Biography
When James Brolin was 15, his parents invited Hollywood producer/director
William Castle to dinner. Impressed by Brolin's self-confidence and teen-idol looks, Castle invited him to audition for a film role at Columbia Pictures. When he failed to land the part, Brolin decided to "show 'em" by studying diligently for an acting career, eventually logging 5,000 hours of class time. While still attending U.C.L.A., he landed a small role on the
Bus Stop TV series, which led to a 20th Century Fox contract. For the next five years, he marked time with bits and minor roles in such Fox features as Take Her, She's Mine (1963),
Goodbye Charlie (1964),
Von Ryan's Express (1965),
Our Man Flint (1966), and
Fantastic Voyage (1966). His first real break came with a peripheral but noticeable recurring role on the 1966 TV Western The Monroes.
In 1968, Brolin finally attained stardom with his Emmy-winning characterization of Dr. Steve Kiley on the popular TV medical series Marcus Welby, M.D. During his five years with Welby, Brolin returned to films to play such choice roles as the unbalanced Vietnam vet in
Skyjacked (1972) and ill-fated vacationer John Blaine in
Westworld (1973). The most conspicuous of his post-Welby film assignments was 1976's
Gable and Lombard, a cinematic atrocity redeemed only slightly by Brolin's earnest portrayal of
Clark Gable. His most endearing screen assignment was his extended cameo as P.W. in
Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (1985), and in 1992 he had one of his strongest roles to date as a wayward father in
Allison Anders'
Gas Food Lodging. Periodically returning to television, Brolin has starred on the weekly series
Hotel (1983), Angel Falls (1993), and
Extremities (1995). James Brolin is the father of actor
Josh Brolin, who co-starred with his dad in the made-for-cable
Finish Line (1989). In 1998, Brolin assumed one of his most high-profile real-life roles to date as the husband of
Barbra Streisand, whom he married in July of that year. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide