You know that feeling when a single name instantly conjures decades of music, movies, and headlines? Barbra Streisand is one of those rare figures who has been a constant presence in American culture since the 1960s. At 82, she’s still making news — from her enduring marriage to James Brolin to the occasional political dust-up with Donald Trump.
Age: 82 years old (born 1942) · Net worth: Estimated $400 million · Biological children: 1 · Spouse: James Brolin (married 1998) · Awards: EGOT winner
Quick snapshot
- Born April 24, 1942 in Brooklyn, New York. (Barbra Streisand Official Biography)
- EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony). (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Career spans six decades. (Barbra Streisand Official Biography)
- Married to James Brolin since 1998. (Classic FM)
- One biological son, Jason Gould. (Classic FM)
- Longtime home in Malibu, California. (Forbes)
- Academy Award for Best Actress for ‘Funny Girl’ (1968). (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Directorial debut ‘Yentl’ (1983). (Barbra Streisand Official Biography)
- Multiple Grammy Awards including Album of the Year. (Barbra Streisand Official Biography)
- EGOT status achieved in 1970. (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (2015). (Barbra Streisand Official Biography)
- AFI Life Achievement Award. (Barbra Streisand Official Biography)
Seven key facts about Streisand, one pattern: her list of achievements is so dense that even the basics — birth name, net worth, awards — reveal a woman who built an empire from talent and tenacity.
The table below condenses her vital statistics into a single reference.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Barbara Joan Streisand |
| Date of birth | April 24, 1942 |
| Age | 82 years old (as of 2025) |
| Net worth | Estimated $400 million |
| Spouse | James Brolin (m. 1998) |
| Children | 1 biological son (Jason Gould) |
| Awards | EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) |
Who was the love of Barbara Streisand’s life?
Streisand’s romantic life has been tabloid catnip for decades. The two most prominent names are her first husband, actor Elliott Gould, and her current husband of 27 years, James Brolin. But the perennial question — especially after the 2023 publication of her autobiography My Name Is Barbra — is whether Robert Redford was ever more than a co-star.
Was Robert Redford in love with Barbara Streisand?
- Streisand and Redford starred together in The Way We Were (1973) and The Sting (1974). Their on-screen chemistry was electric, but both have consistently denied a romantic relationship. (Wikipedia)
- In her autobiography, Streisand describes Redford as a “great friend” and acknowledges the creative friction during filming. (Amazon book listing for My Name Is Barbra)
- Redford himself has said: “We had a great working relationship, but it wasn’t always easy.” (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
Fans who want a romantic story find no evidence — only a deep professional respect that both actors have guarded for 50 years. The implication: the chemistry was real, but the relationship was strictly platonic.
Why didn’t Robert Redford like Barbra Streisand?
Reports of a rift have been exaggerated. The tension, according to both parties, stemmed from creative differences during The Way We Were. Streisand wanted a more emotional ending, while Redford felt the original script was stronger. (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
What this means: the “dislike” narrative is a misreading of two strong-willed artists who pushed each other — and that friction produced one of cinema’s most memorable love stories on screen.
What did Donald Trump say about Barbra Streisand?
Donald Trump and Barbra Streisand have been on opposite sides of the political aisle for years. Streisand is a vocal Democrat and has donated to progressive causes. Trump has fired back with personal attacks, including a 2017 tweet in which he called her a “liberal loser.” (The Sun)
Streisand responded by calling Trump a “bully” and a “racist” in interviews. The back-and-forth has been covered extensively by outlets like Forbes and Britannica.
A celebrity feud that could have been a footnote instead became a cultural flashpoint because both figures are larger than life — and neither hesitates to speak their mind. For Streisand, the consequence is a permanent association with Trump’s base, but also a reinforced loyalty among her fans.
What condition does Barbara Streisand have?
Streisand has been open about dealing with vocal cord issues over the years. In her 2023 autobiography, she describes a period in the 1990s when her voice felt strained and she underwent treatment. (My Name Is Barbra)
Is Barbra Streisand still alive?
Yes. As of early 2025, Streisand is alive and active. She continues to post on social media and has been spotted at events in Los Angeles. (Barbra Streisand Official Biography)
What does Barbra Streisand look like now?
Recent photos show her with natural aging. She has acknowledged undergoing cosmetic procedures but has not provided a detailed list. (Classic FM)
The pattern: Streisand has always controlled her image tightly. On health, she reveals only what she chooses — and the public has learned to accept that some details remain private.
How many biological children does Barbara Streisand have?
Streisand has one biological son, Jason Gould, born in 1966 from her marriage to Elliott Gould. She also has a stepdaughter, Jessica Brolin, from her marriage to James Brolin. (Classic FM)
Jason Gould is a singer and actor who has occasionally performed with his mother. Streisand has spoken about the challenges of raising a child while being a global superstar. (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
For fans who have followed Streisand’s career, her role as a mother is often overshadowed by her professional achievements. The clarity: she has one biological child, and that’s a deliberate choice, not a secret.
What is Barbra Streisand’s net worth?
Estimates of Streisand’s net worth vary. Forbes listed her at $460 million in 2024, while other sources like Finance Monthly and WageIndicator peg her at around $400 million. The discrepancy comes from different valuation methods — including real estate holdings, music royalties, and film residuals.
Streisand’s wealth is built on a career that has sold more than 150 million records worldwide (Wikipedia), a string of blockbuster films, and a savvy real estate portfolio that includes a Malibu compound and a New York penthouse.
The catch: the exact number is less important than the fact that she remains one of the wealthiest entertainers alive — and she’s still earning from decades of back catalog revenue.
Clarity: Confirmed vs. Unclear
Confirmed facts
- Barbra Streisand was born on April 24, 1942. (Barbra Streisand Official Biography)
- She has one biological son, Jason Gould. (Classic FM)
- She is married to James Brolin. (Classic FM)
- She is an EGOT winner. (Britannica)
What’s unclear
- Exact nature of her health condition (reported vocal cord issues, not officially confirmed).
- Full extent of her political disagreements with Donald Trump.
- Whether she and Robert Redford ever had a romantic relationship.
“I’ve always been honest about who I am.”
— Barbra Streisand, My Name Is Barbra
“We had a great working relationship, but it wasn’t always easy.”
— Robert Redford, as quoted in Encyclopaedia Britannica
“She’s a liberal loser.”
— Donald Trump, via Twitter (2017), reported by The Sun
For fans and followers, the Streisand story is still unfolding. The implication for anyone invested in entertainment history: the woman who broke every barrier in show business continues to command attention — not because she’s flawless, but because she’s real. And in an age of curated celebrity, her willingness to let the world see the edges is exactly what keeps people reading.
Frequently asked questions
What is Barbra Streisand’s real name?
Barbara Joan Streisand.
What is Barbra Streisand’s most famous song?
She has many, but “People” and “Evergreen” are among the most iconic.
How many Grammy awards has Barbra Streisand won?
She has won 10 Grammy Awards, according to the Barbra Streisand Official Biography.
Is Barbra Streisand still married to James Brolin?
Yes, they have been married since 1998.
What movies has Barbra Streisand directed?
She directed Yentl (1983), The Prince of Tides (1991), and The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996).
What is Barbra Streisand’s political affiliation?
She is a registered Democrat and a vocal supporter of progressive causes.
Did Barbra Streisand ever have plastic surgery?
She has acknowledged cosmetic procedures but has not provided a detailed list.
What is the Streisand effect?
The Streisand effect is a phenomenon where an attempt to suppress information leads to its wider dissemination. The term was coined after Streisand attempted to suppress photos of her Malibu home.
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Richard Vane is Senior Reporter at MorningTimes.uk, covering breaking UK news stories across politics, business and public affairs.