James Brolin Reflects on Cowboy Life and Family Values in Ransom Canyon

James Brolin, the celebrated star of the new Netflix series Ransom Canyon, has embraced ranch life for decades. He humorously notes that his son, Josh Brolin, was essentially raised as a cowhand.

In a recent conversation with Fox News Digital, Brolin clarified that while he wasn’t born into farming, his childhood was filled with inspiration from iconic cowboys Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. His passion for the Western lifestyle began when he acquired his first horse, a former Palomino parade horse he purchased at auction for $235. Initially almost lifeless, this horse had to squeeze into his garage for the first night.

Reflecting on that moment, Brolin recounted, “It started slipping around in the garage. The very next day, I found a house to rent that had a corral and everything. Before I knew it, I bought a place with six acres and had six horses on it. This lifestyle quickly captivated me.”

From Marcus Welby to Ranch Living

During his tenure on the series Marcus Welby, M.D. from 1967 to 1976, Brolin made a significant move to a 270-acre ranch located in Central California, approximately four hours north of Universal Studios in Los Angeles, where filming took place.

“I made that four-hour drive, and I loved the ranch life,” he shared. He reflected on how his son Josh, now a 57-year-old actor, was nurtured in this environment. “He was raised really as a cowhand,” Brolin added, emphasizing the deep connection his family has with the ranch lifestyle.

When Universal Studios realized Brolin had relocated, they offered him a small house on set. This arrangement allowed him to balance work with family life, as the studio adjusted his schedule to accommodate his rural existence.

“They said they would manage my workweek to allow me to be home more often. And for me, the ranch was a paradise I couldn’t wait to return to after filming,” he explained.

Life Comes Full Circle for James Brolin

At 84 years old, Brolin finds himself back in familiar territory with his role in Ransom Canyon, a Western series often likened to the popular show Yellowstone. In this series, Brolin portrays a troubled character whose life is shadowed by loss.

He described his character Cap Fuller as a drunken figure filled with anger over the death of his wife and son. Brolin expressed his intention to bring authenticity to the role. “I aimed to make Cap so real that viewers would eagerly anticipate his next scene,” he noted.

This poignant character was brought to life in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the series was filmed. Brolin mentioned, “It may not be my wife’s style, but I find the place captivating and could easily spend time there.”

In addition to his ongoing professional journey, Brolin praised his son Josh, noting his dedication to fatherhood. Josh shares two children, Trevor, 36, and Eden, 31, from his first marriage to Alice Adair, along with two daughters, Westlyn, 6, and Chapel, 4, from his current marriage to Kathryn Boyd.

Brolin expressed admiration for his son’s parenting skills, stating, “Josh is the most attentive father I have ever seen.” He recognizes the challenge of balancing a demanding career in the entertainment industry with family responsibilities.

A Grandfather’s Affection

Echoing his commitment to family, Brolin reminisced about his efforts to prioritize time with his children when they were growing up. During his three to four days a week at the ranch, he dedicated time for camping trips and outdoor activities. Today, he reflects fondly on the joy of being a grandfather to Josh’s two youngest daughters, remarking, “It’s a wonderful stage of life, and while they may be a bit spoiled, they create a fun and loving family atmosphere.”

Brolin has enjoyed a long-lasting marriage with iconic singer and actress Barbra Streisand since 1998. When asked about the secret to their successful relationship, he humorously remarked, “You practice on the first ones,” indicating the learning curve that comes with previous relationships.

Addressing the dynamics of marriage, Brolin emphasized the importance of maintaining perspective. “Knowing when to step outside for a breath of fresh air is crucial. Don’t let arguments linger. Nature can provide a break from tensions. Stepping away for a moment often changes how we view a situation,” he advised.

Furthermore, he highlighted the value of seeking professional help when navigating ongoing relationship challenges. “Talking to someone qualified can be beneficial, often leading to breakthroughs in communication,” he explained.

Embracing Life’s Challenges

As Brolin navigates the complexities of life, he continues to inspire others with his dedication to family and his belief in the importance of a balanced lifestyle. His journey from a budding cowboy to a seasoned actor and family man reflects a life full of lessons.

In his current role and through his reflections on family and relationships, Brolin demonstrates that understanding, patience, and love remain timeless virtues, whether on the rugged terrain of a ranch or amid the glitz and glamor of Hollywood.