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Josh Brolin

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Josh Brolin
Brolin in 2014
Born
Josh James Brolin

(1968-02-12)February 12, 1968(age 56)
Santa Monica, California,U.S.
OccupationActor
Years active1983–present
WorksFull list
Spouses
  • Alice Adair
    ​
    ​
    (m.1988;div.1994)​
  • ​
    ​
    (m.2004;div.2013)​
  • Kathryn Boyd
    ​
    ​
    (m.2016)​
Children4, includingEden
Parents
  • James Brolin(father)
  • Jane Cameron Agee (1939–1995) (mother)
FamilyBarbra Streisand(stepmother)
AwardsFull list

Josh James Brolin(/ˈbroʊlɪn/;born February 12, 1968)[1][2]is an American actor. A son of actorJames Brolin,he gained fame in his youth for his role in the adventure filmThe Goonies(1985). After years of decline, Brolin had a resurgence with his starring role in the crime filmNo Country for Old Men(2007). Brolin received a nomination for theAcademy Award for Best Supporting Actorfor portrayingDan Whitein the biopicMilk(2008).

Brolin's career progressed with roles inW.(2008),True Grit(2010),Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps(2010),Men in Black 3(2012),Oldboy(2013),Inherent Vice(2014),Everest(2015), andHail, Caesar!(2016). He gained wider recognition for playingThanosin theMarvel Cinematic Universe(MCU), including in the filmsAvengers: Infinity War(2018) andAvengers: Endgame(2019), as well asCableinDeadpool 2(2018). Brolin also collaborated with filmmakerDenis Villeneuvein the action thrillerSicario(2015) and in the science fiction filmsDune(2021) andDune: Part Two(2024), in which he playedGurney Halleck.

Early life

[edit]

Brolin was born on February 12, 1968, inSanta Monica, California,the son of Jane Cameron (née Agee 1939–95),[3]a casting director[4]and wildlife activist,[5]and actorJames Brolin.[6][7]Brolin was raised on a ranch[8]in the Adelaida area of Paso Robles,[9]attending elementary and middle school inTempleton, California.[10]Brolin moved to the Santa Barbara area around the age of 11, where he attendedSanta Barbara High School.[11]Brolin had little exposure to his father's acting career.[12]His parents divorced in 1984 when Brolin was 16.

Brolin said in a 2014 interview that during his youth, Brolin was a member of asurfingfriendship group who called themselves the "CitoRats ". In his description of the group, Brolin said," It was Santa Barbara. It was the '80s. It waspunk rock.You either had the children of rich, neglectful parents or children of poor, so it was a mix. But we basically grew up the same way. I've never seen a group like that before or since. "He admitted to stealing cars to pay for his drug use, which includedheroin,a drug that he explained he did not like: "I mean, I never got into it and I never died from it, which is a good thing. I've had 19 friends who died. Most of those guys I grew up with, they're all dead now."[13]Brolin later said: "The group of guys that I grew up with, 37 of them are dead. 12 are in jail. 4 are in jail and also dead. I keep careful count, all 37 dead guys. I'm from a tough environment, ya know?"[14]

Career

[edit]

Early work and breakthrough (1980s)

[edit]

Brolin started his career in TV films and guest roles on TV shows before landing a more notable role as Brandon Walsh in theRichard Donner-directed filmThe Goonies(1985).[15]Brolin was considered for the role of Tom Hanson in the series21 Jump Street;Brolin andJohnny Deppwere the finalists for the role, and the two became close and remained friends. The role ultimately went to Depp.[16][17]Brolin guest-starred in an episode of the show in its first season.[18]

Career decline (1990–2006)

[edit]

Brolin played a small role in the 1994 movieRoadflower.He has implied that he turned away from film acting for years after the premiere of his second film,Thrashin',where Brolin witnessed what he called "horrendous" acting on his part.[19]For several years, Brolin appeared in stage roles inRochester, New York,often alongside mentor and friendAnthony Zerbe.One of Brolin's more prominent roles early in his career was that of"Wild Bill" Hickokin theABCwesternTV seriesThe Young Riders,which lasted three seasons (1989–92).[15][full citation needed]Two other TV series Brolin was involved in include theAaron SpellingproductionWinnetka Road(1994) andMister Sterling(2003), both of which were cancelled after a few episodes.

Career resurgence and stardom (2006–2016)

[edit]

By 2006, Brolin was trading stocks full time when he booked the lead role in theCoen brothers'Academy Award-winning filmNo Country for Old Men(2007).[20]The film became a critical and commercial success. Brolin would go on to book a part in the similarly successfulRidley ScottfilmAmerican Gangster(2007).

Brolin in 2007

In 2008, Brolin starred in another Oliver Stone film,W.,abiopicabout key events in the life of PresidentGeorge W. Bush.[21]Stone pursued an initially hesitant Brolin for the role. He said of his decision to cast Brolin in the leading role:[22]

It always seemed to me that he was the right person. Although classically handsome, I think he would consider himself acharacter actorfirst and foremost, and it was in this context that I thought of him as W. Josh certainly has star appeal and could be a leading man, but I don't think he necessarily wants to be that. I think he really enjoys disappearing into a character.

Brolin received an Oscar nomination forBest Supporting Actorfor his role inGus Van Sant's biopicMilkas city supervisorDan White,who assassinatedSan FranciscoSupervisorHarvey Milkand MayorGeorge Moscone.[23]He made news by wearing aWhite Knotto the Academy Awards ceremony to demonstrate solidarity with thesame-sex marriagemovement.[24]Brolin told an interviewer that co-starSean Penn,who portrayed Milk, decided to dispel any nerves the actors had about playinggay menby "grabbing the bull by the horns". At the first cast dinner, which included castmatesJames Franco,Emile HirschandDiego Luna,"[Penn] walked right up and grabbed me and planted a huge one right on my lips", Brolin said.[22]Brolin has received critical acclaim for his performance and, in addition to his Oscar nomination, receivedNYFCCandNBRAwards for Best Supporting Actor and a nomination for aSAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role.

Also in 2008, Brolin hostedSaturday Night Live,the same night as musical guest,Adele.He went on to host again in April 2012 and March 2024.[25]

In 2009, Brolin executive produced and performed inThe People Speak,a documentary feature film that uses dramatic and musical performances of the letters, diaries, and speeches of everyday Americans, based on historianHoward Zinn'sA People's History of the United States.[26]The next year, Brolin wrote and directed the short filmXas his directorial debut. The film is about an inmate who escapes prison to reunite with his daughter and searches for her murdered mother. It was the opening film at the first annual Union City International Film Festival inUnion City, New Jerseyin December 2010.[27][28][29]

In the early 2010s, Brolin would appear in a variety of big-budget studios film. He portrayed thetitular characterinJonah Hex(2010), based on theDC Comics'character with the same name.[30]Brolin would later admit that he hated the experience making the film stating that at one point they had to "[reshoot] 66 pages in 12 days", implying that the filming schedule was hectic.[31]Brolin would go on to blame the film's failure on studio interference in the film's post-production and on director Hayward, who he called "inexperienced" and a "bad choice (of director)."[20]Brolin also appeared in the Coen Brother filmTrue Grit(2010) and in Oliver Stone'sWall Street: Money Never Sleeps(2010). In 2012, Brolin played the younger version ofTommy Lee Jones's characterKevin Brown / Agent KinMen in Black 3,which reunited both Brolin and Jones after their initial collaboration inNo Country for Old MenandIn the Valley of Elah,both in 2007.[32]Brolin later starred in the 2013 filmGangster Squad,portraying a fictionalWorld War IIveteran named John O'Mara.[33]Later that year, Brolin also portrayed Joe Doucett inOldboy,a remake of the2003 South Korean film of the same name.In 2014, it was announced that Brolin would playThanoswithin theMarvel Cinematic Universe.He portrays the character throughmotion captureperformance, as well as voice acting.[34]Brolin cameoed as the character inGuardians of the Galaxy(2014) andAvengers: Age of Ultron(2015).

International recognition;MarvelandDune roles(2016–present)

[edit]
Brolin promoting the filmAvengers Age of Ultronat the 2014San Diego Comic Con International

Brolin reprised his role as Thanos in a starring role inAvengers: Infinity War(2018) and 2019'sAvengers: Endgame,which were filmed back-to-back. His performance in the role was critically acclaimed. Writing forVariety,criticOwen Gleibermancalled Brolin's motion capture performance inInfinity War"supremely effective" and said, "Brolin infuses Thanos with his slit-eyed manipulative glower, so that the evil in this movie never feels less than personal."[35]Writing forThe Hollywood Reporter,criticTodd McCarthysimilarly said, "Brolin's calm, considered reading of the character bestows this conquering beast with an unexpectedly resonant emotional dimension, making him much more than a thick stick figure of a supervillain."[36]

Zazie Beetz,Ryan Reynoldsand Brolin during an interview in 2018

In April 2017, Brolin signed a four-film contract with20th Century Foxstudios to portray theMarvel ComicscharacterNathan Summers / Cablein theX-Menfilm series.[37]Deadpool 2(2018) was his first installment within that contract. He was set to reprise his role in Fox's plannedX-Forcemovie until the acquisition of 20th Century Fox by Disney.[38]In February 2019, Brolin joined the cast ofDenis Villeneuve'sDuneasGurney Halleck.[39]

In 2021, Brolin voiced an alternate Thanos inWhat If...?series.[40]In October of that year,Dunepremiered to generally positive reviews.[41] In April 2022, Brolin starred as Royal Abbot in theAmazon Prime VideoseriesOuter Range.He also serves as an executive producer.[42]

In March 2024,Dune: Part Twopremiered to rave reviews.[43][44] The second season ofOuter Rangeappeared on May 16, with Brolin reprising his role and directing an episode.[45]On June 3, 2024, it was announced that Brolin had joined the cast ofRian Johnson'sWake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.[46]

Personal life

[edit]

Marriages and family

[edit]
Brolin and his then-wife Diane Lane in 2009

Brolin was married to actress Alice Adair from 1988 until 1994;[47]they have two children, Trevor (born 1988) andEden,both actors.[48]He was engaged to actressMinnie Driverfor six months.[47]Brolin married actressDiane Laneon August 15, 2004.[49]They divorced in 2013.[50]

In March 2013, Brolin began dating his former assistant and model Kathryn Boyd.[51]They became engaged in March 2015.[52]The couple married on September 24, 2016,[53]and announced on May 29, 2018, that they were expecting their first child.[54]Brolin announced through Instagram on November 4, 2018, that Boyd had given birth to a daughter.[55]Their second daughter was born on December 25, 2020.[56]

Arrests

[edit]

On December 20, 2004, Brolin's wife at the time, Diane Lane, called the police after an altercation with him, and Brolin was arrested on amisdemeanorcharge ofdomestic battery.Lane declined to press charges and the couple's spokesman characterized the incident as a misunderstanding.[57]

On July 12, 2008, Brolin was arrested after an altercation at the Stray Cat Bar inShreveport, Louisiana,along with actorJeffrey Wrightand five other men who were crew members ofW.Brolin was released after posting a cash bond of $334.[58][59]He said to a reporter, "It was nice to be in jail knowing that I hadn't done anything wrong. And it was maddening to be in jail knowing that I hadn't done anything wrong."[22]Charges against all seven men were later dropped by Shreveport prosecutors.[60]

Brolin was arrested forpublic intoxicationon New Year's Day 2013 inSanta Monica, California.[61][62]The remainder of 2013 proved very difficult for him, and Brolin later explained: "Well, it was another turning point. It made me think of a lot of things. My mom dying when I was in my twenties. All the impact that had on me that I hadn't moved past; I was always such a mama's boy. But I realized that I was on a destructive path. I knew that I had to change and mature."[13]

Business interests

[edit]

Brolin commenced instock tradingin his mid-20s and considered quitting acting. In 2014, Brolin explained that he made a large amount of money over a three-year period: "Fear and greed, that's all that there is. And I traded very specifically. I found momentum stocks that had room to breathe and I just grab a little of the breath."[13]Brolin was also co-founder of a now defunct stock trading website called MarketProbability.[63]

Filmography

[edit]
Main article:Josh Brolin filmography

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Main article:List of awards and nominations received by Josh Brolin

References

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  1. ^Screen World 2003, By John Willis, Barry Monush. Published by Hal Leonard Corporation, 2004.ISBN1-55783-528-4,ISBN978-1-55783-528-4
  2. ^"Josh Brolin – Rotten Tomatoes".Rotten Tomatoes.RetrievedMay 21,2024.
  3. ^Agate, Samantha (April 27, 2023)."Who Was Josh Brolin's Mom Jane Cameron Agee? Inside Dad James Brolin's Marriage History".Closer.RetrievedMarch 4,2024– viaYahoo Entertainment.
  4. ^Payne, Laura (March 10, 2024)."Josh Brolin".Encyclopædia Britannica.RetrievedMarch 11,2024.
  5. ^Freydkin, Donna (September 7, 2013)."Josh Brolin labors in Toronto".USA Today.RetrievedMarch 5,2024.
  6. ^Pfefferman, Naomi (February 19, 2009)."Josh Brolin Mines Emotional Depths".The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles.Archivedfrom the original on February 22, 2009.RetrievedApril 19,2022.
  7. ^Barnes, Michael; Peterman, Elizabeth (November 15, 2007)."Josh Brolin is everywhere these days, including Austin".Austin American-Statesman.Archived fromthe originalon January 11, 2009.RetrievedNovember 17,2007.
  8. ^Linn, Sarah (September 18, 2014)."Josh Brolin speaks out".The Tribune.Archived fromthe originalon October 3, 2020.RetrievedMarch 10,2024.
  9. ^Starkey, Glen (March 9, 2017)."Locals rule! How Paso resident Josh Brolin became one of Hollywood's best character actors and a SLO Film Fest honoree".New Times.RetrievedMarch 5,2024.
  10. ^Linn, Sarah (March 10, 2017)."From Templeton 'Ranch Kid' to Oscar-Nominated Actor: Josh Brolin on his Hollywood Career".The Tribune.RetrievedMarch 10,2024.
  11. ^"board of directors & staff".slofilmfest.org.January 11, 2012. Archived fromthe originalon September 23, 2020.RetrievedOctober 11,2017.
  12. ^"Josh Brolin Comes Into His Own".CBS News.November 29, 2007.Archivedfrom the original on December 21, 2022.RetrievedApril 1,2021.
  13. ^abcBrooks, Xan (March 13, 2014)."Josh Brolin: 'I tried heroin. Most of the guys I grew up with are dead now'".The Guardian.Archivedfrom the original on March 16, 2014.RetrievedMarch 16,2014.
  14. ^"Josh Brolin:" I'm Not Interested in Being at Ease "".GQ.February 27, 2024.RetrievedMarch 5,2024.
  15. ^abStated onInside the Actors Studio,2008.
  16. ^Josh Brolin Really, Really Likes Johnny Depp, Says 'Thank God He Exists'ArchivedOctober 1, 2010, at theWayback MachineStarpulse, September 28, 2010
  17. ^Mair, George (1997). "21 Jump Street".The Barry Diller Story: The Life and Times of America's Greatest Entertainment Mogul.John Wiley and Sons. p.148.ISBN978-0-471-29948-6.
  18. ^"My Future's so Bright, I got to Wear Shades".TV.Archived fromthe originalon April 16, 2011.RetrievedSeptember 30,2008.
  19. ^Hirschberg, Lynn (February 26, 2010)."Tough Enough".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on March 25, 2010.RetrievedMay 7,2010.
  20. ^ab"Josh Brolin on Owing 'Jonah Hex' Co-Stars an Apology and Finding His 'Almost Famous' Audition Tape".March 31, 2023.Archivedfrom the original on March 31, 2023.RetrievedMarch 31,2023.
  21. ^"Stone and Brolin to make Bush biopic".RTÉ Ten.Raidió Teilifís Éireann. January 21, 2008.Archivedfrom the original on January 8, 2009.RetrievedSeptember 22,2010.
  22. ^abcKevin West (October 2008)."Josh Brolin".W magazine.Archived fromthe originalon January 19, 2012.RetrievedNovember 19,2008.
  23. ^"The 81st Academy Awards | 2009".Oscars. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. February 22, 2009.Archivedfrom the original on November 10, 2014.RetrievedJanuary 14,2015.
  24. ^Finke, Nikki (February 24, 2009)."White Knot Oscars and Spirit Awards Lists".Deadline.PMC.Archivedfrom the original on October 21, 2013.RetrievedDecember 23,2010.
  25. ^"Josh Brolin Addresses 'Dune' Rumors, Ariana Grande Slips in Album Promo in New SNL Teaser".Rolling Stone.RetrievedMarch 10,2024.
  26. ^"Credits".The People Speak. Archived fromthe originalon July 13, 2010.RetrievedSeptember 22,2010.
  27. ^"UC International Film Festival to be held this weekend",Kaala,November 28, 2010, Page 4
  28. ^Mestanza, Jean-Pierre. "Brolin film screening at festival",Hudson Dispatch Weekly,November 25, 2010, Page 8
  29. ^"Union City International Film Festival to Open With Josh Brolin's Acclaimed Short Film 'X'"ArchivedJuly 14, 2011, at theWayback MachineNecioTV, November 18, 2010
  30. ^"A New Look at Josh Brolin in 'Jonah Hex'".Bloody-Disgusting. April 16, 2010.Archivedfrom the original on April 19, 2010.RetrievedSeptember 22,2010.
  31. ^Trumbore, Dave (February 9, 2016)."Did You Hate 'Jonah Hex'? So Did Josh Brolin".Collider.Archivedfrom the original on September 3, 2021.RetrievedSeptember 3,2021.
  32. ^Rottenberg, Josh (April 18, 2012)."'Men in Black 3' star Josh Brolin talks about playing a young Tommy Lee Jones ".Entertainment Weekly.Archivedfrom the original on February 26, 2020.RetrievedFebruary 25,2020.
  33. ^Rottenberg, Josh."'Gangster Squad: Warner Bros. pushing back release date ".Entertainment Weekly.Archivedfrom the original on January 22, 2018.RetrievedOctober 11,2017.
  34. ^"Exclusive: Josh Brolin To Play Thanos in 'Guardians of the Galaxy'".Latino Review.May 30, 2014. Archived fromthe originalon May 31, 2014.RetrievedMay 30,2014.
  35. ^Debruge, Peter (April 23, 2019)."Film Review: 'Avengers: Endgame'".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on April 24, 2019.RetrievedApril 24,2019.
  36. ^McCarthy, Todd(April 23, 2019)."'Avengers: Endgame': Film Review ".The Hollywood Reporter.Archivedfrom the original on April 24, 2019.RetrievedApril 24,2019.
  37. ^Kit, Borys (April 12, 2017)."Josh Brolin to Play Cable in 'Deadpool 2' (Exclusive)".The Hollywood Reporter.Archivedfrom the original on May 28, 2017.RetrievedApril 12,2017.
  38. ^Schmidt, JK (June 30, 2019)."Josh Brolin Is Calling Marvel About Whether His Cable Will Join the Marvel Cinematic Universe".ComicBook.Archivedfrom the original on July 1, 2019.RetrievedOctober 20,2019.
  39. ^Kroll, Justin (February 13, 2019)."Josh Brolin Joins Timothee Chalamet in Star-StuddedDuneReboot ".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on February 14, 2019.RetrievedFebruary 13,2019.
  40. ^Gallagher, Simon (August 18, 2021)."What If...? Episode 2 Cast Guide: Every New & Returning MCU Character".Screen Rant.Archivedfrom the original on August 18, 2021.RetrievedAugust 18,2021.
  41. ^Gaughan, Liam (October 30, 2021)."'Dune' Cast & Character Guide: Who's Who Amongst the Sandworms ".Collider.Archivedfrom the original on October 30, 2021.RetrievedJune 29,2023.
  42. ^Petski, Denise (March 9, 2022)."'Outer Range' Trailer: Josh Brolin Prays For Help From Above In Prime Video's Western Thriller ".Deadline Hollywood.Archivedfrom the original on March 9, 2022.RetrievedMarch 9,2022.
  43. ^Sharf, Zack (February 15, 2024)."'Dune: Part Two' First Reactions Praise Denis Villeneuve's 'Spectacular' Sequel: 'Jaw-Dropping' and Among the 'Greatest Sci-Fi Movies Ever'".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on March 3, 2024.RetrievedMarch 3,2024.
  44. ^"Dune 2 first reviews call sequel 'one of the greatest sci-fi movies ever'".The Independent.February 16, 2024.Archivedfrom the original on March 2, 2024.RetrievedMarch 2,2024.
  45. ^Cordero, Rosy (March 13, 2024)."Prime Video Sets 'Outer Range' Season 2 Premiere Date".Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedMarch 14,2024.
  46. ^Kit, Borys (June 3, 2024)."Josh Brolin Joins Daniel Craig in 'Knives Out 3' (Exclusive)".The Hollywood Reporter.RetrievedJune 3,2024.
  47. ^abStephen Rebello (October 2010). "Playboy Interview: Josh Brolin".Playboy.
  48. ^[Jose Bastidas:'Yellowstone' Casts Eden Brolin, 'Beyond' Star and Josh Brolin's Daughter, as Promising New Season 3 CharacterArchivedAugust 5, 2020, at theWayback Machineat popculture, September 9, 2019
  49. ^Schneller, Johanna (January 2005). "Changing Lane".InStyle.
  50. ^"Exclusive: Josh Brolin, Diane Lane Divorcing After Eight Years".Us Weekly.Archivedfrom the original on October 22, 2013.RetrievedFebruary 21,2013.
  51. ^"Josh Brolin Is Engaged to Kathryn Boyd!".Us Weekly.May 18, 2015.Archivedfrom the original on December 18, 2018.RetrievedApril 21,2020.
  52. ^"Josh Brolin takes U-Turn at Cannes to bring in Fiancee Kathryn Boyd".news.biharprabha. May 21, 2015.Archivedfrom the original on October 1, 2020.RetrievedMay 20,2015.
  53. ^"Josh Brolin ties the knot".Usatoday.Archivedfrom the original on September 29, 2016.RetrievedOctober 11,2017.
  54. ^"'Hang on to your hats': Josh Brolin and wife expecting 1st child together ".TODAY.May 29, 2018.Archivedfrom the original on June 20, 2018.RetrievedMay 30,2018.
  55. ^"Josh Brolin and Kathryn Boyd Welcome Daughter Westlyn Reign — See Her First Video!".People.Archivedfrom the original on November 5, 2018.RetrievedNovember 5,2018.
  56. ^"Josh Brolin and Wife Kathryn Welcome Their Second Child: 'Our Little Christmas Evening Angel'".people.Archivedfrom the original on December 27, 2020.RetrievedDecember 28,2020.
  57. ^Silverman, Stephen A. (December 20, 2004)."Josh Brolin Arrested for Spousal Battery".People.Archivedfrom the original on April 21, 2012.RetrievedFebruary 21,2013.
  58. ^"Actor Brolin arrested after fight".BBC News.July 14, 2008.Archivedfrom the original on August 1, 2017.RetrievedJuly 14,2008.
  59. ^"Brolin, Wright, others in film crew arrested".Associated Press. July 13, 2008. Archived fromthe originalon July 17, 2008.RetrievedJuly 14,2008.
  60. ^Charges against Brolin, Wright DroppedArchivedDecember 20, 2018, at theWayback MachineQuirkybyte, January 6, 2009
  61. ^"Josh Brolin arrested for public intoxication – Entertainment & Showbiz from CTV News".ctvnews.ca.January 5, 2013.Archivedfrom the original on November 27, 2018.RetrievedNovember 27,2018.
  62. ^Kandel, Jason; Arabian, Nyree (January 5, 2013)."Josh Brolin Held on Public Intoxication Charge".NBC Southern California.Archivedfrom the original on December 5, 2018.RetrievedFebruary 18,2019.
  63. ^Allis, Sam (November 4, 2007)."Josh Brolin is more than just a familiar face".Boston Globe.Archived fromthe originalon December 31, 2008.RetrievedOctober 13,2008.
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