Josh Brolin Spills The Truth About Growing Up With Actor Dad James Brolin

Here's the thing: having James Brolin as a dad didn't exactly pave the way for a life of luxury and privilege for Josh Brolin. You might think it would be a smooth ride into Hollywood stardom, but that wasn't the case at all.

“People always assume that if your father’s an actor, things will just fall into place for you,” Josh told Closer in an exclusive sit-down. “But my dad was a moderately successful TV star. He’d work for a while, then there’d be long stretches where he wasn’t working. We’d have things, then suddenly, we wouldn’t. As a kid, I didn’t fully grasp the financial ups and downs we were dealing with. It was tough.”

From Struggles to Stardom: Josh’s Journey

Now 48, Josh Brolin has carved out his own impressive career in Hollywood. His latest flick, Hail, Caesar!—where he shared the screen with none other than George Clooney—is now available on DVD and Blu-ray. And guess what? He’s opening up about his relationship with his 75-year-old father, James, who, along with Josh’s mom, actress Jane Cameron Agee, raised him on a ranch far from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. They encouraged him to forge his own path, no matter what.

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The Reality of Growing Up Outside Hollywood

“Everyone assumes I grew up in Malibu, California. That’s where people think kids of actors live, right?” Josh says with a laugh. “But the truth is, there were only a few families like the Penns and the Lowes around. It wasn’t the glamorous world people picture.”

Following in the Family Footsteps

Josh eventually did follow his parents into the entertainment industry, making his big-screen debut at age 17 in the 1985 cult classic The Goonies. But here's the kicker: neither of his parents handed him any acting advice. “There’s no magic formula or secret tips you can give someone,” Josh explains. “You just have to be yourself. That’s the only advice I ever got, and it’s served me well.”

For the full scoop on Josh Brolin's life and career, grab the latest issue of Closer Weekly, now available at newsstands!