James Brolin, originally named Craig Kenneth Bruderlin, was born on July 18, 1940, in Los Angeles, California12. He is the eldest of two brothers and two sisters, born to Helen Sue, a housewife, and Henry Hurst Bruderlin, a building contractor3. During his childhood, Brolin developed a keen interest in animals and model airplanes, which he began building and flying at the age of 103. His fascination with aviation continued into his teenage years.

Brolin attended University High School in West Los Angeles, where he met fellow actor Ryan O'Neal, who would become a significant influence on his early career3. Despite his initial shyness, Brolin's confidence grew through his interactions with O'Neal and his exposure to the acting world. This early encouragement from his family and friends set the stage for his future success in Hollywood3.

At the age of 20, James Brolin changed his surname from "Bruderlin" to "Brolin" to avoid confusion with another actor and to create a more memorable stage name12. Brolin began his career with small roles in television series, making his debut in an episode of Bus Stop in 19611. This initial role led to appearances in other TV productions such as Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Margie, Love, American Style, Twelve O'Clock High, and The Long, Hot Summer1. He also made three guest appearances on the popular 1960s series Batman, alongside Adam West and Burt Ward, and had roles in The Virginian and Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law1.

Brolin's first significant film role came in The Cape Town Affair (1967), although it did not achieve box office success1. Despite this setback, he continued to secure roles in various films, including Take Her, She's Mine (1963), Dear Brigitte (1965), Von Ryan's Express (1965), and Fantastic Voyage (1966)1. His persistence paid off when he co-starred in the TV series Marcus Welby, M.D. in 1969, portraying Dr. Steven Kiley, a role that would become one of his most iconic1.

In 1983, James Brolin was on the verge of becoming the first American actor to portray James Bond. With Roger Moore contemplating retirement from the iconic role, producer Cubby Broccoli conducted screen tests with Brolin, including scenes where he engaged in a fight and seduced a woman, the latter being a staple from Sean Connery's "From Russia with Love" used in Bond auditions2. Brolin was ultimately cast, and preparations were underway for him to move to England for filming. However, Moore decided to return for "Octopussy," leading to Brolin's departure from the role2. Despite the disappointment, Brolin reflected positively on the experience, noting the excitement and opportunities it brought him, even if briefly2.