Meet Alice Adair – Inside the Life of an ’80s & ’90s Actress Josh Brolin

Alice Adair is a former American actress best remembered for her calm, captivating presence in 1980s and 1990s TV and films. While many know her as the first wife of actor Josh Brolin, Alice carved her own space in Hollywood before stepping away from fame.

Her legacy today is multi-faceted — a rising star who chose a different path, a nurturing mother of three, and now, a life coach and end-of-life doula, helping others find peace in life’s final chapters.

Alice Adair Quick Bio

Early Acting Career and Rise to Fame

Born in Colorado Springs in 1966, Alice grew up with creative aspirations. She entered show business in the mid-1980s, debuting with a guest appearance in the hit series Miami Vice (1986). That one episode opened doors for her, and her career quickly gained traction.

In 1987, she landed the role of Jan Bogomil in Beverly Hills Cop II, opposite Eddie Murphy. The film’s global success thrust her into the public eye. Her understated charm made her a favorite for soft-spoken but strong female roles. She followed this up with appearances in Private Eye, Desperado: Avalanche at Devil’s Ridge, and the cult-favorite Quantum Leap (1989), where she played Diane McBride.

Meeting Josh Brolin – A Hollywood Romance

Alice met Josh Brolin while working on the show Private Eye. At the time, both were rising stars. Their off-screen chemistry soon turned into a real relationship. Alice was just 22; Josh, 20.

In 1988, they married in a low-key ceremony. It was a time of love, ambition, and balancing fame with family. Their bond reflected a unique Hollywood love story — raw, passionate, and grounded.

Life as Josh Brolin’s Wife

Being the wife of a rising actor came with its own challenges. Josh was building his career, taking on varied roles while Alice maintained hers. Their first son, Trevor Brolin, was born the same year they married. Despite the pressures of fame and youth, Alice embraced motherhood with quiet strength.

She frequently supported Josh at premieres and behind the scenes, always putting family before publicity. In many ways, Alice served as a grounding force in Josh’s early, often chaotic career years.

Parenthood and Family Focus

In 1994, the couple welcomed their second child, Eden Brolin, just months before their separation. Eden would go on to follow in her parents’ footsteps, becoming an actress best known for her role in the series Yellowstone.

Trevor, too, ventured into filmmaking and music composition. Though both children live in the creative spotlight, their upbringing was largely away from Hollywood’s glamor — thanks to Alice’s insistence on normalcy.

Her hands-on parenting shaped two thoughtful, creative individuals. Alice remains a proud, quiet supporter of their paths.

Divorce from Josh Brolin — and a Peaceful Co-Parenting Journey

Alice and Josh divorced in 1994, marking the end of their six-year marriage. Unlike many celebrity splits, theirs was amicable. Even after the divorce, Alice lived on Brolin’s ranch for some time, ensuring both parents remained actively involved.

Their mutual respect turned into a lasting friendship. In interviews, Josh has described Alice as “a friend for life.” Alice, too, once noted how grateful she was to raise their children in a united environment, despite no longer being married.

alice adair Second Marriage and Third Child

Alice later remarried to Peter Swanke, a non-industry professional. They had a son, Peter Jr., in 2005. This chapter of Alice’s life was far from Hollywood’s spotlight.

Sadly, her second marriage ended in 2011. Since then, Alice has raised her third child privately, choosing to focus on family and emotional wellness.

Life Beyond Acting — A New Calling

By the late 1990s, Alice left acting almost entirely. She later reappeared in a short indie film, Rideshare (2015), but her career shift was already in motion.

Alice found a new calling — helping others heal. She trained as a life coach and later as an end-of-life doula, working under the name Deborah Adair with the Beverly Hills End-of-Life Doula (BHELD) program.

Her work involves emotional support, grief counseling, and helping families prepare for loss with compassion. For Alice, it’s more than a job — it’s a personal mission to ease others through the most difficult moments of life.

What Is BHELD?

BHELD (Beverly Hills End-of-Life Doula) is a nonprofit organization supporting individuals in their final stages of life. As a trained doula, Alice provides:

• Emotional and spiritual comfort

• Guidance on end-of-life planning

• Support for family members

• Meditative and mindfulness techniques

In a 2024 podcast interview, a BHELD coordinator noted that Alice’s “natural calm and emotional intelligence make her one of our most compassionate doulas.”

Alice Adair Today — Living Life on Her Own Terms

Now in her late 50s, Alice Adair lives quietly — far removed from the limelight she once occupied. She is not active on social media and rarely makes public appearances. Those close to her describe her as a peaceful, deeply empathetic person.

She maintains a strong relationship with her children and occasionally joins Eden or Trevor at private family functions. Though she no longer acts, Alice continues to guide, support, and inspire through her work and presence.

Hidden Chapters — Fictional Parallels?

Interestingly, fans of the “Super Powereds” book series often point out a fictional character named Alice Adair — a powered human who becomes the hero Legacy. While purely coincidental, the similarities in inner strength and leadership qualities are striking.

While the fictional Alice battles gravity and superhero dilemmas, the real Alice Adair guides people through the gravities of life itself — quietly powerful in her own way.

Most Memorable On-Screen Moments

Although her screen career was brief, Alice Adair left a mark with every role she played. Some of her best-known performances include:

• Jan Bogomil – Beverly Hills Cop II (1987)

• Diane McBride – Quantum Leap (1989)

• Jessie – Private Eye (1987)

• Cornelia Granthomme – Szuler (1992, Polish-American indie)

• Mary – Rideshare (2015 short film)

These performances continue to be revisited by classic film and TV fans alike.

Final Thoughts

Alice Adair’s journey is a testament to graceful transformation. From the Hollywood sets of the ’80s to the healing rooms of BHELD, her story is one of reinvention, resilience, and quiet power.

More than just “Josh Brolin’s ex-wife,” Alice is a woman who chose peace over publicity, purpose over popularity. In doing so, she’s become a source of comfort to many — both as a mother and as a guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Alice Adair still alive in 2025?

Yes, Alice Adair is alive and well as of 2025. Though she no longer appears in movies or on television, she has transitioned into a new role as a certified life coach and end-of-life doula, helping people navigate emotional and spiritual challenges during their final days. She prefers a quiet, private life and is not active on social media.

2. What are some movies or shows Alice Adair appeared in?

Alice acted in several notable productions during the late ’80s and early ’90s. Her most famous roles include:

• Beverly Hills Cop II (1987) – where she played Jan Bogomil

• Quantum Leap (1989) – as Diane McBride

• Miami Vice (1986) – guest role

• Private Eye (1987) – opposite Josh Brolin

• Desperado: Avalanche at Devil’s Ridge and Szuler (1992)

She also appeared in a 2015 short indie film called Rideshare.

3. How old is Alice Adair, and where was she born?

Alice Adair was born on June 26, 1966, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. She is 59 years old as of 2025. Growing up in Colorado, she was exposed to both artistic and nature-based influences, which shaped her quiet, introspective character.

4. What is Alice Adair’s relationship with Josh Brolin like today?

Although divorced in 1994, Alice Adair and Josh Brolin maintain a respectful friendship. They co-parented their two children, Trevor and Eden, with a strong sense of unity. Even years after their split, they’ve spoken kindly of one another, with Josh calling Alice one of his best friends. Their co-parenting model is often praised as an example of post-divorce maturity.

5. What does Alice Adair do now for a living?

Today, Alice works as a life coach and end-of-life doula, helping individuals and families through emotionally complex transitions. She works with BHELD (Beverly Hills End-of-Life Doula) and uses her empathetic nature to bring peace to those in need. It’s a role that suits her personality — grounded, caring, and deeply thoughtful.