**Richard Dreyfuss** (Brooklyn, 1947) is an American actor renowned for his successful film career, especially in the 1970s.

Among his most iconic roles are the marine biologist in *Jaws* (1975), the communications technician in *Close Encounters of the Third Kind* (1977), and the aspiring actor in *The Goodbye Girl* (1977), a role for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor.

His acting style is characterized by vibrant energy, sharp intelligence, and a certain neurotic streak. He often portrays ordinary yet brilliant characters who find themselves facing extraordinary circumstances, making them complex and authentic. He continued to act in significant films such as *Mr. Holland's Opus* (1995), solidifying his reputation as a versatile and charismatic actor.