Josh Brolin Reveals Art Collecting Struggles Despite Hollywood Fame

The actor opens up about the challenges of acquiring coveted artworks as a celebrity collector.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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In a wide-ranging interview, actor Josh Brolin discussed his passion for art collecting, including how his Hollywood fame doesn't always give him an advantage when trying to acquire works from in-demand artists. Brolin revealed he has "succumbed to a sucking-up" at galleries and faced being "in the back of the line" due to relationships and loyalty, even for a painting he "was in love with." The actor also shared insights into how art has helped him forge personal connections, including with his stepmother Barbara Streisand, and how it provides a refuge when he's away from home.

Why it matters

Brolin's experience as a celebrity art collector sheds light on the challenges even high-profile individuals can face in the competitive art market, where relationships, loyalty, and an artist's own preferences often take precedence over fame or wealth. His story highlights the humbling nature of the art world and the lengths some collectors must go to secure coveted works.

The details

Brolin, known for roles in films like The Goonies, No Country for Old Men, and Milk, revealed that his Hollywood connections don't necessarily help when trying to acquire paintings from artists with long waitlists. He described a "humbling" experience trying to buy a work by Danielle Mckinney from Marianne Boesky Gallery, where he found out he was "in the back of the line" due to existing relationships and loyalties. However, Brolin did eventually acquire a Mckinney painting, as well as works by other in-demand artists like Jammie Holmes, Celeste Rapone, and George Condo. The actor credits a formative trip to Europe as a teenager for sparking his love of art, which has also helped him forge personal connections, including with his stepmother Barbara Streisand.

  • Brolin bought his first artwork in his 20s.
  • Brolin had a dedicated painting phase after the birth of his first child in 1988, but later threw out all his paintings in frustration.

The players

Josh Brolin

An American actor known for roles in films like The Goonies, No Country for Old Men, and Milk. He is also an avid art collector.

Joel Lubin

Brolin's longtime agent and a board member at the Hammer Museum and ICA LA, who has been collecting art for around 15 years.

Danielle Mckinney

An artist whose work Brolin tried to acquire from Marianne Boesky Gallery, but faced challenges due to existing relationships and loyalties.

Jammie Holmes

An artist whose work Brolin was able to acquire through Jeffrey Deitch, who told Lubin he hoped Brolin would buy a specific piece "because I think it will enrage the art world."

Barbara Streisand

Brolin's stepmother, who has been married to James Brolin since 1998. Brolin was impressed that she had hung a Lucien Freud painting on the wall.

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What they’re saying

“I have succumbed to a sucking-up that I would never allow myself in any other capacity,”

— Josh Brolin, Actor (artnet News)

“Your ego gets shot down because you go, you find out later you were in the back of the line because there were loyalists, there were relationships, there's all this stuff! And I find it all very humbling... that comes down to the very simple fact that I'm in love with this painting.”

— Josh Brolin, Actor (artnet News)

“He sensed that Josh actually loved Jammie Holmes's work. And it's like, 'oh, that's going to go to somebody that cares about it.'”

— Joel Lubin, Brolin's Agent (artnet News)

What’s next

Brolin continues to build his art collection, navigating the challenges of the competitive art market as a celebrity collector.

The takeaway

Brolin's experience as a high-profile art collector underscores the humbling nature of the art world, where even fame and wealth do not always guarantee access to coveted works. His story highlights the importance of genuine passion and relationships in securing desired artworks, rather than relying solely on celebrity status.