For nearly 20 years, Josh Brolin has emerged as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable figures. With a career spanning from childhood fame in “The Goonies” to portraying complex characters in critically acclaimed films, including the iconic villain Thanos in the Avengers franchise, Brolin’s journey has been anything but ordinary.
However, his path has not been without its hurdles. Before reaching his current status, Brolin faced significant financial difficulties that nearly sidetracked his acting career. At one point, he found himself stepping away from the spotlight in search of stable income to support his family. Despite earning a respectable salary of $100,000 per year, he realized that, after taxes, management fees, and legal expenses, the money was insufficient to cover the costs of raising children and managing daily expenses.
This financial strain led him to explore alternative sources of income. During a flight, he crossed paths with entrepreneur and trader Brett Markinson, an encounter that would profoundly change his outlook. In a candid conversation shared on Guy Raz’s podcast, Brolin discussed how this meeting piqued his interest in intra-day trading—a venture he decided to dive into while still pursuing his passion for acting.
Immerging himself into the world of day trading, Brolin found himself setting up three computer screens filled with complex graphs and charts. Despite initially feeling overwhelmed by the intricacies of the stock market, he benefited from Markinson’s patient mentorship, which helped him understand trading mechanics and financial strategies. Despite the seriousness of his situation, Brolin described himself as “naturally curious,” which enabled him to approach this new endeavor without feeling trapped by its demands.
Surprisingly, Brolin’s foray into trading proved to be more financially rewarding than his acting gigs at that time. He noted that, during the peak of his trading career, he “had made more money than I ever made acting, for sure, by far,” emphasizing that his success stemmed from discipline and consistency rather than mere luck or a singular fortunate trade.
Yet, despite this success in the trading realm, Brolin returned to acting with vigor, promptly re-asserting himself as a prominent figure in the industry. His busy slate for 2025 includes appearances in “Weapons,” a horror film, and Netflix’s thrilling “Wake Up Dead Man.” He is also set to feature in Edgar Wright’s adaptation of “The Running Man.”
Looking ahead, fans can anticipate Brolin reprising his role as Gurney Halleck in “Dune: Part Three,” marking his fourth collaboration with acclaimed director Denis Villeneuve. Additionally, he will reunite with Ridley Scott for “The Dog Stars” and star in the survival film “Whalefall.”
Brolin’s sustained presence in significant projects underscores not only his acting talent but also his capability to navigate career challenges with financial acumen. From facing early struggles and briefly stepping away from acting to mastering day trading and making a triumphant return to the big screen, he exemplifies resilience, curiosity, and discipline. Stay tuned for more updates on this multifaceted actor.
