Barbra Streisand’s only son, Jason Gould, was dubbed a “million-dollar baby” even before his birth, yet he is “honey” to her even now at age 56.
Streisand opened up about Jason, who has always been forthcoming about sexuality and their special connection.
Jason’s father, “M*A*S*H” actor Elliot Gould spoke out about his relationship with Streisand and their son years after their marriage ended.
Barbra Streisand is a mom to her one and only child, son Jason Gould. She is very proud of her child, who may have inadvertently cost her one million dollars before he was even born.
Nonetheless, the director adores her son and celebrated his 56th birthday on December 29, 2022, on social media, alongside a black and white throwback photo of the pair on an airplane when Jason was little.
For the 81-year-old mom, Jason is still her “honey” even though he is now 56 years old. “Happy birthday, honey. Mom xo,” the doting parent captioned her post.
Jason is a gay man who never hid his sexuality from his parents, and his mother warmly accepted him the way he is. In an interview with The Advocate magazine in 1999, Streisand gushed about her son and said:
“I would never wish for my son to be anything but what he is. He is bright, kind, sensitive, caring, and a very conscientious and good person. What more could a parent ask for in their child?”
The mother of one added she has “been truly blessed” to have a child like Jason. “Most parents feel that their child is particularly special, and I am no different,” she stated.
Streisand also mentioned that she wishes for her beloved son to continue to “experience a rich life of love, happiness, joy, and fulfillment, both creatively and personally.”
Why Was Streisand’s Son Jason Dubbed “Million-Dollar Baby?”
The Academy Award winner shares her son with actor Elliot Gould whom she wed in 1963. The singer planned to tour twenty cities when she discovered she was pregnant with the couple’s child in 1966. It was projected to make her over $1 million – a sum considered most valuable at the time.
However, when Streisand fell pregnant in the spring of that year, she prioritized her pregnancy, canceled her shows, and forfeited the money she would have made.
The New York native’s decision received a lot of media attention as her unborn child was then famously referred to as the “million-dollar baby,” which she found “offensive and crass.” Moreover, she could not care less about losing money because that was not more important to her and explained during an interview shortly after:
“A stage performance is different. You do it, and it’s gone forever. It’s not a tangible thing, is it? Having a baby. That’s a tangible success.”
Streisand and Elliot welcomed their son in December 1966. Three years later, they decided to call it quits on their marriage in 1971. Still, Jason, born in New York City, maintained healthy relationships with both of them over the years.
He even grew up to follow in their footsteps by becoming an actor and director. The movie star is known for 1989’s “Say Anything,” 1991’s “The Prince of Tides,” and “Boys Life 3” (2000).
What Relationship Does the Father of Streisand’s Son Have with Her & Their Child Now?
Meanwhile, his father is known for the 1969 comedy film, “Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice” for which he received an Oscar nomination, and the 1970 comedy show “M*A*S*H.” Elliot also portrayed an old-time con artist Reuben Tishkoff in “Ocean’s Eleven” (2001) and “Ocean’s Twelve” (2004).
After his marriage to Streisand ended, he remarried twice to the same woman, actress Jennifer Bogart in 1973. The pair welcomed two kids, a son, and a daughter, Samuel and Molly. They divorced in 1975, only to remarry in 1978 and split again in 1989.
Meanwhile, his former wife Streisand also remarried and wed Emmy Award-winning actor James Brolin in 1998, and the couple is still going strong. However, she and her husband of two decades do not have children together.
Streisand’s ex-husband spoke fondly about their current relationship in an interview in October 2017. He briefly touched on his blended family, saying others have certain expectations about family dynamics which does not apply to them. “People will presume how things should be, but things are the way they are. To me, it’s all about us. It’s not about any one part,” said Elliot.
The Academy Award nominee also stated that he still includes Streisand and their son in his life despite their divorce and made it known that they stuck together.
The TV star revealed he told the EGOT winner that even though they were no longer together, he would forever be involved in her life. “I’ve said to her: I know you’re married to someone else now, and I only wish you well, but this is a small family unit, and you’re a part of it, so I’ll always be there,” said Elliot, adding:
“Barbra is a very significant part of my life, no less significant than the rest of my family. Jason is the light of our lives.”
He mentioned Streisand’s love for their child and revealed that the trio still keeps in touch. The father of three also noted the “Meet The Fockers” star is now “happily married to James Brolin. And he is very nice to me.”
When the actress turned 75 in April 2017, Elliot was asked what he bought her for her special day. He disclosed they do not usually get one another presents:
“We don’t ordinarily exchange material gifts. I sent her an acknowledgment with love and respect and understanding and admiration. I always acknowledge her birthday.”
When asked who their son takes after, the Los Angeles native answered that Jason has both their similarities. “He’s got my eyes. And he’s brilliant. He sings. He’s artistic. In some ways, he and Barbra look alike.”