When Barbra Said No to Marlon Brando—and How It Strengthened Their Friendship

Let me tell you a story that’s as fascinating as it is heartwarming. In her new memoir, My Name Is Barbra, the legendary Barbra Streisand opens up about a moment in her life that could’ve been awkward but ended up being the start of a beautiful friendship. Back in 1966, at a Hollywood party, Marlon Brando made an indecent proposal to Barbra. Now, this wasn’t just any party—it was one where his then-wife was also in attendance. But here’s the kicker: Barbra turned him down, and guess what? Marlon didn’t take offense. Instead, he respected her decision and went on to become a lifelong friend.

Fast forward to 1968, and Marlon was there for Barbra again. He called her after she starred in Funny Girl to give her feedback. “You were really good, but you run funny,” Barbra recalls him saying. That kind of honesty, delivered with care, is what great friendships are built on. And that’s exactly what theirs became.

Why Now? Barbra’s Journey to Writing Her Memoir

At 81 years old, Barbra Streisand has decided it’s finally time to share her story, her way. In My Name Is Barbra, set to release on November 7, she dives deep into her life, both personal and professional. What makes this memoir special is how she crafted it—writing every word by hand over a decade. Yep, you heard me right. Barbra, who never learned to type, took the time to pen her thoughts longhand, giving us an intimate glimpse into her world.

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She wasn’t always ready to tell her story. Back in 1984, Jackie Onassis, the iconic editor from Doubleday, approached her about writing a book. But Barbra felt she still had so much more to accomplish. At the time, she hadn’t found her happily-ever-after, and she wanted to wait until she had a fuller picture of her life to share. Now, with a storied career and a loving family, she’s ready to let us in.

A Life Well-Lived: Barbra’s Happy Home with James Brolin

These days, Barbra’s life is as fulfilling as her career has always been. She’s married to the talented actor James Brolin, whom she wed in 1998. Their bond is nothing short of extraordinary. Friends describe them as true partners in every sense of the word. “They truly love each other,” one close friend shares. “They get along great, are best friends, and are still attracted to each other.” That kind of connection speaks volumes about their relationship.

They live in a stunning compound in Malibu, California, surrounded by breathtaking ocean views. Barbra’s always tweaking and updating parts of their home, embracing the idea of evolution and change. “I like the idea of evolution and change,” she explains. And it’s not just her house she’s improving—Barbra’s committed to growing her marriage too. She credits the Dalai Lama’s wisdom, “Give truth with compassion,” for helping her and James navigate life together. Through periodic couples counseling, they’ve cultivated kindness and forgiveness, strengthening their union even further.

Family Ties: Barbra’s Cherished Relationships with Her Loved Ones

Barbra and James’s lives are enriched not only by their partnership but also by the joy of family. Barbra’s son, Jason, 56, remains close to her, and they talk frequently. Meanwhile, James’s eldest son, actor Josh Brolin, has given them the gift of grandchildren. While the two oldest grandchildren from Josh’s first marriage are adults now, the younger ones, Westlyn, 4, and Chapel, 2, are regular visitors to their home. “I’m enjoying my grandchildren and there’s nothing like family and home and pure love and joy and connection,” Barbra says. “That is the most important thing to me now.”

James Brolin and Barbra Streisand wear black outfits on the red carpet — Jim Spellman/WireImage

Her Truth, Her Way: Barbra’s Memoir Offers an Honest Perspective

With so many blessings in her life, it felt like the right moment for Barbra to reflect on her incredible journey. From growing up in Brooklyn without a father to becoming a global superstar, her story is one of resilience and triumph. “This is her version of her life. It’s her truth from her heart,” says Barbra’s sister, Roslyn Kind, during an event celebrating the rediscovered recordings of MGM music legend José Iturbi. Previous books about Barbra’s early life didn’t quite hit the mark. “They depict my family in ways I do not appreciate,” Roslyn explains. “They don’t know us, so they assume.”

Barbra’s memoir sets the record straight, providing details that only she can offer. While it concludes with her 1998 marriage to James Brolin, it doesn’t mean her story is over. She’s eager to take on new challenges, like playing French stage diva Sarah Bernhardt or reprising her role as Mama Rose in a remake of Gypsy. She’d even consider starring in a sequel to The Way We Were, but only if Robert Redford would join her. Despite the memoir, Barbra’s focus remains on the future. “I find it hard to look back,” she admits. “It’s not that it’s negative—it just feels a little egotistical to dwell on yourself.”