The Enduring Love Story: Who Is Barbra Streisand's Husband, James Brolin, And Their 27-Year Marriage Secrets?
One of Hollywood’s most enduring and fascinating couples, Barbra Streisand and James Brolin, continue to capture the public imagination with a love story that has spanned nearly three decades. As of the current date in late 2025, Streisand's husband is the veteran actor, producer, and director James Brolin, a man whose own celebrated career often takes a backseat to his role as the legendary diva's devoted partner. The couple recently marked their 27th wedding anniversary on July 1, 2025, a rare milestone in the entertainment world, proving their unique connection is built to last.
Their journey began unexpectedly on a blind date, and their relationship has since become a masterclass in blending two massive celebrity lives into a functional, private marriage. This deep dive explores the life and career of James Brolin, the details of their famous first meeting, and the full context of Barbra Streisand's romantic history.
The Complete Biography of James Brolin: Barbra's Husband
James Brolin, born Craig Kenneth Bruderlin, is far more than just "Barbra Streisand's husband." He is an accomplished actor, director, and producer with a career spanning over six decades, marked by Golden Globe and Emmy Award wins.
- Full Name: Craig Kenneth Bruderlin (Professionally known as James Brolin)
- Born: July 18, 1940, in Los Angeles, California
- Age (as of late 2025): 85
- Occupation: Actor, Director, Producer
- Notable Roles: Dr. Steven Kiley in Marcus Welby, M.D. (which earned him an Emmy), Peter McDermott in Hotel, George Lutz in The Amityville Horror (1979), and General Klinger in the film Traffic.
- Wives:
- Jane Cameron Agee: (m. 1966; div. 1984). They met on the set of the television series Batman.
- Jan Smithers: (m. 1986; div. 1995).
- Barbra Streisand: (m. 1998–Present).
- Children:
- Josh Brolin (from first marriage, famous actor).
- Jess Brolin (from first marriage).
- Molly Elizabeth Brolin (from second marriage).
Brolin’s television career is particularly storied, making him a household name long before he met Streisand. His role in the medical drama Marcus Welby, M.D., which ran from 1969 to 1976, cemented his status as a major television star.
The Candid Blind Date That Started It All in 1996
The origin story of Barbra Streisand and James Brolin’s relationship is a refreshingly candid tale that defies the typical Hollywood narrative. They were set up on a blind date dinner party in 1996. Streisand was 54, and Brolin was 56, both having experienced the highs and lows of previous marriages.
The moment they met, Streisand, known for her directness, immediately commented on Brolin’s appearance. She didn't compliment him; instead, she reportedly said, "Who f***ed up your hair?" This blunt remark, rather than offending Brolin, immediately charmed him.
Brolin later reflected that he was instantly smitten, saying he fell in love "immediately." Streisand, perhaps more cautious, confessed she knew in "a few days" that their connection was something special. This initial honesty and unexpected humor set the tone for their lasting partnership.
They married two years later in 1998 at Streisand's Malibu, California, estate, with guests including the likes of John Travolta and Tom Hanks. Their wedding was a testament to their desire for a private, yet star-studded, celebration of their love.
Secrets to a 27-Year Hollywood Marriage
Maintaining a marriage for 27 years in Hollywood is a feat, especially when both partners are mega-stars with demanding careers. Streisand and Brolin have openly shared insights into the unique dynamics that keep their relationship strong.
The 'Different' Personalities and Lifestyle
One of the most surprising revelations about the couple is their radically different personalities and professional styles. Streisand is known for her meticulous attention to detail and intense focus, while Brolin is often described as more laid-back and easygoing. Brolin has stated that he likes that Streisand is a woman who "says her piece," referencing her candid nature.
Their lifestyle also reflects a unique harmony. They are self-proclaimed night owls, preferring to stay up late and wake up late, a schedule that allows them to maximize their time together without the pressures of a rigid, early-morning routine. This mutual agreement on a non-traditional schedule contributes to their domestic bliss.
The Power of Separate Finances and Counseling
A key to their longevity, as Streisand has discussed, is maintaining separate finances. This pragmatic approach to their substantial wealth ensures that financial decisions do not become a source of marital conflict, a common pitfall for many couples. Furthermore, they have openly credited couple's counseling as a vital tool in navigating the challenges of their blended family and intense careers. This willingness to seek professional help underscores their commitment to the marriage itself.
The Blended Family Dynamic
The Streisand-Brolin union created a significant blended family. James Brolin’s son, the Oscar-nominated actor Josh Brolin, is a major entity in his own right, known for roles in *Dune* and *Avengers: Endgame*. Streisand is a devoted stepmother and grandmother to Brolin’s children and grandchildren.
Similarly, James Brolin is a supportive stepfather to Barbra's son, Jason Gould, from her first marriage. The success of their marriage is often measured by the harmony they've cultivated among their respective, highly public families.
Barbra Streisand's First Husband: The Elliott Gould Chapter
To fully understand the significance of Streisand's marriage to James Brolin, it’s important to look back at her first major relationship with actor Elliott Gould. This marriage was a pivotal moment in both of their careers and personal lives.
Streisand and Gould met in 1962 while co-starring in the Broadway musical *I Can Get It For You Wholesale*. They married in 1963 when Streisand was only 21 years old.
The marriage lasted eight years, during which time they welcomed their son, Jason Gould, in 1966. Their relationship coincided with Streisand’s meteoric rise to superstardom, particularly following her film debut in *Funny Girl*. The pressures of two massive careers and the rapid change in their fame dynamics ultimately led to their divorce in 1971.
Gould has spoken openly about the difficulty of being married to a phenomenon, noting that the overwhelming attention and Streisand's powerful career trajectory were challenging for both of them. Despite the divorce, they have maintained an amicable relationship, successfully co-parenting their son, who is also an actor and filmmaker.
Topical Authority Entities & Keywords
The enduring partnership of Barbra Streisand and James Brolin, alongside the history with Elliott Gould, is a rich tapestry of Hollywood history. Key entities and concepts reinforcing the topical authority of this article include: James Brolin, Elliott Gould, Josh Brolin, Jason Gould, Jane Cameron Agee, Jan Smithers, *Marcus Welby, M.D.*, *Hotel*, *The Amityville Horror*, *Skyjacked*, *Westworld*, *Capricorn One*, *Traffic*, *I Can Get It For You Wholesale*, *Funny Girl*, *A Star Is Born* (Streisand's work), Malibu, California, Golden Globe Awards, Emmy Awards, and their 27th Wedding Anniversary. The story serves as a model for blended families and long-term commitment in the glare of the public eye.
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