Josh Brolin recalls how his mom Jane used to send wild animals after him and brother Jess
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Josh Brolin has shared personal details about his childhood and his relationship with his late mother, Jane Cameron Agee, in his new memoir, 'From Under the Truck'.
In an interview with The Times, published on Saturday, November 16, the actor discussed the book and talked about terrifying aspects of his upbringing. One of the most startling stories he recounts is how his mother, a wildlife conservationist, would command wild animals to chase him and his brother, Jess Brolin.
Josh Brolin reveals how his mother used to command wild animals to chase him and his brother
According to Josh Brolin, his mother would yell "Sic ‘em!" to animals like cougars, coyotes, and bobcats, which would then take off after him and his brother, Jess Brolin.
He writes in the book, "You knew if you didn’t get on the other side of that shut door within a couple of seconds, you’d be cleaning up fresh bloody marks somewhere on your body for the rest of the day."
Despite the terrifying nature of such encounters, he is "loath to say" just how horrifying the experiences truly were.
Reflecting on his mother’s impact on his life, Josh admits that while she could be difficult, she was never someone you would want to be without. "She was a pain in the behind, but she was never someone who you didn’t want around," told the 'Sicario' actor to The Times.
The actor grew up on a ranch in Paso Robles, California, with his younger brother, Jess. Their father is two-time Golden Globe winner, James Brolin, who went on to marry Barbra Streisand.
Josh Brolin reflects on his mother's death
Josh Brolin also spoke candidly about his own struggles with addiction, revealing how his mother’s death in 1995, when she was just 55 years old, deeply affected him. At the time, the actor, caught in the throes of heroin addiction, thought that 55 was "a good, long life."
However, looking back, now at 56, he acknowledges how misguided that belief was. "I thought 55 was a good long life but I realized how wrong I was," admitted Josh.
In 'From Under the Truck', Josh explores his turbulent and destructive childhood in great detail, including his early experiences with drugs and alcohol. According to him, the title is a nod to one of his mother's drinking sessions
He recalls dropping acid at the age of 13, and showing up to his grandmother's deathbed "reek[ing] of alcohol." The 'Brothers' star also talked about his journey to overcome addiction, detailing how it took years for him to finally kick his habits.
'From Under the Truck' is set to be released on Tuesday.
