Honestly, Hollywood is usually a place where relationships have the shelf life of an open carton of milk. You see these "forever" couples split after eighteen months, and it’s just expected. But then you have James Brolin and Barbra Streisand. They’ve defied every cynical trope in the book.
People are always searching for their ages because, frankly, they both look and act like they’ve found some secret fountain of youth tucked away in their Malibu estate.
So, let’s get the numbers out of the way first.
As of early 2026, James Brolin is 85 years old. He was born on July 18, 1940. Barbra Streisand is 83 years old, having been born on April 24, 1942.
Think about that. They are staring down their late eighties with more energy and career momentum than people half their age. It’s kinda wild.
The Numbers Game: How Old Is James Brolin and Barbra Streisand Exactly?
When you look at the timeline, the gap between them is tiny—just about two years. In the grand scheme of Hollywood "age gap" romances, they’re practically peers.
Brolin, the Los Angeles native, spent decades as a rugged leading man. You probably remember him from Marcus Welby, M.D. or maybe the original Amityville Horror. Even at 85, he’s still working, recently wrapping projects like the Netflix series Sweet Tooth (where he did that iconic narration) and continuing to be a staple in the industry.
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Barbra, of course, is Barbra. Born in Brooklyn, she’s an EGOT winner—Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. She turns 84 this coming April. She’s spent the last year or so basking in the success of her massive memoir, My Name is Barbra, which was basically a 900-page masterclass in "I remember everything."
A Love Story That Started Late
They didn't meet when they were twenty-somethings. They were "seasoned."
They met on a blind date in 1996. Barbra was 54; James was 56.
The story goes that Barbra, never one to mince words, looked at his hair—which he had cut short for a role—and asked, "Who screwed up your hair?"
Most guys would’ve walked out. James Brolin? He fell in love right there. He later said he liked her honesty. They got married on July 1, 1998, which means they are coming up on their 28th wedding anniversary this summer.
Staying Relevant in 2026
You might think that at 85 and 83, they’d be content just sitting on their porch looking at the Pacific Ocean.
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Nope.
Barbra has been incredibly active with her archives lately. There’s a multi-part documentary in the works with Sony Music Vision and director Frank Marshall. She’s digging through her vaults, showing off footage that hasn't seen the light of day in fifty years.
Meanwhile, James is the patriarch of a massive acting dynasty. His son, Josh Brolin, is everywhere—from Dune to the MCU. James often talks about how "the kids" (meaning Josh and the grandkids) keep them grounded.
It’s interesting. Most people search for their age because they want to know if they’re "still around" or "still together."
The answer is a resounding yes.
Health and Longevity Secrets
You don't get to 85 looking like James Brolin by accident.
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He’s been vocal about staying active. He’s a fan of surfing, flying planes, and basically never sitting still. He’s often credited his long-lasting marriage to Barbra as a reason for his health. He’s mentioned in interviews that they have "separate bank accounts" and "lots of negotiation," which apparently keeps the stress levels down.
Barbra is more private about her fitness routine, but her mental sharpness is legendary. Writing a memoir that long requires a brain that's firing on all cylinders. She’s also a big advocate for women's heart health, donating millions through the Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center at Cedars-Sinai. She’s literally invested in longevity.
Why We Are Still Obsessed
Maybe it’s because they represent a version of Hollywood that doesn’t exist anymore. The era of the "Mega-Star."
When you ask how old is james brolin and barbra streisand, you’re really asking about the endurance of talent. We live in a world of 15-second TikTok stars. Streisand has been famous since the early 60s. Brolin has been a household name since the late 60s.
They’ve seen trends come and go. They’ve seen the transition from film to digital, from vinyl to streaming. And yet, they remain the "it" couple.
Actionable Takeaways from the Brolin-Streisand Timeline
If there is anything to learn from these two, it’s that life doesn't peak at 40.
- Don't rush the "big" love: They didn't find each other until their mid-50s. If you’re single and "older," there’s still plenty of time for a 30-year romance.
- Stay curious: Both of them are still starting new projects. Retiring doesn't have to mean stopping.
- Honesty works: Barbra’s bluntness is what won James over. Being yourself—even the prickly parts—is better than being a fake version of yourself.
To stay updated on their latest projects, keep an eye on the upcoming Alex Gibney-produced documentary about Barbra’s life, which is expected to feature rare footage of her and James at home. Also, watch for James Brolin's voice work in upcoming 2026 animation projects—his gravelly tone isn't going anywhere.