James Brolin has deep roots at his ranch, having lived there for many years. His son, Josh, playfully claims he “genuinely grew up as a cowhand.” James shared with Fox News Digital that, while he didn’t grow up on a farm, he was always inspired by cowboys like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. He got his first horse as an adult—a Palomino Parade horse he bought at auction for $235. It was, he said, “almost dead,” and he quickly realized he had no proper place for it, spending the first night sleeping in his garage with the horse.
That experience prompted him to find a rental house, and before long, he had acquired a six-acre property for six horses. “It started slipping,” he recalled, chuckling as he described the chaos of that time.
Interestingly, when he began filming “Marcus Welby, MD” during the show’s second season, he had already moved to a sprawling 270-acre ranch in Central California. It was quite a journey—about four hours from the Universal Studios set in Los Angeles. “I was so far away from work, but I loved that lifestyle,” he reminisced, emphasizing how much it meant for his son, Josh, who really was raised like a cowhand.
Brolin recalled how Universal, upon learning of his move, provided him with a small house to use while on set, which was quite accommodating. He vividly remembers arriving at the ranch and immediately feeling it was the right choice for him and his family.
Currently, at 84, Brolin is tapping into familiar themes for Netflix’s “Ransom Canyon,” a series set in the West, reminiscent of “Yellowstone.” He portrays a character grappling with the tragic loss of his son and wife, aiming to evoke genuine pain and authenticity in his performance. He expressed his desire for the character to resonate deeply, wanting viewers to eagerly anticipate each scene.
The show was filmed in Santa Fe, New Mexico. While it’s not his wife’s style, Brolin seems to have embraced that creative environment. He also admires his son Josh, calling him the “most attentive father” he has ever seen. Josh, who shares two children with his ex-wife Alice Adair and two more with his current wife, Kathryn Boyd, embodies a devotion to family that Brolin respects.
Reflecting on his own journey, Brolin mentioned how, despite his busy career, he always strived to prioritize his children, spending as much time with them on the ranch as possible. He fondly recalls the joy of camping trips and family activities.
Brolin also cherishes his two youngest granddaughters—a dynamic he finds incredibly fulfilling, even if he admits they may be a bit spoiled. “It’s such a joyful time, seeing how much fun they have as a family,” he added.
Married to legendary Barbra Streisand since 1998, Brolin couldn’t help but make light of their long union, hinting that past marriages serve as practice for a successful one. He shared some candid thoughts on marriage, emphasizing the importance of stepping outside when tensions arise. Sometimes, taking a short break can lend perspective—“Oh, that was a strange little argument,” he might say after cooling off.
Overall, his reflections reveal a man who balances career and family with care, finding joy and humor in life’s complexities.
