All of the Baldwins grew up as devout Catholics, because of their father. Alec credits his father’s faith for his own personal ambition to help others. The Baldwins even like to compare themselves to another famous, American dynasty: the Kennedys and have joked about one of them becoming president one day.
It is speculated that, if Alexander Baldwin hadn’t passed away early in their lives, the brothers wouldn’t have gotten involved in acting. Alexander had plans for his sons and was adamant that they become lawyers. He most likely would have objected to their publicized lives in the entertainment industry. But with dad Baldwin laid to rest, Hollywood’s call became louder.
The Fifth Baldwin Boy?
Though Baldwin is not a terribly rare surname, the four Baldwin brothers share no known relation to fellow-actor, Adam Baldwin.
Though he has appeared in popular films like "The Patriot" and "Serenity," Adam Baldwin has not had the same success as the other Baldwins and, of course, does not share any resemblance to the four!
They Came From A Middle-Class Family
The way in which the Baldwin brothers dominated the Hollywood scene, you may think that they came from an acting dynasty like the Barrymores or the Houstons, but this was not the case. Their father (Alexander) was a teacher and a football coach in Massapequa, New York while their mother (Carol) was a housewife when they were growing up.
What has helped the Baldwin boys stand out, other than the fact that they come in a group of four, are their good looks and charisma. When asked about where these qualities came from, the brothers have said that it is from their “handsome, demanding father,” the Catholic social studies teacher. Though their father died in 1983, the brothers say their drive for success is fueled by a devotion to him.
Answering The Call
Alec had a very lucky break into the acting world while he was a student at New York University. While he was a member of the famed Actor’s Studio, he was spotted by a talent scout and offered a spot on a soap opera called The Doctors. Stephen’s career took off when he, too, was spotted by a talent agent who saw him working in a pizza parlor in Manhattan.
He said that he previously tested his acting chops in regional theater and while singing with the Long Island Philharmonic. Billy and Daniel were then inspired by their brothers and decided to take the leap into Hollywood too. Unfortunately, though they are bonded by blood, the Baldwin brothers don’t always get along.
Family Feud
You would assume that four brothers who pursued the same career path would bond over their shared experiences, but for the Baldwins, sibling rivalry is alive and well. What is the root of the problem? Apparently, politics are partly to blame. Reportedly, the 2016 election created incredible tension amongst the Baldwins, leaving Stephen and Alec barely on speaking terms.
Alec is known to be a passionate Democrat and Stephen an equally passionate Republican. When it came to the elections, it was clear which brother supported which candidate, as both were less public about their political beliefs. Sadly, because of their polarized and passionate beliefs, Alec and Stephen are no longer very close.