Barbra Streisand, a name synonymous with musical brilliance, has captivated audiences worldwide for decades. As she approaches her 81st birthday, the icon continues to leave an indelible mark on the music industry. The upcoming 2024 SAG Awards will honor her contributions with a Lifetime Achievement Award, set to premiere on Netflix on February 24. However, her legacy extends beyond her illustrious career; she is also a devoted mother to her only biological child, Jason Gould, 57, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Elliott Gould.
Despite being the son of an internationally acclaimed mother, Jason has chosen a path of privacy. “I sort of like being out of the spotlight,” he disclosed to PEOPLE in 2017. His early experiences in the entertainment industry, however, exposed him to the complexities of fame. Jason's journey, intertwined with Barbra's, provides a fascinating insight into the challenges and triumphs of growing up in the limelight.
This article will delve into the life of Jason Gould, exploring his relationship with his legendary mother, his experiences in acting and music, and his journey of self-discovery. Below, we will uncover intimate details about his life and the profound impact Barbra has had on his personal and professional growth.
Barbra Streisand Has One Son
Barbra and her former husband, Elliott, welcomed Jason into the world on December 29, 1966. Their relationship was short-lived, as they divorced in 1971. The news of Barbra's pregnancy came as a surprise to her, as she had long believed she couldn't have children. In her memoir, My Name Is Barbra, she reflected on this shocking revelation, stating, “The news was a shock. For years I had honestly thought there was something wrong with me because I had never gotten pregnant. Having a baby seemed like something for other women, not for me.”
Jason Gould Worked as a Childhood Actor
Growing up with a renowned mother, Jason was drawn into the world of acting from an early age. His acting debut occurred in the 1972 film Up the Sandbox. After a brief hiatus, he appeared in a single episode of The Bronx Zoo in 1988. Jason's filmography includes notable roles in the 1989 classic Say Anything… and a collaboration with Barbra in 1991’s The Prince of Tides.
Reflecting on his childhood experiences with fame, Jason recounted, “When I was a kid I couldn’t go anywhere without photographers in our face. I don’t like cameras snapping in my face. It’s like being attacked.” This discomfort with public attention led him to step back from the limelight, valuing his privacy over the glitz and glamor that often accompany celebrity life.
Jason Gould Came Out to His Parents in the 1980s
In the 1980s, Jason found the courage to come out as gay to his parents. His decision was further complicated when a tabloid falsely claimed he had married a man in 1991. “It was just so grotesque to me that they could make up a story like that and claim they had seen pictures of my wedding to a man,” he shared with SFGate. He emphasized, “I never was hiding the fact that I was gay. I’m pretty comfortable with my sexuality.”
Jason Gould Started Singing in 2012
2012 marked a significant turning point for Jason as he joined his mother on tour and performed “How Deep in the Ocean” to an audience of thousands. The experience was both exhilarating and daunting for him. “I honestly didn’t know if I could do it,” he confessed. “I had never performed in front of anybody, so going from zero to like 18,000 people was quite a challenge.”
Barbra has always been supportive of Jason's singing career. In a 2014 interview, she recalled a moment when she heard him humming at the age of 15. “I brought it up that the humming was such a beautiful sound,” she said. Jason's journey into music showcases his growth and the courage to embrace his talents, stating, “My need to express myself was greater than my fear.”
Jason Gould Has Released His Own Music
Jason's music career has flourished in recent years. He released a self-titled EP in 2012, followed by an album titled Dangerous Man in 2017. He has collaborated with Barbra on various music projects and recently released his latest song, “Laws of Desire,” on January 26, 2024. Music remains a powerful outlet for Jason, who believes, “Music has phenomenal healing power. It speaks to the heart.”
