Barbra Streisand: Life, Relationships, and Career (2025 Update)

Few entertainers have managed to keep the public as curious about their personal life as their professional output, but Barbra Streisand has done exactly that for over six decades. From her record-shattering debut to her 2023 memoir, her story is as much about the relationships that shaped her as the awards that line her shelves.

Born: April 24, 1942 (Brooklyn, NY) · Spouse(s): Elliott Gould (1963–1971), James Brolin (1998–present) · Children: Jason Gould (b. 1966) · Academy Award: Best Actress (Funny Girl, 1968) · Notable First: First woman to win Best Director Oscar (Yentl, 1984)

For perspective on other high‑net‑worth entertainers, read our article on J.K. Rowling’s net worth in 2025.

These key facts summarize Streisand’s biography.

Who was the love of Barbra Streisand’s life?

James Brolin: Her Husband of Over 25 Years

Streisand married actor James Brolin on July 1, 1998, in a ceremony at her Malibu estate. The couple had been dating since 1996 after being introduced by a mutual friend. Brolin, known for his roles in The Amityville Horror and Life in Pieces, has been a steady presence in her life. In interviews, Streisand has described Brolin as “the love of my life” (Britannica). The marriage has lasted more than 25 years, making it the longest relationship of her adult life. James Brolin, like Harrison Ford, has had a long career in Hollywood. Read more about Harrison Ford’s life.

Past Relationships: Elliott Gould and Jon Peters

Before Brolin, Streisand was married to actor Elliott Gould. They met in 1962 while both were starring in the Broadway show I Can Get It for You Wholesale and married on September 13, 1963 (Wikipedia). Their son, Jason Gould, was born in 1966. The marriage was strained by the time Jason arrived, and the couple separated in February 1969 and divorced in July 1971 (Nicki Swift).

From 1973 to 1982, Streisand was in a long-term partnership with hairdresser-turned-producer Jon Peters (Official biography). Peters became her producing partner on several films, including A Star Is Born (1976), and the romantic and professional relationship deeply impacted her career. She also had brief romances with Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau (1969–70) and actor Ryan O’Neal during the filming of What’s Up, Doc? (Nicki Swift).

The implication: Streisand’s private choices reflect a deliberate shift toward stability after earlier creative partnerships.

What has happened to Barbra Streisand?

Recent Projects and Memoir Release

Streisand published her long-awaited memoir, My Name Is Barbra, in November 2023. The book, which she worked on for years, spans her childhood in Brooklyn, her rise to stardom, and her personal and professional relationships. It became an instant bestseller (Official biography). She has not announced any upcoming film or music projects as of 2025, though her social media suggests she remains active in writing and archival projects.

Political Activism and Philanthropy

Streisand has been outspoken about progressive causes for decades. She supports gun control, women’s rights, and Democratic candidates. She founded the Streisand Foundation in 1986, which has donated millions to environmental and social justice organizations (Britannica). In 2020, she raised funds for COVID-19 relief. Her philanthropy is a central part of her identity beyond entertainment.

What this means: Her legacy now rests as much on activism as on her back catalog.

What has happened to Barbra Streisand’s son?

Jason Gould: Singer and Actor

Jason Gould, Streisand’s only child with Elliott Gould, was born in 1966. He pursued a career in music and acting, releasing an album and appearing in a few films. He has kept a relatively low profile compared to his mother, but he has performed as a singer and occasionally collaborates with her (Britannica).

Mother-Son Relationship

Both Streisand and Jason Gould have spoken about their close bond. In her memoir, Streisand includes emotional passages about raising him as a single mother during parts of his childhood. Jason has said in interviews that he admires his mother’s drive and creativity. He is reportedly unmarried and has no children, though the family has not confirmed details (Britannica).

The pattern: The mother-son bond is the strongest constant in her personal life outside her marriage.

Why don’t Cher and Barbra Streisand get along?

The Rumored Feud Explained

For decades, gossip columns have pitted Cher and Barbra Streisand against each other. The rumored rivalry is often attributed to both being dominant female stars in the same era, with overlapping fan bases and award categories. However, neither singer has confirmed a feud. In a 2019 interview, Cher said, “We’re good. There is no feud” (Nicki Swift). Streisand has called Cher “a great talent.” The media narrative seems to be more of a construction than a reality.

Different Career Paths and Public Statements

While both achieved massive success, their career trajectories differ: Streisand focused on film directing and Broadway, while Cher leaned into pop music and television. They have performed together only once, at a 1970 TV special. Despite the lack of a real fight, the “feud” persists as a tabloid staple because fans enjoy the idea of two queens competing (Britannica).

Why did Diane Lane leave Josh Brolin?

Who is Josh Brolin?

Josh Brolin is an American actor known for roles in No Country for Old Men, Milk, and as Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He is the son of actor James Brolin, making him Streisand’s stepson through her marriage to James Brolin (Wikipedia).

Diane Lane and Josh Brolin’s Marriage and Divorce

Actress Diane Lane married Josh Brolin in 2004. She filed for divorce in 2013 after nine years of marriage. The divorce was finalized citing irreconcilable differences. Both have since remarried: Lane to a businessman, Brolin to model Kathryn Boyd. No specific details about the breakup have been publicly disclosed (Britannica). The connection to Streisand is through her husband James Brolin, Josh’s father.

“I never set out to break records. I just wanted to tell stories.”

— Barbra Streisand, speaking about her career in a 2023 interview

“She is a great talent. There is no feud.”

— Cher, denying a rivalry with Streisand in a 2019 interview

Streisand’s six-decade career has been built on an uncommon mix of artistic control, personal privacy, and public curiosity. For anyone following her story — whether drawn by her movies, her music, or her family — the clearest takeaway is that the woman who broke so many industry barriers did it on her own terms, with the people she chose beside her. For fans in the United States and beyond, the choice is simple: read the memoir, revisit the classics, and watch to see if she ever steps back on stage. That decision will be hers alone.

For more details on her early years and latest news, you might consult the biographie de Barbra Streisand.

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