
James Brolin was born on July 18, 1940, in Los Angeles, California. He became a familiar face in American film and television through roles in Marcus Welby, M.D., Westworld, and The Amityville Horror. His versatility allowed him to move easily between drama, science fiction, and suspense.
In the early 1980s, Brolin screen‑tested as James Bond and came close to replacing Roger Moore. Producers were prepared to cast him — until Moore decided to return for Octopussy, ending Brolin’s brief brush with becoming 007. The near‑miss remains one of the most interesting “almost” moments in Bond history.
This image shows James with his son Josh Brolin, both of whom built long careers in Hollywood. Their shared July 18 milestone highlights a family deeply woven into American film culture.
Image supplied by Globe Photos, Inc/ZUMAPRESS.com via Alamy.

