In a recent interview with his The Running Man co-stars Glen Powell and Lee Pace, Josh Brolin shared insights from his early acting career, revealing that he auditioned for over 350 roles as a teenager before he secured his first big break in the beloved 1985 film The Goonies. The 57-year-old actor recounted the pressure of auditioning extensively, stating, “I mean totally, 350 auditions—do you remember the days when you would audition like three times a day?”
Brolin, who is the son of actor James Brolin, grew up away from Hollywood in central California. He only visited his father’s film sets on a rare occasion, which left him somewhat naive about the film industry when he landed the role of Brandon “Brand” Walsh in The Goonies. Reflecting on his experience filming the iconic adventure, he humorously admitted, “I ruined the first half-day of filming because I was laughing so hard, I guess out of nerves.” This reaction led director Steven Spielberg to intervene, highlighting the importance of efficiency in filmmaking.
Eager to land the role, Brolin auditioned six times for The Goonies, demonstrating the level of competition and the lengths actors go to in securing roles. He commented on the casting process, mentioning, “I looked like a bit of a bad boy, but sort of a jock,” which ultimately matched what the casting team envisioned for the character.
As he continues to promote The Running Man, set to release in theaters on November 14, Brolin’s journey from countless auditions to stardom serves as an inspiring reminder to aspiring actors of the determination and resilience needed to succeed in the entertainment industry. His story emphasizes that perseverance can lead to success, making it a hopeful narrative for those in pursuit of their dreams.