Richard Dreyfuss is an acclaimed American actor recognized for his memorable roles in iconic films spanning the 1970s to 1990s. His notable works include classics like "Jaws," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," "The Goodbye Girl," and "Mr. Holland's Opus." Dreyfuss's performances have left a lasting impact on cinema history.
1920: Birth of Richard Dreyfuss's Father
Norman Dreyfuss, Richard Dreyfuss's father, was born in 1920.
1921: Birth of Richard Dreyfuss's Mother
Geraldine Dreyfuss, Richard Dreyfuss's mother, was born in 1921.
1944: Birth of Lorin Dreyfuss
Lorin Dreyfuss, Richard Dreyfuss's older brother, was born in 1944.
October 29, 1947: Birth of Richard Dreyfuss
Richard Stephen Dreyfuss was born on October 29, 1947 in Brooklyn, New York.
1955: Marlon Brando's Oscar Win
Marlon Brando won his first Oscar in 1955 at the age of 30 years, 360 days old.
1967: Early Film Appearances
Richard Dreyfuss had a small, uncredited role in "The Graduate" and a brief appearance in "Valley of the Dolls" in 1967.
March 17, 1972: Stage Appearance in "The Time of Your Life"
Richard Dreyfuss appeared in the play "The Time of Your Life", which was revived at the Huntington Hartford Theater in Los Angeles on March 17, 1972.
1973: Breakthrough Role in "American Graffiti"
Richard Dreyfuss landed a key role in George Lucas's hit film "American Graffiti" in 1973, marking a significant step in his acting career.
1973: Television and Film Roles
Dreyfuss starred in the CBS pilot "Catch-22" and appeared in the film "Dillinger" in 1973.
1973: Five Years of Box Office Success
Between 1973 and 1978, films featuring Dreyfuss grossed over $900 million, solidifying his star power.
1974: First Lead Role in "The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz"
Richard Dreyfuss took on his first lead role in the Canadian film "The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz" in 1974, receiving positive critical reception.
1975: Continued Success with "Jaws"
Dreyfuss continued to achieve box office success with his role in "Jaws" in 1975.
1975: Starring in Blockbuster "Jaws"
Dreyfuss starred in the box office hit "Jaws" directed by Steven Spielberg in 1975.
1977: Critical and Commercial Success with "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"
Dreyfuss starred in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" in 1977, which was both a critical and commercial triumph.
1977: Youngest Best Actor Oscar Win
In 1977, Dreyfuss became the youngest actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in "The Goodbye Girl."
1977: Academy Award Win and "Close Encounters"
Richard Dreyfuss starred in Steven Spielberg's "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in "The Goodbye Girl" in 1977.
1978: Struggles with Addiction
Dreyfuss began struggling with cocaine addiction around 1978.
1978: Record-Breaking Oscar Win
In 1978, Dreyfuss won the Academy Award for Best Actor, becoming the youngest person to do so at the time.
1980: Appearance in "The Competition"
Richard Dreyfuss appeared in the film "The Competition" in 1980.
1981: Filming "Whose Life Is It Anyway?"
Dreyfuss worked on the film "Whose Life Is It Anyway?" in 1981, a period during which he has stated he has no memory due to his addiction.
1982: Arrest and Rehabilitation
Dreyfuss was arrested for drug possession in 1982 after a car accident. He entered rehabilitation following the incident.
1983: Birth of Daughter Emily
In 1983, Richard Dreyfuss and his wife Jeramie Rain welcomed their daughter Emily.
1986: Comeback with "Down and Out in Beverly Hills"
Dreyfuss made a comeback to Hollywood with his role in "Down and Out in Beverly Hills" in 1986 after undergoing rehabilitation.
1986: Return to Success with "Down and Out in Beverly Hills" and "Stand by Me"
Dreyfuss made a comeback with roles in "Down and Out in Beverly Hills" and "Stand by Me" in 1986.
1986: Birth of Son Benjamin
In 1986, Richard Dreyfuss and Jeramie Rain had their son Benjamin, who was born with Peters Anomaly, a rare genetic eye disorder.
1987: Starring Roles in "Stakeout" and "Nuts"
Richard Dreyfuss had starring roles in the films "Stakeout" and "Nuts" in 1987.
1988: Collaboration with Paul Mazursky in "Moon over Parador"
Dreyfuss collaborated with director Paul Mazursky on the political satire "Moon over Parador" in 1988.
1989: Reunion with Spielberg in "Always"
Dreyfuss and Spielberg collaborated again on "Always", a remake of "A Guy Named Joe", in 1989.
1989: Reunion with Spielberg in "Always"
Dreyfuss reunited with director Steven Spielberg for the film "Always" in 1989.
1990: Birth of Son Harry
In 1990, Richard Dreyfuss and Jeramie Rain welcomed their son Harry.
1991: Comedy Success with "What About Bob?" and "Prisoner of Honor"
Dreyfuss starred alongside Bill Murray in the comedy "What About Bob?" and also produced and starred in the HBO film "Prisoner of Honor" in 1991.
1991: Comedy Success and Historical Drama
In 1991, Dreyfuss starred in the comedy "What About Bob?" and also took on a dramatic role in the historical film "Prisoner of Honor", which he also produced.
1994: Papal Concert Performance
Dreyfuss participated in the Papal Concert to Commemorate the Shoah at the Vatican in 1994, reciting Kaddish during a performance of Leonard Bernstein's Third Symphony.
1995: Continued Film and Television Work
After the success of "Mr. Holland's Opus", Dreyfuss remained active in film and television.
1995: Critical Acclaim for "Mr. Holland's Opus"
Dreyfuss received critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for his performance in "Mr. Holland's Opus" in 1995.
1995: Oscar Nomination for "Mr. Holland's Opus"
Dreyfuss was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in "Mr. Holland's Opus" in 1995.
1995: Divorce from Jeramie Rain
In 1995, Richard Dreyfuss and Jeramie Rain divorced after having three children together.
1995: Co-authorship of 'The Two Georges'
In 1995, Richard Dreyfuss co-authored the book 'The Two Georges' with science-fiction writer Harry Turtledove. The novel is set in an alternate timeline where the American Revolution was peacefully avoided.
October 10, 1996: Hollywood Walk of Fame Induction
On October 10, 1996, Richard Dreyfuss was inducted as a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 7021 Hollywood Blvd.
1997: Voiceover Work
Dreyfuss lent his voice to the Apple Computer "Think Different" ad campaign and narrated the film "The Call of the Wild: Dog of the Yukon" in 1997.
1999: Marriage to Janelle Lacey
In 1999, Richard Dreyfuss married Janelle Lacey.
2000: Death of Richard Dreyfuss's Mother
Geraldine Dreyfuss, Richard Dreyfuss's mother, passed away in 2000.
2001: Starring Role in "The Education of Max Bickford"
Dreyfuss starred as Max Bickford in the television drama "The Education of Max Bickford", which premiered in 2001.
2002: Conclusion of "The Education of Max Bickford"
Dreyfuss's run on the television drama "The Education of Max Bickford" concluded in 2002.
2002: Award Recognition for Television Work
Richard Dreyfuss received Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations in 2002 for his role in the CBS drama "The Education of Max Bickford" and his portrayal of Alexander Haig in "The Day Reagan Was Shot."
2003: Adrien Brody Breaks Dreyfuss's Oscar Record
Adrien Brody became the youngest winner of the Best Actor Oscar in 2003, surpassing Richard Dreyfuss's record.
April 2004: Broadway Appearance in "Sly Fox"
Dreyfuss appeared in the Broadway revival of "Sly Fox" in April 2004.
November 2004: Withdrawal from "The Producers"
Dreyfuss was scheduled to appear in the London production of "The Producers" but withdrew due to health reasons in November 2004.
2005: Divorce from Janelle Lacey
In 2005, Richard Dreyfuss and Janelle Lacey divorced.
February 16, 2006: Speech at The National Press Club
On February 16, 2006, Richard Dreyfuss spoke at The National Press Club in Washington, D.C., hoping to prompt a national discussion on impeachment charges against U.S. President George W. Bush.
November 17, 2006: Appearance on HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher
On November 17, 2006, Richard Dreyfuss appeared on HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher as a panel member to discuss the importance of teaching Civics in schools.
2006: Role in "Poseidon"
Dreyfuss appeared as Richard Nelson, a gay architect, in the disaster film "Poseidon" in 2006.
2006: Creation of The Dreyfuss Civics Initiative
In 2006, Richard Dreyfuss created The Dreyfuss Civics Initiative (TDCI) to revive civics education and teach future generations about the power of their citizenship and the principles that hold America together.
2006: Discussion of Bipolar Disorder
In 2006, Richard Dreyfuss discussed his diagnosis of bipolar disorder in the documentary 'Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive', where Fry, who also has the disorder, interviewed him about his experience.
2006: Marriage to Svetlana Erokhin
In 2006, Richard Dreyfuss married Russian-born Svetlana Erokhin.
2007: Appearance in Youth Voting Documentary
In 2007, Richard Dreyfuss appeared in the youth voting documentary film '18 in '08'.
February 2008: Purchase of House in Encinitas, California
In February 2008, Richard Dreyfuss and Svetlana Erokhin bought a $1.5 million house in Encinitas, California, with the intention of renovating the structure using green technologies.
2008: Portrayal of Dick Cheney in "W."
Dreyfuss portrayed U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney in Oliver Stone's biographical film "W." in 2008.
2008: End of Tenure at Oxford
Dreyfuss's time as a research adviser at St Antony's College, Oxford, came to an end in 2008.
2008: Recognition of TDCI as a 501(c)3 Organization
As of 2008, The Dreyfuss Civics Initiative (TDCI), created by Richard Dreyfuss, was recognized as a 501(c)3 designated organization.
2009: Controversial Performance in 'Complicit' and Guest Appearances
In 2009, Richard Dreyfuss performed in the play 'Complicit' at London's Old Vic theatre, directed by Kevin Spacey. His use of an earpiece onstage sparked controversy due to his inability to memorize lines in time. That same year, he guest-voiced himself in the 'Three Kings' episode of 'Family Guy' and later appeared in 'Peter-assment'. He also guest-starred in 'Weeds' as Warren Schiff, Nancy's high school teacher.
2009: West End Debut
Richard Dreyfuss made his West End debut at The Old Vic in 2009.
2010: Role in 'Piranha 3D'
In 2010, Richard Dreyfuss took on the role of Matt Boyd in the film 'Piranha 3D'.
2011: Elected to Common Cause National Governing Board
In 2011, Richard Dreyfuss was elected to the Common Cause National Governing Board, reflecting his advocacy for right to privacy, freedom of speech, democracy, and individual accountability.
2012: Appearance at 2012 Academy Awards and Interview
In 2012, Richard Dreyfuss was among 99 other stars at the Academy Awards – Night of 100 Stars. He also gave an interview for the Bill Zucker Show with actor/singer Bill Zucker.
2013: Death of Richard Dreyfuss's Father
Norman Dreyfuss, Richard Dreyfuss's father, passed away in 2013.
2014: Host of 'Lincoln's Greatest Speech' Documentary
In 2014, Richard Dreyfuss appeared with Abraham Lincoln scholar Ronald C. White in the documentary 'Lincoln's Greatest Speech'. He served as the host of the program and recited Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address on camera.
2014: Re-elected to Common Cause National Governing Board
In 2014, Richard Dreyfuss was re-elected to the Common Cause National Governing Board, continuing his advocacy efforts for democracy and individual rights.
February 18, 2015: Announcement to Portray Bernie Madoff
On February 18, 2015, it was announced that Richard Dreyfuss would portray Bernie Madoff in the miniseries 'Madoff'.
February 3, 2016: First Episode of 'Madoff' Miniseries
The first episode of the miniseries 'Madoff', starring Richard Dreyfuss as Bernie Madoff, was telecast on February 3, 2016, co-starring Blythe Danner.
September 25, 2017: Announcement of 'The Last Laugh'
On September 25, 2017, it was announced that 'The Last Laugh' would be headlined by Richard Dreyfuss, Chevy Chase, and Andie MacDowell. The film was later released on Netflix on January 11, 2019.
2017: Allegations Against Kevin Spacey Involving Dreyfuss's Son
In 2017, an article revealed that Kevin Spacey allegedly groped one of Richard Dreyfuss's sons while they were alone in Spacey's apartment. Dreyfuss, focusing on his script at the time, did not notice the harassment. A lawyer representing Spacey denied the allegations.
2017: Sexual Harassment Allegation by Jessica Teich
In 2017, writer Jessica Teich accused Richard Dreyfuss of sexual harassment during the filming of an ABC special. Dreyfuss denied the allegations, admitting to being overly flirtatious in the past but emphasizing his respect for women and denying any assault.
January 11, 2019: Release of 'The Last Laugh' on Netflix
On January 11, 2019, the film 'The Last Laugh', featuring Richard Dreyfuss, Chevy Chase, and Andie MacDowell, was released on Netflix.
February 2020: Living in San Diego with Svetlana Erokhin
As of February 2020, Richard Dreyfuss and his wife Svetlana Erokhin live in San Diego, California, though they have frequently visited New York City, London, and Sun Valley, Idaho.
2021: Death of Lorin Dreyfuss
Lorin Dreyfuss, Richard Dreyfuss's older brother, passed away in 2021.
2022: Author of 'One Thought Scares Me...','
In 2022, Richard Dreyfuss authored the book 'One Thought Scares Me...: We Teach Our Children What We Wish Them to Know; We Don't Teach Our Children What We Don't Wish Them to Know', focusing on the teaching of civics in American schools.
May 2023: Criticism of Academy Awards' Diversity Guidelines
In May 2023, Richard Dreyfuss publicly criticized the Academy Awards' new diversity guidelines during an interview with Margaret Hoover on PBS's 'The Firing Line'. He expressed strong opposition, claiming the guidelines 'make me vomit' and arguing that movie-making is an art form that should not be dictated by current moral standards.
May 27, 2024: Controversial Comments During 'Jaws' Screening
During a screening of 'Jaws' at The Cabot theater in Beverly, Massachusetts, on May 27, 2024, Richard Dreyfuss made a series of offensive comments. His rant was categorized as transphobic, misogynistic, homophobic, and sexist, causing many attendees to leave the venue in dismay. Eyewitnesses reported that Dreyfuss criticized the MeToo and LGBTQ movements and disparaged parents of transgender children.