Who is Josh Brolin?
Josh Brolin, a versatile American actor, continues to captivate audiences with his rugged charm and commanding performances. Born on February 12, 1968, he’s trending in July 2025 for his upcoming role in The Running Man remake and a recent Malibu reunion with co-stars Sean Penn and Nick Nolte. Known for iconic roles like Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Gurney Halleck in Dune: Part Two, Brolin’s career spans four decades. A lesser-known fact: he once traded stocks full-time, earning more than from acting during a career lull.
Key Information
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Josh James Brolin |
| Nickname | None widely known |
| Profession | Actor, Producer, Director |
| Known For | The Goonies, No Country for Old Men, Thanos in MCU |
| Age | 57 years (as of July 2025) |
| Date of Birth | February 12, 1968 |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Years Active | 1985–present |
| Hometown | Templeton, California |
| Current Residence | Simi Valley, California |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Nationality | American |
| Educational Qualification | High School (Santa Barbara High School) |
| Hobbies | Surfing, writing, stock trading |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse Name | Kathryn Boyd (m. 2016–present) |
| Children | Trevor, Eden, Westlyn Reign, Chapel Grace |
Early Life & Education
Josh Brolin was born in Santa Monica, California, on February 12, 1968, to actor James Brolin and wildlife activist Jane Cameron Agee. Raised on a ranch in Templeton, California, he had minimal exposure to his father’s Hollywood career, fostering a grounded upbringing. His parents’ divorce when he was 16 marked a turbulent period, leading to a rebellious phase where he joined the “Cito Rats,” a punk-rock surfing group in Santa Barbara. Brolin admitted to stealing car radios to fund drug use, including heroin, though he avoided addiction. He attended Santa Barbara High School, discovering acting through improv classes, which sparked his passion. Despite his father’s fame, Brolin initially resisted acting, preferring the freedom of his coastal lifestyle.
Physical Appearance
- Height: 6 feet (183 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 176 lbs (80 kg)
- Eye Colour: Light brown
- Hair Colour: Dark brown
- Tattoos: None publicly documented
Career Journey
Brolin’s career kicked off with his debut as Brand Walsh in the 1985 cult classic The Goonies, a Steven Spielberg-produced adventure that became a defining role of his youth. His follow-up, Thrashin’ (1986), disappointed him, prompting a shift to television, including a starring role as Wild Bill Hickok in The Young Riders (1989–1992). After a career dip in the 1990s, he pivoted to stock trading, but his resurgence came with No Country for Old Men (2007), earning critical acclaim as Llewelyn Moss. His portrayal of Dan White in Milk (2008) secured an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, cementing his status.
Brolin’s versatility shone in roles like George W. Bush in W. (2008), Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame), and Cable in Deadpool 2 (2018). His collaboration with Denis Villeneuve in Sicario (2015) and Dune (2021, 2024) showcased his depth as Gurney Halleck. In 2025, Brolin is set to star in Edgar Wright’s The Running Man remake, a dystopian thriller, and continues work on Amazon’s Outer Range. He co-founded Brolin Productions, contributing to projects like The People Speak (2009). Awards include a Screen Actors Guild nomination and multiple critics’ accolades.
Relationships
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Wife: Kathryn Boyd (married since 2016, former assistant turned actress and producer)
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Past Relationships: Previously married to Diane Lane (2004–2013); the couple divorced amid public controversies.
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Brolin has openly addressed his past issues with anger and alcohol, having sought rehabilitation in the 2010s.
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He lives a more grounded life now, focused on family, wellness, and outdoor activities like surfing and hiking.
Family
| Relation | Name |
|---|---|
| Father | James Brolin |
| Mother | Jane Cameron Agee (deceased 1995) |
| Brother(s) | Jess Brolin |
| Sister(s) | Molly Elizabeth Brolin |
| Spouse | Kathryn Boyd |
| Children | Trevor, Eden, Westlyn Reign, Chapel Grace |
Controversies
- Brolin’s career hasn’t been without turbulence. His 2004 arrest for domestic battery involving Diane Lane drew significant media attention, though charges were dropped, and he later clarified it as a heated misunderstanding.
- In 2008, he faced public intoxication charges, which he resolved by focusing on sobriety. His 2014 comments about the Jonah Hex film’s failure sparked online debates, with fans divided over his blunt critique of the project.
- Recently, in November 2024, his memoir From Under the Truck stirred controversy when his brother Jess Brolin was spotted in distressed circumstances, prompting discussions about family dynamics. Despite these, Brolin’s openness about his past, including losing 19 friends to addiction, has earned respect for his resilience.
Net Worth
- Estimated Net Worth: $45 million (as of 2024)
- Main Income Sources:
- Acting roles in films (Avengers, Dune, No Country for Old Men)
- Producing via Brolin Productions
- Stock trading (significant earnings in early 2000s)
- Book sales from From Under the Truck (2024)
- Real estate investments (e.g., $6.55 million Brentwood sale in 2020)
Social Media Presence
| Platform | Username / Handle | Followers (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| @joshbrolin | 3.4 million |
Lesser Known Facts
- Surfing Roots: Brolin was part of the “Cito Rats,” a punk-rock surfing crew in 1980s Santa Barbara, shaping his rebellious youth.
- Stock Trading Savvy: In the early 2000s, he earned more from trading momentum stocks than acting, showcasing his financial acumen.
- Writing Passion: Brolin has written poems and stories inspired by his late mother, Jane Cameron Agee.
- Sobriety Journey: Sober since 2013, he credits yoga and meditation for his mental clarity.
- First Job: Worked as a busboy before landing The Goonies role at 17.
- Phobia: Dislikes confined spaces, a quirk he mentioned in a 2018 interview.
- Dream Destination: Iceland, for its raw landscapes, as shared in a 2021 podcast.
- Guilty Pleasure: Enjoys classic rock vinyl records, particularly Led Zeppelin.
- Hidden Talent: Skilled at improvisation, honed during high school acting classes.
- Admired Figure: Looks up to director Denis Villeneuve for his storytelling vision.
Latest Updates
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Based in Malibu, California, Brolin maintains a semi-private lifestyle.
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He is rumored to be collaborating with Sean Penn on an indie film or limited docuseries, following their 2025 Malibu outing.
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Also attached to a Netflix drama centered around a retired CIA operative, currently in pre-production.
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Recently photographed with Nick Nolte and Sean Penn, reigniting public interest in 80s–90s cinema icons.
FAQs
- What is Josh Brolin’s age?
Josh Brolin is 57 years old, born on February 12, 1968. - Is Josh Brolin married?
Yes, he has been married to Kathryn Boyd since September 24, 2016. - Who is Josh Brolin dating now in 2025?
Brolin is not dating; he is happily married to Kathryn Boyd. - What does Josh Brolin do for a living?
He is an actor, producer, and director, known for films and TV projects like Dune and Outer Range. - What is Josh Brolin known for?
He’s renowned for The Goonies (1985), No Country for Old Men (2007), Milk (2008), and playing Thanos in the MCU. - What are Josh Brolin’s latest projects in 2025?
He stars in The Running Man (November 2025) and Outer Range Season 2, with a possible role in Weapons (August 2025). - Has Josh Brolin been involved in any controversies?
Yes, notable incidents include a 2004 domestic abuse arrest (resolved, no charges) and 2008 public intoxication charges. His memoir’s depiction of family dynamics also sparked debate in 2024.
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