Richard Dreyfuss – Full Biography, Net Worth, and Career Highlights

Richard Dreyfuss is an American actor whose career has spanned more than five decades, from his breakout role in American Graffiti to his Oscar-winning performance in The Goodbye Girl. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1947, Dreyfuss became a defining figure of the New Hollywood era and remains one of the most recognizable faces in film. This article provides a comprehensive look at his biography, filmography, personal life, net worth, and current activities.

Who is Richard Dreyfuss? Biography and Background

Key insights

• Richard Dreyfuss became the youngest actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor at age 30 for The Goodbye Girl (1977).
• His role in Jaws (1975) launched him to international stardom during the New Hollywood era.
• He has a net worth estimated at $5 million as of 2025, with a career spanning over 50 years.
• Dreyfuss has been married three times and has three children.
• He is a vocal advocate for civics education through The Dreyfuss Initiative.

Snapshot facts

What is Richard Dreyfuss Best Known For? Career and Iconic Movies

What are the best Richard Dreyfuss movies?

Dreyfuss is best known for a string of classic films from the 1970s and 1990s. According to Britannica, his most notable works include American Graffiti (1973), Jaws (1975), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), The Goodbye Girl (1977), and Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995). The Hollywood Walk of Fame profile also highlights Stakeout, Always, and What About Bob? as signature roles.

Was Richard Dreyfuss in Jaws?

Yes. Dreyfuss played marine biologist Matt Hooper in Steven Spielberg’s 1975 blockbuster Jaws. The film became a global phenomenon and is regularly cited as one of the defining movies of his career. Multiple sources, including The Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCM, list Jaws among his most iconic performances.

What was Richard Dreyfuss first movie?

His first major film role was in American Graffiti (1973), directed by George Lucas. That role launched his career and led to starring parts in The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz (1974) and Jaws.

What is Richard Dreyfuss best performance?

Many critics and fans point to his Oscar-winning turn in The Goodbye Girl as his finest work. Dreyfuss played a struggling actor who shares a New York apartment with a recently divorced woman and her daughter. The role earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1978, making him the youngest winner in that category at the time.

Who is Richard Dreyfuss Married To? Personal Life and Family

Who is Richard Dreyfuss married to?

Dreyfuss is currently married to Svetlana Erokhin. The couple wed in 2006 and remain together as of 2025.

Does Richard Dreyfuss have children?

Yes, he has three children — Emily, Benjamin, and Harry — all from his first marriage to actress Jeramie Rain.

How many times has Richard Dreyfuss been married?

He has been married three times. The marriages were to Jeramie Rain (1983–1995, with some sources listing the divorce as 1992), Janelle Lacey (1999–2005), and Svetlana Erokhin (2006–present).

What is Richard Dreyfuss Net Worth? Financial Overview

What is Richard Dreyfuss net worth?

Richard Dreyfuss’s net worth is estimated at $5 million as of 2025. However, some sources suggest a range of $3 million to $8 million. The exact figure is not publicly confirmed.

How much is Richard Dreyfuss worth?

No official salary figures per movie are available. His highest-grossing film, Jaws, earned over $470 million worldwide, but Dreyfuss’s personal earnings from that project are not disclosed.

What is Richard Dreyfuss Doing Now? Current Projects and Legacy

Is Richard Dreyfuss still acting?

Yes, he remains active but selective in his roles. He has appeared in television series such as The Simpsons (voice work), Weeds, and Casual, and has taken part in documentaries and independent films.

Does Richard Dreyfuss have a new movie?

As of 2025, no major new film release has been announced. Dreyfuss continues to make public appearances and participate in events related to his civics education initiative, The Dreyfuss Initiative.

What is Richard Dreyfuss Life Timeline?

1. 1947: Born in Brooklyn, New York.
2. 1975: Starred in Jaws as Matt Hooper.
3. 1977: Won Oscar for The Goodbye Girl.
4. 1981: Starred in Whose Life Is It Anyway?
5. 1995: Starred in Mr. Holland’s Opus.
6. 2000s: Continued TV and film roles.
7. 2025: Recent public appearances and ongoing work.

Is Richard Dreyfuss Currently Married? Net Worth Accuracy?

What is Richard Dreyfuss Legacy in Hollywood?

Dreyfuss was a key figure in the ‘New Hollywood’ movement of the 1970s. His Oscar win broke age records for Best Actor, and his performances in Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind helped define the blockbuster era. Beyond acting, he has been an advocate for civics education through The Dreyfuss Initiative, which aims to teach students about the U.S. Constitution and democratic participation. For a deeper look into his filmography, check out the Best Richard Dreyfuss Movies Ranked.

What Do Interviews and Official Sources Say About Richard Dreyfuss?

In his 1978 Academy Award acceptance speech, Dreyfuss expressed gratitude to the cast and crew of The Goodbye Girl. In later interviews, he has spoken about the lasting impact of Jaws and the nature of fame. The Dreyfuss Initiative’s mission statement describes his commitment to “restoring civics education in American schools.”

What is Richard Dreyfuss Known For? Summary

Richard Dreyfuss is best known as an Oscar-winning actor whose career highlights include Jaws, The Goodbye Girl, and Mr. Holland’s Opus. He is also a civics education advocate and remains active in the entertainment industry. To learn about other actors from his era, read about Actors of the New Hollywood Era.

Frequently Asked Questions