolin, at 85 years old, is more than just a historical figure in Hollywood; he is a current, working actor whose impact spans multiple generations of entertainment. His life—from his early days as Craig Kenneth Bruderlin to his status as a Golden Globe and Emmy winner, and his role as husband to Barbra Streisand and father to Josh Brolin—is a rich tapestry of success. His continued presence in projects like *Ransom Canyon* proves that for this Hollywood veteran, age is simply a measure of experience, not a limit on his career.
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