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James Brolin Reveals the Key to Lasting Marriage with Barbra Streisand
Veteran actor James Brolin recently shared insights into his enduring and successful marriage with iconic entertainer Barbra Streisand. The “Ransom Canyon” star, aged 84, has been happily married to the EGOT recipient, 82, for nearly three decades. Brolin disclosed that the secret to their strong union comes down to a simple yet crucial element: prioritizing comfort and quality time together at home.
The Secret to Marital Bliss: A Comfortable Mattress
During a recent appearance on the “Today” show, Brolin playfully revealed, “The best investment we’ve ever made is our mattress.” He elaborated on their shared love for relaxation and spending time together in their personal space. “And don’t misunderstand me. We’re both lazy. We love to sleep late. We accomplish a lot of our work on the phone, on paper, reading, right next to each other,” he explained, highlighting the importance of shared downtime in their relationship.
Navigating Disagreements: Taking a Step Back
The esteemed actor, known for his roles in “Avengers” and other prominent films, also offered a glimpse into how he and the celebrated “Way We Were” actress manage disagreements privately.
“You learn to take a walk,” the Golden Globe award recipient humorously stated. “Both of us, not just me. I just think you gotta say, ‘OK, take a deep breath, take a walk.’” Brolin used an analogy to further clarify their approach, adding, “Because, you know, animals do the same thing, you know? Humans do it to each other, animals do it to each other,” suggesting that taking a break to cool down is a natural and effective conflict resolution strategy.
A Love Story Decades in the Making
Brolin and Streisand’s journey to marital harmony began with a blind date, culminating in their wedding on July 1, 1998. Their relationship blossomed after they were introduced two years prior, and their bond has only strengthened over time.

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Celibacy Before Streisand: Finding the Right Partner
In a candid revelation from 2023, Brolin shared that he had been celibate for three years before meeting Streisand. He expressed on “CBS Mornings,” “I had been — literally it’s a wild word — but I had been celibate for three years, saying, ‘Who needs this?’” He further confessed that they maintained abstinence until their wedding night, indicating a period of focused self-reflection before finding the right partner.
Brolin explained his hesitance towards new relationships stemmed from a desire to avoid “getting involved in a lousy situation” following previous unsuccessful marriages. Despite any initial reservations, he recognized Streisand’s unique qualities and the potential for a lasting and fulfilling partnership.
“The Best Thing Ever”: Marrying Barbra Streisand
Even needing to propose to the acclaimed “Woman in Love” singer “a minimum of three times,” Brolin remained resolute in his pursuit of marriage with Streisand. The actor openly admitted that marrying the star of “Funny Girl” was unequivocally “the best thing [he’s] ever done,” emphasizing the profound positive impact their marriage has had on his life.
Family Life and Blended Families
Streisand was previously married to actor Elliot Gould from 1963 to 1971, and they have a son together, Jason. Brolin also has prior marriages. His first marriage was to Jane Cameron Agee from 1966 to 1984, followed by a marriage to Jan Smithers from 1986 to 1995. He met Streisand the year after his second divorce in 1996.
Upon marrying in 1998, Streisand embraced her role as stepmother to Brolin’s three children: Josh, Jess, and Molly. The family has continued to grow, with Streisand becoming a grandmother to Josh’s four grandchildren, further cementing their family bond.