From Blind Date to Everlasting Love: Barbra Streisand and James Brolin's Relationship Journey
Barbra Streisand and James Brolin's love story began on a blind date in 1996 Two years later, they exchanged vows, marking the start of a beautiful journey Their relationship blossomed through the years, overcoming challenges and celebrating milestones together From 1996 to 2023, their enduring love story continues to inspire
James Brolin, Barbra Streisand. Kevin Mazur/VF19/WireImage
Barbra Streisand and James Brolin had challenging love lives until destiny united them.
Before she crossed paths with Brolin, Streisand tied the knot with Elliot Gould in 1963 and became a mother to son Jason before their separation in 1971. Brolin, on the other hand, got married twice before meeting the singer; he was previously married to Jane Cameron Agee from 1966 to 1984 and Jan Smithers from 1986 to 1995. James has a son named Josh and a daughter named Jess with Agee, and a daughter named Molly with Smithers.
Scroll down to view the timeline of Brolin and Streisand's relationship.
1996
Streisand revealed that she and Brolin met at a dinner party orchestrated by their friends and the actor’s appearance at the event took her by surprise.
"We were initially introduced on a blind date, and due to my shyness, upon entering the house, I immediately headed downstairs to engage with the children and enjoy some playtime with them. Eventually, I gathered the courage to join everyone at the table," Streisand shared about her first encounter with Brolin at a friend's dinner party during her appearance on The Tonight Show in 2021. "I had anticipated a man with a brown beard and wavy, brown hair, resembling a rugged mountain man. However, to my surprise, I encountered a gentleman who had completely shaved off his hair and had no beard. As I passed by him, I casually ran my fingers through his hair and jokingly exclaimed, 'Who messed up your hair?'"
Later in that same year, they publicly revealed their relationship as they made a joint appearance on the red carpet for the premiere of The Mirror Has Two Faces in November 1996.
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1998
Brolin and Streisand got married in a glamorous event in July 1998, after dating for two years. Celebrities such as John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Quincy Jones, and Sydney Pollack were among the guests who witnessed their wedding.
Just a month later, Brolin was honored with his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Streisand proudly stood beside him during the ceremony.
2000
Streisand was awarded the National Medal of Arts by former President Bill Clinton, and she was joined by Brolin at the White House.
2003
Bolin and Streisand made an appearance at the premiere of A Guy Thing, Bolin's film. The next year, they made a joint entrance on the red carpet for the premiere of Meet the Fockers, Streisand's film.
Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for LACMA
2007
2015
After being married for 17 years, Brolin revealed that his relationship with Streisand thrives due to their decision to maintain separate bank accounts. "We have divided our finances, and I genuinely appreciate it," the actor stated in a HuffPost Live interview in November 2015. "This is my third marriage, and I am well-aware of the issues that can arise from being married, so I wanted to eliminate any potential reasons for divorce or remarriage."
2018
The couple celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary and Streisand penned a heartfelt message to Brolin for the milestone.
“Has it really been 22 years since our blind date? Married for 20 years. Happy anniversary honey,” she wrote via Instagram in July 2018.
Dan MacMedan/WireImage
2021
While in lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, Brolin shared that quarantining with Streisand strengthened their relationship.
2023
During a June 2021 interview with The Talk, he revealed that COVID had significantly impacted their lives. Many couples, including themselves, have struggled with their marriages for the past 15 months. However, they have managed to find a silver lining in the situation. Being confined together day after day has allowed them to grow closer and ultimately fall deeper in love with each other. They have successfully navigated the challenges and made their relationship work.
Streisand expressed her desire to spend the rest of her life enjoying quality time with Brolin and their family as they commemorated their 25th wedding anniversary. In a November 2023 interview with the BBC, she stated, "I simply want to live life. I yearn to hop into my husband's truck and embark on aimless but joyful adventures, preferably with our children close by. Having them around brings a sense of excitement to my life. They greatly enjoy playing with our dogs, and we have a great time together."
