84-Year-Old Hollywood Legend Claims He Was Tapped for James Bond in Octopussy Before Roger Moore Returned

James Brolin’s Near-Miss as James Bond and Career Reflections
[Image: James Brolin in 1982]

James Brolin, who turns 85 on July 18, recently revealed he was nearly cast as James Bond in Octopussy (1983). The role fell through when Roger Moore, who had initially vowed to retire from the franchise, unexpectedly returned.

“He was out, so I flew over, met the team, got an apartment, and started training with stuntmen. Cubby Broccoli hired me,” Brolin told People. However, after returning to Los Angeles to prepare for the year-long shoot, he received a call: “Roger decided to do one more, and I was out.”

Post-Amityville Career Crossroads
[Image: Roger Moore on the Octopussy set]

Brolin’s near-Bond moment came after his breakout role in The Amityville Horror (1979), the highest-grossing independent film at the time. Despite its success, he struggled to find fitting follow-up roles. He even turned down 1978’s Superman, quipping, “I couldn’t see myself in a big red sock on wires.”

Over time, Brolin gravitated toward character acting, embracing roles like Ronald Reagan, Clark Gable, and his Amityville protagonist. “Playing someone unraveling or embodying real figures fascinates me more than just being a ‘leading man,’” he said.

Love Story with Barbra Streisand
[Image: Streisand and Brolin’s anniversary photo]

Brolin’s personal life also made headlines. Married to Barbra Streisand since 1998, the couple recently celebrated their 27th anniversary. Streisand shared a rare Instagram tribute, writing, “We met on a blind date 29 years ago… I love you, honey.”

Their romance began at a dinner party where they “didn’t talk to anyone else,” according to Brolin’s manager. They bonded during low-key truck rides to San Bernardino, with Streisand making sandwiches en route. Notably, they remained celibate until marriage, with Brolin proposing three times before she agreed.

Now, the duo cherishes quiet moments. “Our best investment is our mattress,” Brolin joked on Today. “We sleep late and work side by side.”

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