Actor Reveals ‘Extreme’ Stress Led to Heartbreaking Diagnosis

Josh Brolin, the veteran actor known for his roles in No Country for Old Men and Dune, has revealed that he recently developed Bell’s Palsy—an alarming diagnosis he attributes entirely to extreme stress.

The 56-year-old star opened up on SiriusXM’s Literally! With Rob Lowe podcast, explaining that his latest bout with the condition came during a nerve-racking move to Montecito, California.

“I got so stressed out about moving here because it represented something very specific to me that I ended up contracting a mild case of Bell’s Palsy,” Brolin shared.

This isn’t the first time the Oscar-nominated actor has faced this medical condition. “The last time I got Bell’s Palsy was 17 years ago when I was thinking about moving back up here,” Brolin added. “So, the two times I’ve gotten Bell’s Palsy are when I was thinking about moving up here. And then I moved up here, and I was like, ‘Oh! It’s all good.’”

A Medical Perspective on Bell’s Palsy

According to the Mayo Clinic, Bell’s Palsy is a condition that causes sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, often making it difficult to smile or close the affected eye. While the exact cause remains uncertain, medical experts suggest that stress and viral infections can play a role in triggering the condition.

Dr. Richard Holloway, a neurologist specializing in facial nerve disorders, weighed in on Brolin’s diagnosis. “While stress alone may not directly cause Bell’s Palsy, it can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to conditions like this,” Dr. Holloway explained.

Finding Peace After Turmoil

Despite the health scare, Brolin appears to be finding solace in his new home. “All these good memories are starting to come up,” he said. “My childhood wasn’t as severe as I kind of illustrated it to be. We make everything more dramatic, but the good stuff is there, too. And it’s been really nice.”

Brolin lives in California with his wife, Kathryn Boyd, and their daughters, Westlyn and Chapel. He also shares two adult children, Trevor and Eden, with his ex-wife, actress Alice Adair.

Hollywood’s Unforgiving Nature

Brolin’s health update comes on the heels of his recent jest about quitting Hollywood. After Dune: Part Two director Denis Villeneuve was snubbed by the Academy Awards, Brolin expressed frustration over the industry’s unpredictable nature.

“Apparently, I am going to quit acting because Denis Villeneuve didn’t get nominated,” he joked in an Instagram video. “It makes no sense to me. That’s OK. The people who have gotten accolades surely deserve it. Happy to be a part of it. Congrats everyone.”

While Brolin’s remarks were tongue-in-cheek, they highlight growing dissatisfaction with the Academy’s selection process—a frustration shared by many in the film industry.

A Tough but Resilient Actor

Brolin has long been known for his ability to weather storms both on and off the screen. From his gritty performances in Sicario and Deadpool 2 to his real-life resilience in overcoming personal and professional challenges, he remains a symbol of perseverance.

For now, it seems that Montecito—despite its initial stress—may offer Brolin the tranquility he needs to recover and thrive.