In conversation with Richard Dreyfuss

Academy Award-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss, who has faced down sharks ("Jaws"), aliens ("Close Encounters of the Third Kind"), and his own demons talks with Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz about success, failure, and his goal to become a better person.
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[@spat727]

When he laughs and smiles, there’s that youthful charm. he’s always been my favourite.

[@alwayssme]

his smile is what won me over when i first saw him in jaws

[@j.vi-geant6784]

I could watch a marathon of Dreyfuss movies, he's excellent.

[@joanneshepard5694]

YES he sure is :)

[@Connie1Fan]

He's so hyper, nervous, crazy, funny, what an actor!! He has it all going on, and still adorable and handsome 😍 💙 💕 💜 😘 MR DREYFUSS 🔥❤

[@DHarri9977]

While enjoying many of his past performances "Mr. Holland's Opus" to me was a role that fit Richard's personality in realizing how dedicated the character he was playing really was. Very enjoyable.

[@brainsareus]

'Mr. Hollands Opus' made me cry. a touching role

[@georgelennon3618]

brainsareus Me too. All 10 times I’ve watched it.

[@karenehlers2534]

I fell in love with his character from "The Goodbye Girl" and have been a fan ever since. ❤️💪

[@Thomas-ts2gl]

I like all his movies. Let it ride.. is one I can watch over and over. Great actor. Great guy..

[@grammacar8957]

"I got the horse right here, his name is Paul Revere..."

[@chargerspecial]

His work as Glenn Holland was perfection in Mr. Holland's Opus! Anyone who had a teacher like Mr. Holland in school can still remember the way that teacher treated them. I love his work, but that performance was his best. He made that movie what it is and should have been rewarded for it. Thank you Mr. Dreyfuss for every role you ever accepted!

[@jamesamick2945]

They missed the boat on not talking about Mr. Holland's opus. Richard Dreyfuss has said that is his favorite movie he made.

[@dukeviking]

James Amick - Love him and that movie. He now looks like the older Mr. Dreyfuss - but he has such a young spirited voice.

[@aheadwood]

I was surprised that it wasn't mentioned. I think it's likely that they did discuss it, but the footage didn't make the final cut for one reason or another.

[@OneTraveller]

Cut for time? They should put an extended version of the interview online.

[@givemedrums83]

Or ALWAYS!

[@jamesamick2945]

Yeah always, that's one of my favorites of all time I have it on blue ray.

[@mikebalis9963]

Mr. Dreyfuss has class. I ate lunch with him while he filmed a documentary in Washington, D.C.

[@debbiejohnson7758]

I've always loved Richard. I hope he knows how much all of his fans love him. It would be great if he would read the comments about him after every video.

[@johnnystir9796]

Glenn Holland was the most real teacher that has ever hit the screen. Accurate portrayal of what it's like to shape young lives into productive members of society. Great interview.

[@rogerkomula8057]

Holland did a bang up job with his own kid.

[@debbieflaherty1975]

RIP, Olympia Dukakis.

[@gerrydooley951]

always felt that "Opus" was a real ego trip

[@JuneLynn]

My favorites are "Goodbye Girl" and "Always"....Richard never disappoints, he always delivers a great performance : ))))))

[@patjenson2096]

Goodbye Girl...a gem

[@rrk2801]

It's the story of my early years with my mother. I cherish it and cry every time I see it. I remember seeing it in the theater with her sitting next to me, and looking over at her and thinking that Neil Simon somehow captured our lives.

[@christinafolmsbee4212]

Moon Over Parador is my favorite , I could never forget that movie after I saw it fantastic acting

[@jillpruett3444]

That was a good interview. He was the happiest I've seen him in any interview...ever. whatever you're doing Mr Dreyfuss keep doing it. 😊

[@barbaraa1961]

🦋I love this interview. Thanks for reminding me about the incomparable Richard Dreyfuss! I intend to rewatch all his movies this year. He is such a funny man. A truly GREAT ACTOR that can play ANY role. Funny, serious, you name it. Good stuff. 🦋Thanks Mr Holland!🤗

[@Tina-qp7py]

Me too. Watching them all.

[@copywritergena1225]

I didn't expect this to be included in this profile, but he had a great friendship with Carrie Fisher, that was discussed in the recent bio on her. They both shared the diagnosis of bipolar and he tried to be there for her. Goodbye Girl is my favorite role of his.

[@bobwilliams6173]

Mr. Holland Opus. Phenomenal movie!

[@cylurian7603]

Ya, why not talk about that movie!

[@mikeyoungblood94]

Cylurian The guy has starred in so many legendary movies, they can’t talk about all of them in just 8 minutes

[@jjbutterbeans1515]

Love this guy and his movies! Great actor!

[@Loveformula101]

Amazing actor. Great interview.... really enjoyed watching this.

[@toddsalkowski448]

Agreed. Very well done!

[@twilde3754]

OMG!!! I had such a major crush on RD in the 70s -- you forgot his TV role on "Room 222" --yep, a major crush. He still makes this gal sigh. Thanks for this piece :)

[@t1000eg]

Brilliant actor, i love his laugh…Jaws and Close encounters are amazing

[@bingbruce4865]

Richard is excellent in the movie "Always". I admire him for wanting to bring civics back into school as well.

[@vickysullivan4798]

The Richard Dreyfuss Initiative is on You Tube. Exciting how someone grasps what America has lost by not teaching Civics. And why America is the greatest nation in the world because of our history.

[@simonsayscain]

He would be the father figure I would choose to be in my life. I’m so drawn to his flaws and admire how flawed he was... to be the man he is today.

[@kathleenreyes4345]

I really like Richard Dreyfus!! Great Actor!!

[@katbowl9971]

Such a great actor.

[@thejuiceofearl6574]

One of my Favorite actors ,Let it Ride still to this day is a classic filled with great lines

[@patriciaarold1270]

Richard Dreyfuss is a wonderful actor. He has played in many roles, Goodbye Girl, Jaws, Close Encounters, American Graffiti just to name a few. But my favorite Richard Dreyfuss movie has to be Mr. Holland’s Opus. Him playing the part of Glenn Holland was just awesome. I really think that he deserved a Best Actor Oscar for that role. He was just great. 🙂

[@CharlyRightNow]

He acts the way I think...funny, unique and beats to a different drum...love him..

[@alwaysabeliever108]

Just one of those guys I'd wish for 5 minutes alone to say "thank you sir" "I've enjoyed your work". Seems like a very cool dude.

[@michaelj.r457]

The Big Fix is one of my favorite movies, an underrated gem of the 70s. Also, how can anyone dislike What About Bob, in which he is one of the few actors to steal scenes away from Bill Murray!!!!

[@gerrydooley951]

love the Big Fix.

[@jerrywoods4066]

What about bob was just annoying. Not as funny as I expected

[@EnglishWallah1979]

Each one of his role choices including Stakeout is enjoyable - an underrated actor. Needs to be celebrated more

[@scholl1943]

I liked him as Al Haig and opposite Bill Murray in “What about Bob”

[@stevestringer7351]

What about Bob was brilliant! It was a goofy movie that only worked because of the brilliance of Bill Murray and or course Richard Dreyfus.

[@Magnusboi]

Met Dreyfuss at Chiller Convention 2 years ago. He was down to earth and just wonderful to talk too. He was signing autographs we waited 2 hours! Worth the wait good guy! He signed 3 of my Jaws collectibles they are priceless 👌

[@citygirl5705]

Seeing "Close Encounters" in the theater in 1977 must have been so awesome.

[@gavinhelgeson2880]

Always loved his Laugh

[@HonNey-xi4ef]

Richard still speaks so young.

[@raymondwilson293]

He seems so human and nice... hope he's okay ❤

[@sailorarwen6101]

I adore “What About Bob?” Both Dreyfuss and Murphy have such strong personalities and Murray has a reputation for not getting along with people. Both take their art very seriously. It’s nice to see Dreyfuss has settled down and looks like he’s enjoying life more. He’s had a fantastic career and has brought us some of the best movies ever made. Movies don’t have to be so melodramatic to be fantastic.

[@diddymuck]

murray on screen is very close to murray in real life...he tosses out insults disguised as compliments and thinks people are too vague to tell the difference.

[@sotyfan73]

Close Encounters is my all time favourite movie. For years I always assumed that was the film he won his Oscar for until I learned about The Goodbye Girl.

[@Joseph_Greco]

You can tell he changed his life around. Good man.

[@sjanoski8878]

I love him, he’s amazing. Thank you for sharing your story. ❤️

[@jeannelynn6167]

Fabulous actor. Have loved all his movies. No mention of Mr. Holland's Opus, one of my favorites.

[@Wolfsky9]

When I was at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, as an RN in the ER, I ran into Rick Dreyfuss in an elevator . I intro'd myself, & told him he was among my all-time favorite actors, & that I was truly, Curt Henderson, in HS. I also told him " Mr Holland's Opus " & " Nuts" were 2 of his finest moments on screen, which they are. He was humble, & moved by my words . It was an honor to meet him. ------------------------WolfSky9, 73 y/o

[@arunphillips6977]

So many great movies from this genius actor, aside from the classics there's Who's Life Is It Anyway, Down And Out In Beverly Hills, Moon Over Parador to name a few. He's so watchable in just about anything.

[@benmiller9854]

The term "breaks the mold" is befitting.

[@grantsrodeoopry]

How much do I enjoy Jaws. I made a screen shot of the rimless glasses he wore, and told my optometrist I want some glasses like those. His portrayal of My Holland Opus is a spot on of my music teacher in 9th grade. He was loosing us with having us perform ancient music, and then he changed to Rock and Roll, and he was our favorite teacher.

[@TheNameisPlissken1981]

I love Richard Dreyfuss! He is one of my all time favorite actors! Stakeout, The Big Fix, Jaws and Once Around! The man is a legend. However, he was also fired from All That Jazz because he could not sing and dance so I don't know why Mel Brooks would have wanted him for The Producers. A movie version without the music, perhaps, but singing & dancing? God, I wish he worked more. I miss him.

[@peregrinec5477]

Dreyfuss is my most favorite male actor of all time. I grew up with him. I absolutely adore him and his craft.

[@DaleB]

Now THIS is journalism I miss. Well done 👏👏

[@HerAeolianHarp]

So glad to see him! Thank you!

[@thomasb-o6j]

Richard Dreyfuss always gives great interviews.

[@gaberino6792]

let it ride one of my all time favorite movies

[@edwardhannah]

I remember him from the Gidget show with Sally Field. And I sometimes wonder what they chatted about backstage when Sally handed him his Oscar for Goodbye Girl which I loved him in.

[@edwardhannah]

Sorry folks I got it wrong. Sylvester Stallone handed him his Oscar for Goodbye Girl and Richard handed Sally Field her Oscar for Norma Rae.

[@chichi6796]

The interview was not long enough. Love that man.

[@MichaelAlperstein]

Loved him in Stand by Me!

[@Seeker0fTruth]

?!!! Isn’t that Redford?

[@alpur214]

Definitely could've been a much longer segment/interview. Mr. Holland's Opus was another monumental film for Dreyfuss.

[@Ytuchr55]

He is an Excellent actor with humor and extreme drama that reach all real easy! They should've showed the "Close Encounters" scene of him collecting his materials for the model mountain in his bathrobe!

[@sandyheit]

Loved him in the TV show "Always". He and Holly Hunter won my heart in this movie. " That's my girl ,and that's my boy" It was good to see Audrey Hepburn in it too!

[@purplebondsaiyan2987]

This Man is Way Overdue for a Lifetime Achievement Award From Everything AFI, Kennedy Center Honors etc. IMHO THE Greatest Most Underrated Actor of All Time. His Performance in Mr. Holland's Opus Changed My Life That Movie Has An Incredible Impact in My Life As a Music Teacher!!!

[@audiojunkie1047]

I believe one of his best, that never seems to be spoken about, is "Whoes Life Is It Anyway?" If you haven't seen it it's a must see!

[@Ogrematic]

He was fantastic in Moon Over Parador and Always. I love those movies. "Aim for the last barrel, the one that looks like an umbrella. I'm sorry, Hap, I can't help myself." I still whistle that tune sometimes when I'm driving alone.

[@howardkerr8174]

When I saw Duddy Kravitz I was blown away. Aside from a good story, Dreyfuss just ate up the scenery, a few of the actors, in many scenes it careened between manic and frantic well, I have always thought that that movie was Richard Dreyfuss up until Down and Out. It definitely set a pattern, and yet it wasn't a commercial success so I can see why he was scared.

[@Thatguy-cf9qj]

Such a good soul.

[@debrahowell4529]

I am so glad I found this video. I LOVE this guy! Every movie is a hit with me :)

[@ginamerritt5518]

Please interview this man again!!!!!

[@threepeater]

Big fan since Jaws, American Graffitti, and Goodbye Girl, Close Encounters of a Third Kind etc... He is the best original "accidental" success.... "DeNiro has no sense of humor..." lmao

[@melindadouglas1673]

He is so likable! I want to hang out with him!

[@erickabean2640]

Amazing actor ❤️

[@tessarix]

I absolutely LOVED "The Goodbye Girl" movie. Please make another one similar but updated!

[@barbarabrennan1753]

The rooftop date is one that should be shown at man conventions. Thats how to get a girl.

[@barbarabrennan1753]

The Jaws scene with the two men sharing scar stories.

[@barbarabrennan1753]

What about Bob, is my life story. My town my friends being coopted by Bob. The Holland triangle. The vagaries of love.

[@SG1Mitchell]

Jeff Daniels made a version like 20 years ago.

[@blighter.]

He looks like Hooper in that movie as well

[@mbgrafix]

*_Just keeping it real..._* *Ben Mankiewicz* ...I hate to listen to you when you are speaking with *The Young Turks!* *_...but I LOVE listening to you speaking about movies and interviewing actors!_* And as actors go, *Richard Dreyfuss* _is an absolute gem!!_

[@christined2495]

I adore Richard Dreyfus, my favorite actor

[@innerlightfilms]

A Legend.

[@toddsalkowski448]

Can't believe he lives in San Diego. He's one of my absolute favorites, and I lived there for 12 years. Would have been great to run into him. BTW, he is also a great student of history and has a tremendous background in civics.

[@toddsalkowski448]

@@charlesberry4425 I should have clarified that I worked in local media and also had many friends and colleagues in the San Diego theater community. I was fortunate to meet many famous actors while In San Diego. It would not be out of the realm of possibility of crossing paths with Mr. Dreyfuss.

[@toddsalkowski448]

@@charlesberry4425 Got it. I thought as much, but you never know. Hope you had a safe flight!

[@noelio67]

Nice house.....great guy. He was on National TV here in Ireland a few years back, and gave a very heartfelt and honest interview....on The Late Late Show

[@niltomega2978]

I loved "What about Bob". To me, that is when Dreyfuss was at the top of his game.

[@kayregulski6828]

I’ve loved Richard Dreyfuss since the first time I saw him on screen

[@artmanjohn2]

Folks always forget to bring up one of my favorite movies of all time by Richard called "Let it Ride - 1989." It is so funny that my sides were literally hurting from laughing so hard! This movie is a great feel good movie and one of my all times favorite comedies, period. It was just pure genius!

[@johnjzak9339]

LET IT RIDE, great gambling movie. I AM HAVING A REALLY GOOD DAY

[@dancarroll715]

He knew he was gonna win for “The Goodbye Girl” yet the first thing he said when he was handed the Oscar was that he hadn’t prepared anything to say.

[@Vitoandolini13]

My favorite Richard Dreyfuss move was the apprenticeship of Duddy Cravitz, I loved his performance in Mr Hollanders Opus

[@konefesa]

I always love Richard Dreyfuss even i haven't seen all his movies.

[@jimwilloughby]

The first time I saw him was in an episode of "The Mod Squad" . He had already made The Coutrship movie , but it didn't come out until after the episode I mentioned. He played a "crazed Viet Nam vet. It was the consensus of my friends and I that he was one to keep an eye on, and we were dead bang on. I haven't seen all of his movies, "The Goodbye Girl", "Let it Ride" , "Jaws", "Close Encounters" , and Mr. Hollands Opus" are my favorites. If I had a music teacher like Glenn Hiolland, I might have stayed with the clarinet. As it was, that became a sour note in my life.

[@jeanchampollion6451]

Richard Dreyfuss is such an amazing actor. I wish he still came out in more mainstream movies. Please do Stakeout 3 with Emilio Esteves. That would be great!

[@sandybiltz2476]

Don't forget his TV appearance on "Bewitched " Dreyfus has a way of being dangerous plus a way of being young agial & playful! One great actor!

[@fflubadubb]

I also fell in love with him in The Goodby Girl, he also reminds me of my oldest son.

[@briandouglas1701]

I love Richard Dreyfuss! the man

[@cylurian7603]

My fav actor.

[@steveconn]

Hopefully meet him at this year's Las Cruces Film Festival (not much else to do in this toilet town) His run from Down and Out to What About Bob? was golden.

[@SurfCityBill]

Hike the Franklin Mtns. Visit the blue field at Canutillo HS. What else do you need?

[@steveconn]

@@SurfCityBill That's El Paso.

[@kristeandreatujague7016]

His Madoff film is superb. Check it out if you have never seen it. Leaps and bounds better than the HBO one. 💕

[@kirsten1007]

I concur

[@caligal1090]

already blown away by the first clip and i havent even seen any of his movies

[@john-waxerone6972]

R.D. always entertained me and made me feel good!

[@alwayssme]

my fave actor , after robert mitchum loved every movie i had seen him in, first movie i remember was Jaws, i fell in love withi his smile, my fave whose life is it

[@cheryljones9787]

Love him. Always have. Always will. ❤

[@mcmacshalfilya]

Always??

[@pammobarak4618]

Love him.

[@nancyannenesteriak-gentili3540]

Loved him as Moses in the audible bible The Word of Promise. Fabulous!

[@timrandall9479]

One of my favorite actors

[@marymorse7467]

I love Richard. And always have.

[@markhunter9524]

Btw...The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz is a fantastic film and Dreyfuss's perfromance in it is mesmerizing.

[@kathleendiblasi9035]

Your absolutely correct sir!!!