Richard Dreyfuss

**Richard Stephen Dreyfuss**, *born October 29, 1947 in Brooklyn, New York*, is an American actor who became popular during the New Hollywood wave of American cinema and was known for his robust performances in various leading roles during the 1970s. His success and talent were marked by an Academy Award, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe Award. He gained recognition for his roles in American Graffiti (1973), The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz (1974), Jaws (1975), and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977). Dreyfuss' award-winning portrayal of Elliot Garfield in *The Goodbye Girl* (1977) won him an Academy Award for Best Actor. His work spanned several other renowned titles such as The Competition (1980), Stand by Me (1986), Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986), and W. (2008) and many more. Originating from Brooklyn, his family had Russian and Polish roots and was from Rzeszow. Dreyfuss' had a multisided career, having appeared on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in repertory, and improvisational theater. Beginning his acting in a young age, at Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills Arts Center and then starring on various TV shows of the time. He landed roles in key productions including the George Lucas hit *American Graffiti*. Dreyfuss has been struggling with drug addiction during the 1980s but later managed a successful comeback. In addition to movies, he has been known to appear in television, such as his role in *The Education of Max Bickford*. He made his West End debut in 1999 and put on notable performances in many plays. His contributions weren't just limited to acting, he made efforts to revive civics education, founded The Dreyfuss Civics Initiative, and has been an active advocate for the values like the right to privacy, freedom of speech, democracy and individual accountability.