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Hollywood power couple James Brolin and Barbra Streisand have defied the odds in an industry known for fleeting relationships. Approaching their 27th wedding anniversary, the couple continues to fascinate fans with their enduring bond.
During a recent appearance on the "Today" show, 84-year-old Brolin shared a surprisingly practical element of their marital success. "The best investment we've ever made is our mattress," he revealed on Tuesday's broadcast.
The actor quickly clarified his statement: "And don't misunderstand me! We're both lazy. We love to sleep late. We do a lot of our work on the phone, on paper, reading, right next to each other."
Beyond bedroom comfort, Brolin emphasized the importance of communication and space in their relationship. "You learn to take a walk. Both of us, not just me," he explained. "I just think you gotta say, 'Okay, take a deep breath, take a walk.'"
This isn't Brolin's first time discussing their relationship dynamics. In a 2022 PEOPLE interview, he highlighted patience as a cornerstone of their marriage. "Everybody needs to be a negotiator. Everybody needs to have patience and know when to take a walk," he shared.
The couple's romance began with a blind date in July 1996, arranged by mutual friends. Streisand recounted their first meeting to W Magazine: "I expected a bearded mountain-man type, and he had cut off all his hair and was clean-shaved. I asked him, 'Who screwed up your hair?'"
Surprisingly, this candid question sparked Brolin's interest. "He later told me that's when he fell in love with me. My fella likes to hear the truth, which is unusual," the 82-year-old Oscar winner revealed.
After making their relationship public in November 1996, the couple married on July 1, 1998, in an intimate backyard ceremony at their Los Angeles home. The star-studded guest list included Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Marlon Brando, and John Travolta.
Both Brolin and Streisand found love again in their fifties after previous marriages. Brolin was previously married to Jane Cameron Agee (1966-1984) and Jan Smithers (1986-1995), while Streisand was married to Elliott Gould from 1963 to 1971.
Their relationship represents a rare Hollywood success story—proving that sometimes, the simplest things like a good mattress, honest communication, and knowing when to take a walk can sustain even the most high-profile partnerships.
