James Brolin On The Secret To His Successful Marriage with Barbra Streisand

In an interview with TMZ, James Brolin, who is married to iconic singer Barbra Streisand, recently revealed the secret to their long-lasting and successful 25-year marriage. The 82-year-old actor claimed that having a mediator, who both partners can comfortably sit with to discuss and resolve issues, has played a vital role in their relationship.

He also further emphasized the importance of seeking professional help in navigating the ups and downs of marriage, highlighting the positive impact it can have on maintaining a healthy and happy partnership.

James Brolin reveals that the advice to have a therapist was given to him by Connie Sellecca

In a 2022 interview with PEOPLE, the 82-year-old revealed that the idea of having a therapist for both him and his wife was pitched to him by one of his on-screen love interests, Connie Sellecca, who co-starred with him on the American primetime series, Hotel.

RELATED: Tracy Pollan Talks Secrets To Lasting Marriage With Michael J. Fox

“Connie Sellecca taught me something that I never did but was the greatest idea ever,” Brolin told the news outlet. “Call a shrink six months before you’re married, and both of you sit there with him. So that once you’re married, if you ever need a tune-up, it’s not an issue with one of the people. [Otherwise] it’s always one of the people say[ing], ‘We need to go see such and such,’ and the other one says, ‘I’m not going,’ and that ruins everything.'”

Brolin further explained that the advice worked perfectly for Sellecca, which was why he also decided to take it. “When she got married for the second time, she said, ‘Okay, buster, there’s not even a chance until we sit with a shrink … for six months,'” he recalled to PEOPLE. “‘You can go once a week, once a month.’ She didn’t care as long as they’d broken the ice to do that and would continue. They’ve been married for 35 years.”

James Brolin and Barbra Streisand have had a long marriage

Brolin previously had a brief but intense relationship with wildlife activist and aspiring actress Jane Cameron Agee in 1966. The couple got married after only 12 days of knowing each other; however, their union didn’t last as they divorced in 1984 after welcoming two children.

In 1996, Brolin and  Streisand were introduced by a mutual friend, and they immediately hit it off. Two years later, the lovers tied the knot. Their marriage has proven to be one that is standing the test of time as the couple has continued to thrive and find new ways to keep their love and commitment to each other alive.