Net Worth Ranker
What Is James Brolin’s Net Worth?
James Brolin, a prominent figure in American entertainment, has accumulated a net worth of $50 million. This substantial wealth is a result of his diverse career encompassing acting, producing, and directing. His notable television roles, such as those in “Marcus Welby, M.D.,” “Hotel,” and “Life in Pieces,” have significantly contributed to his financial standing. Furthermore, his participation in films like “Westworld,” “The Amityville Horror,” “Traffic,” and “Else & Fred” has further solidified his financial success. Beyond his professional achievements, his marriage to Barbra Streisand and his role as the father of actor Josh Brolin have also kept him in the public eye.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Craig Kenneth Bruderlin on July 18, 1940, in Los Angeles, California, James Brolin’s journey to stardom began with humble roots. His mother, Helen Sue, was a housewife, while his father, Henry, worked as a building contractor. Growing up in a family of four children, including a brother and two sisters, Brolin’s early interests included building and flying model airplanes, a hobby he pursued from the age of ten. In his teenage years, he explored his creative side by filming with an 8mm camera. A pivotal moment in Brolin’s life occurred when he befriended classmate Ryan O’Neal at University High School in West LA. This friendship led to O’Neal inviting Brolin to a casting agency, setting the stage for his acting career. After graduating from high school in 1958, Brolin, encouraged by his family to follow O’Neal’s path, enrolled at Santa Monica City College and later attended UCLA to study drama. In 1960, he secured a contract with 20th Century Fox, marking the official start of his professional acting career as a contract player in Sandra Dee films. His early television appearances included a role in an episode of “Bus Stop” in 1961, followed by roles in productions like “Twelve O’Clock High,” “Margie,” “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea,” and the “Batman” series starring Adam West.
Television Career Highlights
In the late 1960s, after being released from his contract with 20th Century Fox, Brolin transitioned to Universal Studios. This move proved to be a turning point in his career, as he was cast opposite veteran actor Robert Young in ABC’s acclaimed medical drama “Marcus Welby, M.D.” His portrayal of Dr. Steven Kiley, a young and talented assistant physician, earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in 1970. This initial recognition was followed by three more Emmy nominations in 1971, 1972, and 1973, further solidifying his status as a respected actor. Additionally, he won Golden Globe Awards for his performance in 1971 and 1973. During his tenure on “Marcus Welby, M.D.,” Brolin also made appearances on ABC’s legal drama “Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law” and starred in the television movie “Trapped.” In 1983, Brolin returned to a leading role in Aaron Spelling’s primetime soap opera “Hotel,” where he played hotel manager Peter McDermott. His performance in “Hotel” earned him two Golden Globe nominations, showcasing his continued success in the television industry. The 1990s saw Brolin starring in ABC’s “Extreme” and CBS’s “Angel Falls,” although neither of these series achieved significant success. He also participated in several made-for-television movies, including “And the Sea Will Tell,” “Visions of Murder,” and “Parallel Lives.” Following appearances in two episodes of “Roseanne,” Brolin experienced a resurgence in his career with the syndicated adventure series “Pensacola: Wings of Gold,” where he not only starred but also directed and executive produced. In the early 2000s, Brolin appeared on “The West Wing” and portrayed Ronald Reagan in the television movie “The Reagans.” His performance as the former president garnered him Emmy and Golden Globe Award nominations, further highlighting his versatility as an actor. Later television credits include appearances on “Psych,” “Castle,” “Community,” and the CBS comedy “Life in Pieces,” where he played the family patriarch. Brolin’s long and varied career has been a key factor in building his impressive $50 million net worth.
Film Career Milestones
After minor roles in 1960s films such as “Dear Brigitte,” “Von Ryan’s Express,” and “Fantastic Voyage,” as well as a larger role in “The Cape Town Affair,” Brolin began to secure leading roles in the 1970s. Among his initial starring roles were in 1972’s “Skyjacked,” alongside Charlton Heston, and 1973’s science-fiction thriller “Westworld,” with Yul Brynner. By the mid-1970s, Brolin had established himself as a leading man, starring in films such as “Gable and Lombard,” “The Car,” “Capricorn One,” and the supernatural horror film “The Amityville Horror.” In the 1980s, he starred in the action crime drama “Night of the Juggler” and the heist film “High Risk,” and he made a cameo appearance in “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.” Following a less active period in the 1990s, Brolin returned to the big screen with a variety of supporting roles in the 2000s and 2010s. He appeared in the Oscar-winning crime drama “Traffic,” Steven Spielberg’s “Catch Me If You Can,” the comedy film “A Guy Thing,” and the thriller “The Hunting Party,” co-starring Richard Gere and Terrence Howard. Subsequent credits include the romantic drama “Last Chance Harvey” with Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson, the musical “Burlesque” with Cher and Christina Aguilera, the rom-com “Love, Wedding, Marriage,” the survival drama “The 33,” and the Tina Fey–Amy Poehler comedy “Sisters.” These film roles, alongside his television work, have contributed significantly to James Brolin’s net worth of $50 million.
Sports Car Racing Endeavors
Brolin’s foray into sports car racing in the late 1970s, though brief, was marked by notable successes. In addition to his triumphs in celebrity auto races, he participated in the 24 Hours Nürburgring race in 1979. He led a two-car team that included renowned female driver Lyn St. James, with the pair achieving 1st and 2nd place finishes. While this venture was relatively short-lived, it added another dimension to Brolin’s diverse career and public persona.
Personal Life and Relationships
James Brolin’s personal life has been marked by three marriages. His first marriage, in 1966, was to aspiring actress and wildlife activist Jane Cameron Agee. Together, they had two children, Josh and Jess, before divorcing in 1984. Through his son Josh, Brolin has grandchildren named Trevor, Eden, Westlyn, and Chapel. In 1986, Brolin married Jan Smithers, whom he met on the set of “Hotel.” The couple had a daughter, Molly Elizabeth, and divorced in 1995. In 1996, Brolin met singer and actress Barbra Streisand through a mutual friend. They married in 1998 and reside in Malibu, California. Brolin is also the stepfather of Jason Gould, Streisand’s only child. While specific details about the financial aspects of these relationships are not publicly available, it is known that the absence of a prenuptial agreement with Barbra Streisand could potentially affect both of their finances. However, James Brolin’s net worth is primarily the result of his career earnings, not his marriages.
