James Brolin's Choice of Celibacy Before Marrying Barbra Streisand: Avoiding a Potential 'Lousy Situation'
James Brolin's celibacy before marrying Barbra Streisand in 1998: A conscious decision to avoid a potentially unhappy situation
James Brolin. Cindy Ord/Getty Images
After getting married to Barbra Streisand in 1998, James Brolin, at the age of 83, admitted that he had previously been committed to abstinence following his second marriage. However, his perspective changed after the wedding. During an interview with Gayle King on CBS Mornings, which aired on November 6, Brolin revealed that he had maintained celibacy for three years, but eventually decided that it was no longer necessary.
During the joint discussion, Streisand, who is 81 years old, reprimanded her husband by playfully tapping his knee as he revealed the confession. "You weren't supposed to disclose that," she scolded.
King, who is 68 years old, was surprised to learn that Brolin had voluntarily refrained from sexual activity for three years. However, the actor, known for his role in Lightyear, simply had no interest in getting involved with anyone following his separation from Jan Smithers in 1995. After being together for almost a decade, the former spouses, who have a daughter named Molly Elizabeth, decided to go their separate ways.
Brolin was previously married to Jane Cameron Agee from 1966 until 1984, and together they had two sons, Josh and Jess Brolin. Agee unfortunately passed away in 1995.
When asked about his marriage to Streisand, James shared, "I had no desire to be in a difficult situation." King humorously replied, "Well, after three years, that must have been quite a memorable night, then?" James laughed and described his wedding night with Streisand as "wild."
James Brolin, Barbara Streisand. Hulton Archive/Getty Images
The couple, who commemorated their 25th wedding anniversary in July, also presented viewers with James' heartfelt letter for the occasion. In the letter, the former Life in Pieces star disclosed that he had proposed to the "Memory" singer on three separate occasions before she finally accepted.
When asked why she didn't immediately accept the engagement, Streisand humorously remarked, "I don't know, I have to try them out first — for at least two years." It seemed that the Grammy winner was alluding to her previous marriage with Elliot Gould, which lasted from 1963 to 1971. The former couple shares a son, Jason Gould.
Despite a sluggish beginning, James and Streisand's relationship has steadily developed over time. This was evident in James' heartfelt letter, where he wrote, "Home is not merely a location; it is a person. You know you've found the right person when your desire to be with them never wanes. And even when I am no longer here, I will continue to love you."
Streisand was astounded by her partner's words and exclaimed, "Honey, when I read that, I was completely taken aback!"
