Josh Brolin Opening Up About His Journey Through Challenging Times In Upcoming Memoir

Known for his roles in No Country for Old Men and Avengers, the 56-year-old shares his experience with addiction, violence, and ultimately, personal growth.

In the memoir, Brolin recalls a life-changing incident in 2013, when he was stabbed in Costa Rica after being approached by a stranger asking for money or a cigarette.

Josh Brolin – Recalling Life-Changing Incidents

He described how the knife struck his belly button, “the densest ligament in the body, and it slowed the knife down enough to stop it from hitting any vitals.”

During this frightening time, Brolin was with his wife, Kathryn, who handed him his phone so he could call his ex-wife, Alice Adair, with whom he shares two children.

Reflecting on the conversation, Brolin wrote, “She’ll talk to the kids about what I loved most about them… and how I know they’ll grow into a future that they can feel proud of.”

Josh Brolin – Dealing With Addiction As A Teenager

Brolin’s journey through addiction began early, experimenting with drugs as a teenager while hanging out with the Cito Rats, a diverse group of friends who surfed and got into trouble together. He recounted trying heroin, although he noted that he never developed a dependency.

Over time, he watched many of his friends from that group succumb to addiction. “I’ve had 19 friends who died. Most of those guys I grew up with, they’re all dead now,” he said.

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A turning point came after an incident following a night of drinking. Brolin had planned to visit his ailing grandmother with his brother, but after a hit-and-run at Del Taco, he woke up on the sidewalk, disoriented and unsure where his car was.

The moment his grandmother looked up and smiled upon his arrival at the hospital left a deep impact on him.

He recalls thinking, “If this woman could get through 99 years on life’s terms, how dare me?” It was a moment that led him to sobriety and self-reflection.

Today, Brolin shares a sober life with his wife Kathryn and their young daughters, Westlyn, 6, and Chapel, 3.

Reflecting on his past and his long journey, he told PEOPLE, “The only thing you can change is yourself. And drinking probably doesn’t help the relationship if you reacted to alcohol like I did.” He expressed gratitude for the life he has now, adding, “As crazy as life makes me sometimes… I’m really like, ‘What a gift.’”

From Under the Truck is set for release on November 19 and is available for preorder.

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