Josh Brolin Bio, Early Life, Career, Net Worth, Wife, Children, Movies and Awards
Biography

Josh Brolin is an American actor known for his remarkable range, starring in both blockbusters and critically acclaimed films. Brolin has been part of major franchises such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), where he portrayed the villainous Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019). His career spans over four decades, and he has earned a reputation for his intense performances in films like No Country for Old Men (2007), American Gangster (2007), and True Grit (2010).
Brolin is also known for his work in television, comedy, and action films, maintaining a versatile career that has earned him both critical acclaim and a massive following. With a diverse portfolio, Brolin continues to take on complex roles, solidifying his legacy as one of the most talented and enduring actors in Hollywood.
Josh Brolin Early Life and Background
Josh Brolin was born on February 12, 1968, in Los Angeles, California, to Eleanor (née Stewart), a painter and activist, and James Brolin, a famous actor best known for his roles in television shows like Marcus Welby, M.D.. Growing up in the entertainment industry, Josh was surrounded by actors and performers, which sparked his interest in acting at a young age.
Brolin had a somewhat turbulent childhood and adolescence, which included struggles with substance abuse and family issues. However, his passion for acting eventually took precedence, and he decided to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, following in his father’s footsteps.
Josh Brolin Education
Josh Brolin attended Santa Monica High School and later enrolled in acting classes to refine his craft. He didn’t pursue a traditional college education but instead focused on his acting career. His early experiences in high school and community theater prepared him for a future in Hollywood, where he would later become known for his distinct voice and commanding screen presence.
Josh Brolin Career Beginnings
Josh Brolin’s acting career began in the early 1980s, when he appeared in a guest role in the television series “The Wonderful World of Disney”. His first major television role came in the early 1990s with a part in the ABC teen drama The Young Riders (1989–1992), where he gained some attention for his portrayal of James Butler Hickok.
However, it wasn’t until the 2000s that Brolin truly began to make his mark in Hollywood. He appeared in several films, including Mimic (1997), American Gangster (2007), and No Country for Old Men (2007), for which he received widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Ed Tom Bell. His performances were often praised for their depth and intensity, and he soon earned a reputation as one of Hollywood’s best character actors.
Josh Brolin Rise to Fame
Josh Brolin’s rise to fame came in 2007, a pivotal year for the actor. He starred in two films that would define his career: the Coen Brothers’ crime drama No Country for Old Men (2007) and Ridley Scott’s American Gangster (2007). In No Country for Old Men, Brolin played Llewelyn Moss, a man who finds a large sum of money and becomes entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a hitman, portrayed by Javier Bardem. His performance was lauded for its rugged intensity, earning him a place among Hollywood’s top talents.
Brolin’s performance in American Gangster, where he played the role of a corrupt detective, also earned him recognition. These two films positioned him as one of the most versatile actors of his generation, capable of handling both intense, dramatic roles and complex characters.
However, Brolin’s breakout into superhero cinema came when he joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Thanos in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and later became one of the main villains in the Avengers saga. His portrayal of Thanos, the intergalactic warlord, was iconic, and his performance in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame (2019) solidified his status as a major Hollywood star.
Josh Brolin Wife and Childen
Josh Brolin has been married three times. His first marriage was to actress Alice Adair, with whom he has two children: Trevor and Eden. Brolin’s second marriage was to actress Diane Lane, and they were married from 2004 to 2013. Following his divorce from Lane, Brolin married actress Kathryn Boyd in 2016, and the couple has two children together: Westlyn Reign and Chapel Grace.
Brolin is known for his love of the outdoors, often sharing his adventures on social media, including hiking, fishing, and camping. He has also spoken about his struggles with substance abuse and his journey to sobriety, which has deeply influenced his personal and professional life.
Josh Brolin Legacy and Influence
Josh Brolin’s legacy as an actor is marked by his incredible range, from playing the intense and brooding characters in No Country for Old Men to his larger-than-life portrayal of Thanos in the MCU. His ability to transition between different genres, from action and thriller to drama and comedy, has made him one of the most respected actors of his generation.
Brolin’s career has influenced a new generation of actors, proving that versatility and dedication to craft can lead to success in a variety of roles. Beyond his on-screen work, Brolin has also shown an interest in producing films and has expressed a desire to create more thought-provoking and emotionally complex roles.
Josh Brolin: Movies and TV Shows
Josh Brolin has built an impressive career spanning both television and film. Known for his ability to bring emotional depth and intensity to a wide range of characters, Brolin has become one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors.
Television Shows
- The Young Riders (1989–1992) – as Brandon Walsh
- Private Eye (1987) – as Josh
- Into the West (2005) – as Jacob Wheeler (miniseries)
- Outer Range (2022–present) – as Royal Abbott (Western sci-fi drama on Amazon Prime Video)
Major Films
Critically Acclaimed Performances
- No Country for Old Men (2007) – as Llewelyn Moss
- Milk (2008) – as Dan White (Oscar nomination – Best Supporting Actor)
- W. (2008) – as President George W. Bush
- In the Valley of Elah (2007) – as Kirk O’Reilly
Dramas and Biopics
- Only the Brave (2017) – as Eric Marsh
- Labor Day (2013) – as Frank
- Hail, Caesar! (2016) – as Eddie Mannix
- Everest (2015) – as Beck Weathers
Action & Thriller Films
- Sicario (2015) & Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018) – as Matt Graver
- Jonah Hex (2010) – as Jonah Hex
- American Gangster (2007) – as Detective Trupo
- Gangster Squad (2013) – as John O’Mara
Science Fiction & Superhero Roles
- Avengers: Infinity War (2018) – as Thanos
- Avengers: Endgame (2019) – as Thanos
- Deadpool 2 (2018) – as Cable
- Dune (2021) & Dune: Part Two (2024) – as Gurney Halleck
- Men in Black 3 (2012) – as Young Agent K
Josh Brolin: Awards and Nominations
- Academy Award: Nominated for Best Supporting Actor for Milk (2008).
- Screen Actors Guild Award: Won Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for No Country for Old Men (2007).
- Critics’ Choice Movie Award: Won Best Acting Ensemble for Milk (2008).
- National Board of Review Award: Won Best Supporting Actor for Milk (2008).
- New York Film Critics Circle Award: Won Best Supporting Actor for Milk (2008).
- Independent Spirit Robert Altman Award: Shared with the cast and crew of Inherent Vice (2014).
- Saturn Award
Josh Brolin Age
As of 2025, Josh Brolin is 57 years old, born on February 12, 1968. Josh celebrates his birthday February 12th, every year.
Josh Brolin Net Worth
As of 2025, Josh Brolin’s net worth is estimated to be between $45 million and $50 million. This wealth stems from his extensive acting career, spanning over three decades, and his strategic investments in real estate and business ventures.
- Acting Career: Brolin’s roles in major films have significantly contributed to his earnings. Notably, he earned $5 million for Avengers: Infinity War and $6.5 million for Avengers: Endgame. Additionally, he received $2 million for his portrayal of Cable in Deadpool 2.
- Real Estate Investments: Brolin has made strategic property transactions, including selling his Brentwood compound for $6.55 million and purchasing a 1.5-acre estate in Atlanta for $3.55 million. In 2024, he acquired a 2.8-acre property in Montecito for $7.1 million.
- Entrepreneurial Ventures: Beyond acting, Brolin co-founded a stock trading website, MarketProbability, showcasing his interest in financial markets. Although the website is now defunct, it reflects his entrepreneurial spirit.
- Brand Endorsements: Leveraging his fame, Brolin has secured lucrative brand endorsement deals, further augmenting his income.
Josh Brolin Salary
Josh Brolin’s earnings from his film roles vary depending on the project. For his work in the Avengers films, Brolin reportedly earned $5 million to $10 million per film, particularly for his portrayal of Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. His other roles in major films and television shows add significantly to his overall income. With his impressive resume, Brolin remains one of Hollywood’s highest-earning actors.