Richard Dreyfuss Biography: Richard Stephen Dreyfuss born Dreyfus on October 29, 1947 is an American actor known for his work during the New Hollywood era of the 1970s, where he gained fame through a series of prominent leading roles. Over the course of his career, he has earned an Academy Award, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe.
Richard Dreyfuss Biography
Richard Dreyfuss is an American leading actor known for portraying brash, ambitious characters and, at times, exasperating personalities. Born Richard Stephen Dreyfus in Brooklyn, New York, he is the son of Geraldine (née Robbins), an activist, and Norman Dreyfus, a restaurateur and attorney.
Richard Dreyfuss Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Richard Stephen Dreyfus
October 29, 1947 Brooklyn, New York City, U.S.
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|---|---|
| Education | San Fernando Valley State College |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1964–present |
| Works | Full list |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouses |
Jeramie Rain (m. 1983; div. 1995)
Janelle Lacey
(m. 1999; div. 2005) Svetlana Erokhin
(m. 2006) |
| Children | 3 |
| Relatives |
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| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Richard Dreyfuss
Richard Stephen Dreyfuss is an American actor. He emerged from the New Hollywood wave of American cinema, finding fame with a succession of leading man parts in the 1970s. He has received an Academy Award, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe Award.
Richard Dreyfuss Achievements
Dreyfuss first rose to prominence with standout performances in films such as American Graffiti (1973), The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz (1974), Jaws (1975), and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977). He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Elliot Garfield in the 1977 romantic comedy The Goodbye Girl and received another Oscar nomination for his performance in the title role of the 1995 drama Mr. Holland’s Opus. His diverse filmography also includes The Competition (1980), Stand by Me (1986).
Richard Dreyfuss Personal Life
His paternal grandparents were Jewish immigrants from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, while his mother’s family came from Russia. Dreyfuss began his career with small roles—appearing briefly in The Graduate (1967), among others—and worked in television before gaining recognition for his performance as Baby Face Nelson in John Milius’ Dillinger (1973). He rose to fame later that same year as a college-bound teen in American Graffiti and further cemented his reputation with his role as a driven young Jewish man in The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz (1974).
Richard Dreyfuss Wiki
- Born: 29 October 1947 (age 77 years), Brooklyn, New York, United States
- Spouse: Svetlana Erokhin (m. 2006), Janelle Lacey (m. 1999–2005), Jeramie Rain (m. 1983–1995)
- Awards: Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role · See more
- Children: Emily Dreyfuss, Ben Dreyfuss, Harry Dreyfuss
- Siblings: Lorin Dreyfuss
Early Life and Education
Richard Dreyfuss was born on October 29, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York City, as the second of three children. His father, Norman Dreyfuss, was an attorney, restaurateur, and plastics company owner who grew up in what he described as a “violent gang culture” in Brooklyn. His mother, Geraldine (née Robbins), was a dedicated peace activist. Richard had an older brother, Lorin—an actor, producer, and screenwriter—and a younger sister, Cathy. Norman Dreyfuss was wounded by a mortar explosion during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, which left him with lifelong physical impairments.
He relied on crutches, canes, and custom Army-provided footwear. He eventually left the family when Richard was 21, remarried several times, and was estranged from his son at the time of his death. Dreyfuss was raised in the Bayside neighborhood of Queens. His family was Jewish, with roots tracing back to Russian and Polish immigrants—specifically from the town of Rzeszów. Dreyfuss has mentioned that he grew up believing he was related to Alfred Dreyfus, the French military officer famously wrongfully accused of treason.
Key Details
- Full Name: Richard Stephen Dreyfuss
- Date of Birth: October 29, 1947
- Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Height: 5’5″ (1.65 m)
- Marital Status: Married to Svetlana Erokhin since 2006
- Children: Three – Emily, Benjamin, and Harry
- Net Worth: Estimated at $4 million
Family Background
Born into a Jewish family, Richard Dreyfuss was the second of three children. His father, Norman Dreyfuss, was an attorney, restaurateur, and plastics company owner, while his mother, Geraldine, was a peace activist. The family moved from Brooklyn to Queens and later to Los Angeles when Richard was nine, seeking new opportunities and a better lifestyle.
Growing up in a household deeply rooted in activism and social awareness, Dreyfuss was influenced by these values from an early age. He attended Beverly Hills High School, where his love for acting began to flourish. Though he briefly studied drama at San Fernando Valley State College (now California State University, Northridge), his desire to act full-time eventually drew him away from formal education and into the world of entertainment.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
Dreyfuss started his acting career in the 1960s with small roles on television, including an appearance in the show Karen (1964). At just 15, he made his TV debut in Mama’s House, and while these early parts were modest, they allowed him to develop his craft and gain a foothold in the industry.
His breakthrough came in 1973 when he played Curt Henderson in George Lucas’s coming-of-age film American Graffiti. That role led to a starring performance in The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz (1974), where he portrayed the ambitious and driven title character. These films positioned Dreyfuss as a rising star with a knack for emotionally rich, layered roles.
Major Works and Accomplishments
Dreyfuss solidified his status as a Hollywood leading man with his performances in Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster hits Jaws (1975) and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977). In Jaws, he portrayed Matt Hooper, a witty and intelligent marine biologist, earning widespread acclaim. That same year, Dreyfuss starred in The Goodbye Girl, playing Elliot Garfield, a struggling actor entangled in an unlikely romance. His performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, making him the youngest recipient of the award at the time, at age 30.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Dreyfuss continued to shine in a variety of roles. He appeared in Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986), Stakeout (1987), and the comedy What About Bob? (1991). In Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995), he played Glenn Holland, a devoted music teacher whose personal dreams take a back seat to his students’ success—earning him another Oscar nomination and reaffirming his reputation as a masterful, versatile performer.
Personal Life and Relationships
Richard Dreyfuss’s personal life has experienced both high points and challenges. He has been married three times. His first marriage was to writer and producer Jeramie Rain from 1983 to 1995, and together they had three children: Emily, Benjamin, and Harry. He later married Janelle Lacey in 1999, but their relationship ended in divorce in 2005. In 2006, he married Svetlana Erokhin, and the couple has remained together since. During the early 1980s, Dreyfuss struggled with substance abuse issues. However, he sought help through therapy and rehabilitation, managing to overcome these challenges. His willingness to speak openly about his experiences has made him a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and addiction recovery, offering hope and guidance to others facing similar obstacles.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Richard Dreyfuss nearly didn’t appear in Jaws. He was initially considered for the role of Chief Brody, which eventually went to Roy Scheider. Instead, he was cast as Matt Hooper, a role that became one of his most iconic.
- He is a strong proponent of civics education. In 2018, he gave a compelling speech emphasizing the need to teach civics in schools, warning about the dangers of an uninformed electorate and the erosion of democratic values.
- Despite his long-standing fame, Dreyfuss has maintained a relatively low public profile. While this has led some to view him as reclusive, he has simply chosen to focus on selective, meaningful projects over constant public exposure.
- A lifelong lover of theater, Dreyfuss has frequently returned to the stage, further highlighting his versatility and commitment to the performing arts.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Richard Dreyfuss has long been committed to philanthropy, especially in the areas of education, environmental protection, and addiction recovery. His most passionate cause is promoting civics education—a subject he believes is vital for a well-functioning democracy. He has supported a number of organizations aligned with these values and continues to speak publicly about the importance of civic responsibility. His legacy in the entertainment industry is defined by a rich and diverse body of work. From the suspense of Jaws to the heartfelt drama of The Goodbye Girl, Dreyfuss has left a lasting impact on audiences and filmmakers alike. His dedication to his craft and his advocacy outside of acting solidify his place as one of Hollywood’s most respected figures.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
Although Dreyfuss has scaled back his public appearances and acting roles in recent years, he remains active and engaged in the industry. He is reportedly involved in several upcoming independent film projects, where he aims to take on more introspective and character-driven roles.
He has also shown a strong interest in mentoring emerging talent, offering insights and guidance drawn from his decades in the business. His influence continues to resonate in popular culture, not only through his memorable performances but also through his outspoken advocacy for education, civic awareness, and mental health—areas that reflect the depth of his commitment to meaningful change beyond the screen.
Richard Dreyfuss Net Worth 2025
As of 2025, Richard Dreyfuss’s estimated net worth is around $4 million, largely earned through his successful work in film and television. In addition to acting, he has also been involved in producing and directing, which has contributed to his financial stability. Dreyfuss is known for living a relatively modest and private lifestyle. He owns several properties and has primarily resided in Los Angeles—a city central to his personal and professional life. He is also believed to have made investments in art and various business ventures, though he tends to keep details about his finances largely out of the public eye. Rather than chasing headlines or fame, Dreyfuss has consistently prioritized his passion for acting and meaningful work, which has allowed him to sustain a long and respected career in Hollywood.
FAQs
What is Richard Dreyfuss’s net worth in 2024?
As of 2024, Richard Dreyfuss’s estimated net worth is approximately $4 million. His wealth primarily comes from his long-standing career in film and television, along with work in directing and producing.
How does Richard Dreyfuss make his money?
Richard Dreyfuss earns through his acting roles in both film and television, as well as through directing, producing, and investments in art and business ventures. His decades-long Hollywood career has been his main financial foundation.
Where does Richard Dreyfuss live now?
Dreyfuss is known to reside primarily in Los Angeles, a city closely tied to his career and personal life. He also owns other properties but maintains a relatively low-key lifestyle.
Has Richard Dreyfuss ever struggled financially?
While he has maintained a stable career, Dreyfuss has not been as financially prominent as some of his contemporaries. His net worth is modest compared to many A-list actors, partly due to his selective role choices and focus on meaningful projects.
Does Richard Dreyfuss still act?
Yes, although he has slowed down in recent years, Richard Dreyfuss continues to take on selective roles, particularly in independent films where he can explore deeper, more character-driven stories.
Is Richard Dreyfuss involved in any business or charitable ventures?
Dreyfuss is actively involved in philanthropic work, especially in civics education, mental health advocacy, and environmental causes. He has also invested in various business and artistic ventures over the years.