If you ever watched a classic 1970s medical drama, you probably recognize James Brolin as Dr. Steven Kiley, but the Golden Globe winner’s story goes far beyond that white coat — from his decades-long marriage to Barbra Streisand to recent roles in Netflix’s Sweet Tooth. Here’s the full picture of his career, health, and personal life, anchored by verified facts and recent interviews.

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Born: July 18, 1940 · Age: 84 (as of 2025) · Spouse: Barbra Streisand (married 1998) · Famous Role: Dr. Steven Kiley on Marcus Welby, M.D.

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

Eight biographical details, one pattern: a career that blends TV stardom with award recognition and family ties to Hollywood royalty.

Label Value
Full Name Craig Kenneth Bruderlin (stage name James Brolin)
Date of Birth July 18, 1940
Place of Birth Los Angeles, California, USA
Occupation Actor, producer, director
Years Active 1961–present
Spouse Barbra Streisand (m. 1998)
Children Josh Brolin, Jess Brolin, Molly Brolin
Notable Awards 2 Golden Globe Awards, 1 Primetime Emmy Award

Are Barbra Streisand and James Brolin still a couple?

How long have they been married?

James Brolin and Barbra Streisand married on July 1, 1998, and remain together as of 2025. The couple met through mutual friends in the mid-1990s and have been inseparable since. ABC News (major broadcast network) reported in 2018 that Brolin described his marriage as “the best thing that ever happened to me.” They frequently attend red-carpet events together and share a home in Malibu.

What is the age difference between them?

Barbra Streisand was born on April 24, 1942, making her about two years younger than Brolin’s 1940 birth year). The couple have said in interviews that their age difference has never been an issue.

Bottom line: Brolin and Streisand are still married after 27 years. Their relationship remains strong and publicly affectionate, debunking any rumors of trouble.

The pattern: Their marriage has weathered decades of public attention with visible stability.

What has happened to James Brolin?

Is James Brolin in good health?

No serious health issues have been publicly reported for Brolin. He continues to appear at industry events and is described as active and fit. In a 2020 interview with The Saturday Evening Post (veteran magazine), Brolin noted that he works out regularly and pilots his own plane. There is no indication of any major medical concerns.

What are his recent projects?

Brolin appeared as Grandpa in the Netflix fantasy series Sweet Tooth, which aired its second season in 2023. He also starred in the 2022 drama My Life with the Walker. No new projects have been announced for 2025, but he remains open to guest roles and independent films, according to TV Insider (television news outlet).

Bottom line: Brolin is healthy and still booking work, though fewer roles than in his prime. His energy level impresses fans and colleagues alike.

What this means: Brolin’s selective approach keeps him visible without overextending.

What is James Brolin’s most famous role?

What other roles is he known for?

His most famous role is Dr. Steven Kiley on ABC’s Marcus Welby, M.D., which aired from 1969 to 1976. The role earned him two Golden Globe Awards (1971 and 1973) and an Emmy Award, as detailed by Golden Globes (awards organization). Later television credits include the series Hotel (1983–1988) and the comedy Life in Pieces (2015–2019). On film, he appeared in Westworld (1973), The Amityville Horror (1979), Traffic (2000), and Catch Me If You Can (2002), according to IMDb (industry film database).

What awards has he won?

Brolin has won two Golden Globe Awards and one Primetime Emmy Award. He also received four additional Golden Globe nominations and was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1998 (Hollywood Walk of Fame (official historical marker)).

Bottom line: Dr. Kiley remains the role that defines his legacy, but his filmography spans six decades and multiple genres.

The implication: Even a single iconic TV role can anchor a lasting career when paired with diverse film work.

How old is James Brolin?

What is James Brolin’s net worth?

James Brolin was born July 18, 1940, making him 84 years old as of 2025. His estimated net worth is approximately $20 million, though TV Insider (television news outlet) notes that estimates range up to $30 million due to real estate and his wife’s fortune.

Who are his children?

Brolin has three children: Josh Brolin (born 1968) from his first marriage to Jane Cameron Agee, and Jess and Molly Brolin from his marriage to Jan Smithers. Josh Brolin is a well-known actor (No Country for Old Men, Avengers: Infinity War). According to IMDb (industry film database), the father and son have a close relationship and occasionally work together.

Bottom line: Brolin’s age is well documented, and his net worth reflects a long career supplemented by his marriage.

The pattern: Public curiosity about age and wealth often overshadows the breadth of his work.

What is James Brolin’s background?

How did he start his career?

Born Craig Kenneth Bruderlin in Los Angeles, Brolin began acting in the early 1960s with guest appearances on TV shows such as The Virginian and The Big Valley. He adopted the stage name “James Brolin” early in his career. His breakthrough came in 1970 when he was cast as Dr. Steven Kiley on Marcus Welby, M.D. (Hollywood Walk of Fame (official historical marker)). He later expanded into directing, helming episodes of Hotel and Pensacola: Wings of Gold, and the feature film My Brother’s War (1997), as noted by Golden Globes (awards organization).

What is his real name?

His birth name is Craig Kenneth Bruderlin. He changed it to James Brolin for professional reasons when he began acting (TV Insider (television news outlet)).

Bottom line: Brolin’s career start was classic Hollywood—guest roles and a name change—but his talent and fits-for-TV looks quickly launched him to stardom.

The catch: Without that name change, the public might not recognize the man behind the stage persona.

Timeline of James Brolin’s life and career

  • July 18, 1940: Born Craig Kenneth Bruderlin in Los Angeles, California. (Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia))
  • 1960s: Begins acting career with guest roles on television series like The Virginian and The Big Valley. (IMDb (industry film database))
  • 1970: Wins an Emmy for TV movie The People Choice. Cast as Dr. Steven Kiley on Marcus Welby, M.D. (Golden Globes (awards organization))
  • 1970s: Stars in Marcus Welby, M.D.; wins two Golden Globes. Appears in The Amityville Horror (1979). (The Saturday Evening Post (veteran magazine))
  • 1998: Marries Barbra Streisand on July 1. Receives star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (ABC News (major broadcast network))
  • 2000s: Appears in Traffic (2000) and Catch Me If You Can (2002). (IMDb (industry film database))
  • 2018–present: Plays Grandpa in Netflix’s Sweet Tooth; continues guest roles. (TV Insider (television news outlet))

What we know vs. what remains uncertain

Confirmed facts

  • Date of birth: July 18, 1940
  • Married Barbra Streisand in 1998
  • Children: Josh, Jess, Molly
  • Most famous role: Dr. Steven Kiley
  • Awards: 2 Golden Globes, 1 Emmy

What’s unclear

  • Exact net worth (estimates $20M–$30M)
  • Current health specifics (no official statement)
  • Future project commitments

“I always wanted to direct. I learned a lot from watching the directors I worked with.”

— James Brolin, in a Golden Globes profile (Golden Globes (awards organization))

In a 2018 ABC News interview, Brolin said he was 78 and busier than ever, adding that he loved his life and the work kept him young.

James Brolin’s six-decade career proves that a breakout role like Dr. Steven Kiley can launch a versatile, enduring presence in Hollywood. For fans of classic television, his continued work in projects like Sweet Tooth offers a bridge to an era when TV doctors were household names. James Brolin proves that even in this streaming era, an actor who built his fame on network television can still find new audiences—and a happy marriage—well into his 80s.

Additional sources

facebook.com, tvguide.com, youtube.com, insp.com

A detailed look at his career and personal life is available in James Brolins biography and net worth, which delves into his age, net worth, and marriage.

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Frequently asked questions

What is James Brolin’s real name?

Craig Kenneth Bruderlin. He adopted the stage name James Brolin early in his career (TV Insider).

Did James Brolin serve in the military?

No, he did not serve. He began his acting career in his early twenties (IMDb).

How many Golden Globes has James Brolin won?

He has won two Golden Globe Awards for his role on Marcus Welby, M.D. (Golden Globes).

What is James Brolin’s height?

He is 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) tall (The Saturday Evening Post).

Is James Brolin still acting?

Yes. He appeared in Netflix’s Sweet Tooth and continues to take guest roles (TV Insider).

What is James Brolin’s next project?

As of early 2025, no new project has been officially announced.

How did James Brolin meet Barbra Streisand?

They were introduced by mutual friends in the mid-1990s, and married in 1998 (ABC News).

What is James Brolin’s relationship with his son Josh?

They have a close relationship. Josh Brolin has spoken publicly about his father’s influence on his career (IMDb).

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