The 5 Unconventional Secrets To Barbara Streisand And James Brolin's 27-Year Hollywood Marriage

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Hollywood marriages are often fleeting, but the union of Barbra Streisand and James Brolin has defied all expectations, proving to be one of the industry's most enduring love stories. As of today, December 23, 2025, the couple continues to share their unique life, having recently celebrated a monumental milestone that underscores the strength of their bond. Their relationship is not just a tale of two stars, but a fascinating study in compromise, independence, and an unconventional approach to daily life that keeps the spark alive after nearly three decades.

The legendary singer and actor, who first met on a blind date in 1996, have navigated the pressures of fame, blended families, and demanding careers. Their love story, which began with a famously awkward first meeting, has blossomed into a rock-solid partnership, with Brolin recently opening up about the simple, yet profound, secrets that have allowed their marriage to thrive for so long, offering fresh insight into their private world.

Barbra Streisand and James Brolin: A Snapshot of Two Legends

The foundation of their long-lasting marriage lies in the rich and complex lives they led before they met. Both were established figures in their respective fields, bringing a wealth of experience and maturity to their relationship.

  • Barbra Streisand (Singer, Actress, Director):
    • Born: April 24, 1942 (Brooklyn, New York)
    • Career Highlights: EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, star of *Funny Girl*, director of *Yentl* and *The Prince of Tides*.
    • Previous Marriage: Elliott Gould (1963–1971)
    • Child: Jason Gould (with Elliott Gould)
    • Notable Recent Project: Release of her long-awaited memoir, *My Name Is Barbra* (2023).
  • James Brolin (Actor, Director, Producer):
    • Born: July 18, 1940 (Los Angeles, California)
    • Career Highlights: Golden Globe and Emmy winner, known for roles in *Marcus Welby, M.D.*, *Hotel*, *Traffic*, and the recent Netflix series *Ransom Canyon*.
    • Previous Marriages: Jane Cameron Agee (1966–1984), Jan Smithers (1986–1995)
    • Children: Josh Brolin, Jess Brolin (with Jane Cameron Agee), Molly Brolin (with Jan Smithers)
  • Marriage Timeline:
    • First Met: 1996 (on a blind date)
    • Wedding Date: July 1, 1998
    • Latest Milestone: Celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary on July 1, 2025.

The 5 Unconventional Secrets to Their Enduring Love

In recent interviews, both Streisand and Brolin have offered candid explanations for their longevity, which often come down to embracing their differences and maintaining a healthy level of independence. These are the five key "secrets" that keep their relationship fresh and strong as they move into their 27th year of marriage.

1. The "Night Owl" Lifestyle and Loving the Silence

One of the most surprising revelations about the couple's daily life is their unique sleeping schedule. Streisand has openly admitted that they are both extreme "night owls" who prefer to stay up very late and wake up late.

  • The Routine: They often go to bed "very, very late" after enjoying the quiet hours.
  • The Benefit: Streisand explains that they "love the silence of the night," which provides them with uninterrupted, peaceful time together in their Malibu home. This unconventional schedule allows them to sidestep the hustle and bustle of a typical day, creating a private world for just the two of them.

2. Knowing "When to Take a Walk"

James Brolin's most frequently cited piece of marriage advice is perhaps the most practical and honest. He has often stressed the importance of knowing when to give each other space, especially when conflicts arise.

  • The Golden Rule: Brolin's philosophy is simple: "The secret to a long, healthy marriage is knowing when to take a walk."
  • The Application: This means physically removing yourself from the room during a heated discussion to cool down and gain perspective. It's a method of preventing small disagreements from escalating into damaging fights, prioritizing peace over winning an argument.

3. Embracing Their Differences and Opposites Attract

The couple is famously different in personality, a contrast that Brolin believes is the very core of their attraction. Streisand is known for her intensity and meticulous nature, while Brolin is often described as laid-back and easygoing.

  • The Initial Impression: Streisand has recalled their blind date where she famously asked him, "Who ruined your hair?"—a comment Brolin found refreshingly honest.
  • The Synergy: Brolin has stated that their differences are what make the relationship work, noting that he is the one who helps her relax. This dynamic creates a balance, where each partner provides what the other needs to maintain equilibrium.

4. The Power of Separate Bank Accounts and Financial Independence

While often seen as a sign of distrust, the couple has maintained separate finances throughout their marriage, a practice that many financial experts now advocate for. This arrangement, which they have been open about, helps maintain individual autonomy and reduces a common source of marital stress.

  • Autonomy: By keeping their financial lives separate, they ensure that their individual careers and wealth management do not become a source of conflict.
  • Mutual Respect: This structure underscores a deep mutual respect for each other's independence and professional achievements.

5. Celebrating Milestones and Public Affection

Despite their desire for privacy, the couple is not shy about celebrating their milestones and expressing public affection, especially on social media. Their 27th anniversary on July 1, 2025, was marked by a touching tribute from Streisand, who shared a throwback photo from their 1998 wedding.

  • The Anniversary Tradition: Their wedding date (July 1) is the same date as their first meeting, a romantic detail that adds to the significance of their annual celebration.
  • The Memoir's Dedication: Streisand’s memoir, *My Name Is Barbra*, which was years in the making, is a testament to her life, and Brolin's patience and support during the exhaustive writing process were crucial, showing his commitment to her professional pursuits.

The Current Chapter: New Projects and Shared Future

As of late 2025, the couple shows no signs of slowing down, both professionally and personally. James Brolin is actively promoting his new Netflix series, *Ransom Canyon*, which keeps him busy and engaged. Meanwhile, Streisand has expressed a desire to take a step back from the spotlight following the release of her memoir, indicating a shift toward a more relaxed, shared future.

Streisand has spoken about her wish to "wander" with Brolin, suggesting a future filled with travel and quality time together, away from the demands of their careers. This desire to prioritize their relationship after decades of intense work is a powerful signal of their commitment to the next phase of their life. Their story remains a compelling example of how two fiercely independent people can build a lasting, loving, and deeply unique partnership in the heart of Hollywood.

barbara streisand and james brolin
barbara streisand and james brolin

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