About Josh Brolin
Josh Brolin is an American actor who rose to fame with his early role in the adventure film "The Goonies" (1985). After a period of decline, he experienced a career resurgence with his standout performance in the crime film "No Country for Old Men" (2007). This portrayal earned him critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Dan White in the biopic "Milk" (2008). He achieved widespread recognition for his portrayal of the iconic character 'Thanos' in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His appearances in films like "Avengers: Infinity War" (2018) and "Avengers: Endgame" (2019) solidified his status as a prominent figure in the superhero genre. Throughout his career, Brolin has delivered notable performances in a range of films, including "W." (2008), "True Grit: (2010), "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" (2010), "Men in Black 3" (2012), "Oldboy" (2013), "Inherent Vice" (2014), "Everest" (2015), "Sicario" (2015), "Hail, Caesar!" (2016), "Deadpool 2" (2018), and "Dune" (2021). In 2022, he starred in the captivating supernatural mystery series "Outer Range".
Who are Josh Brolin's Parents?
Josh Brolin, born on February 12, 1968, in Santa Monica, California, USA, holds American nationality. His birth name is Josh James Brolin. About his parents, he is the son of Jane Cameron and James Brolin; his father was an actor, and his mother a wildlife activist. Raised on a ranch in Templeton, California, he had limited exposure to his father's acting career. Brolin's parents divorced when he was 16, and he faced personal struggles, including drug use and car theft to support his habits. However, his passion for acting emerged during his high school years, particularly after taking an improv acting class. Despite encountering challenging times, Brolin managed to overcome adversity and embark on a successful acting career. He has three siblings namely Jess Brolin (Younger Sister), Molly Brolin (Younger Half-Sister), and Jason Gould (Older Stepbrother). During his time of desperation, he received spiritual counseling in the practices of Scientology but soon realized that it was not for him. He has a diverse ancestral heritage, including German-Swiss, English, Scottish, and Irish roots on his father's side.
During his youth in Santa Barbara, Brolin was part of a close-knit surfing group called the "Cito Rats." This group comprised individuals from various backgrounds, including both neglected children of affluent parents and less privileged youngsters. The group's dynamics were influenced by the punk rock culture of the 1980s. Brolin candidly admitted to engaging in car theft to finance his drug use, although he emphasized his distaste for heroin, a drug he experimented with but did not develop an addiction to. Tragically, he lost 19 friends to drug-related incidents, highlighting the destructive impact substance abuse can have. Brolin's personal experiences, including his encounters with adversity, have likely shaped his perspective and contributed to the depth of his performances as an actor.
Josh Brolin received his education at Templeton Elementary and Templeton Middle School before moving on to high school in Santa Barbara when he was approximately 11 or 12 years old. During his time in high school, he enrolled in an improv acting class, which sparked his passion for the craft and ignited his interest in pursuing acting as a career.
Josh Brolin Acting Career
- After initially appearing in TV films and guest roles, Josh Brolin gained recognition with his notable role as Brandon Walsh in the film "The Goonies" directed by Richard Donner in 1985.
- He was also considered for the role of Tom Hanson in the series "21 Jump Street," alongside Johnny Depp, but the role went to Depp. He later guest-starred in an episode of the show's first season, and he and Depp remained close friends.
- After a small role in the 1994 movie "Roadflower," Brolin experienced doubts about his acting abilities following the premiere of his second film, "Thrashin'," due to what he considered "horrendous" acting on his part. This led him to step away from film acting for several years.
- During this time, he focused on stage roles in Rochester, New York, often performing alongside his mentor and friend, Anthony Zerbe. One of his notable early career roles was portraying "Wild Bill" Hickok in the ABC Western TV series "The Young Riders," which aired for three seasons from 1989 to 1992.
- Brolin also had involvement in other TV series such as "Winnetka Road" (1994) and "Mister Sterling" (2003), both of which were canceled after a few episodes.
- In 2006, Josh Brolin transitioned from full-time stock trading to booking a lead role in the Coen brothers' acclaimed film "No Country for Old Men" (2007), which won multiple Academy Awards. He continued his successful streak by securing a part in Ridley Scott's hit film "American Gangster" (2007).
- Oliver Stone cast Brolin in the biopic "W." (2008), a film about President George W. Bush, despite initial hesitation. Brolin received critical acclaim for his portrayal, showcasing his ability to disappear into a character rather than striving to be a traditional leading man.
- His performance as city supervisor Dan White in Gus Van Sant's "Milk" (2008) earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
- Brolin made headlines by wearing a White Knot to the Academy Awards ceremony, showing his support for the same-sex marriage movement.
- In addition to his acting work, Brolin delved into producing and directing. He executive produced and performed in the documentary feature film "The People Speak" (2009), based on historian Howard Zinn's book.
- Brolin also made his directorial debut with the short film "X" (2010), which premiered at the Union City International Film Festival.
- Throughout the early 2010s, Brolin appeared in a range of big-budget films, including "Jonah Hex" (2010), "True Grit" (2010), and "Men in Black 3" (2012).
- He took on the iconic role of Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, featuring in films such as "Guardians of the Galaxy" (2014), "Avengers: Infinity War" (2018), and "Avengers: Endgame" (2019).
- Josh received critical acclaim for his voice acting performance as an alternate version of Thanos in "What If...?" in 2021.
- Critics praised his motion capture work in "Avengers: Infinity War," with Owen Gleiberman from Variety describing it as "supremely effective" and noting Brolin's ability to bring a personal sense of evil to the character. Todd McCarthy of The Hollywood Reporter highlighted Brolin's calm and thoughtful portrayal, which added an unexpected emotional dimension to the conquering supervillain.
- In 2017, Brolin signed a four-film contract with 20th Century Fox to portray Nathan Summers / Cable in the "X-Men" film series, with his first appearance in "Deadpool 2." However, due to Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox, plans for Brolin to reprise his role in the planned X-Force movie were altered.
Josh Brolin Awards and Achievements
Austin Film Critics Association Awards:
- 2019: Avengers: Infinity War - Best Motion Capture/Special Effects Performance
- 2020: Avengers: Endgame - Best Motion Capture/Special Effects Performance
Critics' Choice Movie Awards:
- 2009: Milk - Best Acting Ensemble
Hollywood Critics Association Awards:
- 2019: Avengers: Infinity War - Best Animated or VFX Performance
Hollywood Film Awards:
- 2008: W. - Best Actor
Independent Spirit Awards:
- 2015: Inherent Vice - Robert Altman Award
MTV Movie & TV Awards:
- 2019: Avengers: Endgame - Best Villain
National Board of Review Awards:
- 2008: No Country for Old Men - Best Cast
- 2009: Milk - Best Supporting Actor
New York Film Critics Circle Awards:
- 2009: Milk - Best Supporting Actor
Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Awards:
- 2018: Avengers: Infinity War - Best Motion Capture Performance
- 2019: Avengers: Endgame - Best Motion Capture Performance
Western Heritage Awards:
- 2011: True Grit - Theatrical Motion Picture
Josh Brolin Net Worth
Josh Brolin is a highly successful actor who has amassed a significant fortune through his appearances in numerous films and TV series. As of 2023, his estimated net worth stands at $50 million, with an annual income exceeding $7 million. The entertainment industry serves as his primary source of income, and he has garnered widespread recognition for his roles in notable movies such as "The Goonies," "W.," "True Grit," "Men in Black 3," and "No Country for Old Men." Brolin's talent and popularity have earned him substantial paychecks. For instance, he received a staggering $1 million for his portrayal of Llewelyn Moss in the 2007 film "No Country for Old Men." Furthermore, he earned $8 million for his role as the formidable Thanos in the blockbuster movie "Avengers: Infinity War" (2018), which grossed over $2 billion worldwide. The film boasted an ensemble cast that included acclaimed actors like Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson, and Samuel L. Jackson.
In early 2020, Josh Brolin sold his long-held home in LA's Brentwood district for $6.55 million and purchased a 1.5-acre estate in Atlanta's outskirts for $3.55 million. The Atlanta property spans 1.48 acres and features a custom-built mansion with 6,400 square feet of living space, including five bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms. The picturesque house boasts a circular driveway, a beautiful porch, and various amenities such as a theater, gym, three-car garage, swimming pool, and playroom. Additionally, there is a stone waterfall in the backyard, and the kitchen is gourmet with a center island and customized cabinets. Later in October 2020, Brolin bought a Spanish-influenced property in Simi Valley, California, for $1.1 million, featuring four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a guest suite, an owner's suite, a backyard with a garden, an outdoor kitchen, dining space, swimming pool, and spa. Brolin's previous house in the Sullivan Canyon area of Los Angeles was sold for $6.55 million, having been purchased by him six months earlier for $6.2 million. On the car front, Brolin is often seen with his Ram 1500 pickup truck, which offers a quality ride and fuel economy. In November 2020, his truck was broken into, resulting in the theft of his backpack containing an iPad and laptop. Brolin enjoys a lavish lifestyle, as evidenced by his vacation in Hawaii with his wife Kathryn, and their daughter, Westlyn, in October 2019.
Josh Brolin's diverse investments and ventures have contributed to his net worth. While his primary career is acting, spanning five decades, he has also dabbled in producing, writing, directing, and even stock trading. Brolin began trading stocks in his mid-20s and was initially a day trader, earning a substantial fortune within three years. He even contemplated quitting acting due to his success in stock trading. Additionally, Brolin has collaborated with various brands over the years, including Mercedes-Benz, Samsung Galaxy smartphones, and Volvo S90. He has also lent his voice to commercials, such as the Comcast TV commercial aired in 2021.
Josh Brolin Husband & Children
Josh Brolin is currently married to his former assistant and model, Kathryn Boyd. They tied the knot in September 2016 after getting engaged in March 2015. Despite their significant age difference, the couple remains deeply in love and often steals the spotlight at celebrity events. They have two daughters together, named Westlyn Reign Brolin (born November 4, 2018) and Chapel Grace Brolin (born December 25, 2020). Their relationship continues to thrive, and they enjoy a harmonious and fulfilling life together.
Before his marriage to Kathryn Boyd, Brolin was previously married to actor Alice Adair in 1988. They had two children, a son named Trevor Mansur (born June 1988) and a daughter named Eden Brolin (born 1994), both of whom are involved in the entertainment industry. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1994. Despite their separation, Brolin maintains an amicable relationship with Adair. Brolin also had notable relationships with Minnie Driver, whom he dated after meeting on the set of the film "Slow Blow" in 1998. They got engaged in 2001 but called off their engagement after six months. Following his split from Driver, Brolin began dating Diane Lane, whom he had known since their teenage years. They reconnected at the premiere party of "A Beautiful Mind" in 2001 and eventually got married in August 2004. However, their marriage faced difficulties, and they divorced in November 2013, after nine years together.
Josh Brolin Height & Weight
Josh Brolin is a charismatic and good-looking actor known for his impressive physique and captivating presence. He stands at a height of 5 feet 10½ inches (179 cm) and maintains an average build, weighing around 83 kg (183 lbs). With a strong squared jawline and muscular body, Brolin possesses distinctive features that add to his appeal on screen. As he has aged, Brolin's hair has taken on a salt-and-pepper color, adding a touch of maturity and sophistication to his overall appearance. His striking green eyes further enhance his magnetic presence and contribute to his charismatic on-screen persona. Brolin's physical attributes, combined with his talent and versatility as an actor, have made him a sought-after figure in the entertainment industry. His distinctive features and commanding presence have undoubtedly played a role in his success and established him as a notable presence in films and television.
To prepare for his role as Cable in Deadpool 2, Josh Brolin underwent a rigorous physical transformation to embody the superhero character. He documented his journey on Instagram, showcasing his dedication to bulking up for the role. Brolin committed himself to intense training sessions at Golds Gym in California, spending hours working out to achieve his super-jacked physique. He incorporated the bodybuilding technique known as 'drop sets' into his workouts, gradually decreasing the weight while pushing for more repetitions. This method was applied to various exercises, including shoulder workouts, chest exercises, and rack pulls, to accelerate muscle growth. In addition to his rigorous training, Brolin adhered to a clean and disciplined diet. He eliminated sugar, bread, pasta, and drugs from his daily intake, opting instead for nutrient-dense foods. His diet consisted of fish, rice, eggs, and vegetables, providing him with the necessary nutrients to support his physical transformation and maintain his muscular physique. Brolin's commitment to both training and nutrition played a significant role in his successful portrayal of the formidable character Cable in Deadpool 2.
