I like to take credit for the success of "American Graffiti". I remember being knocked out when I saw it, partly just from the time period and story of high school graduation which I could relate to and the George Lucas direction and presentation of the movie, but also from the performance of Richard Dreyfuss. (And, frankly, part of the connection was that he resembled my older brother at that age).   So,  what did I do? I began to drag people to see "American Graffiti" and saw it three times in one week myself.

Then he had a great performance in "Jaws" followed by "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", which remains one of my favorite movies of all time. He received an Oscar for "The Goodbye Girl" becoming the youngest actor so far to receive that award (and surprising poor Richard Burton who was half way out of his seat when he heard the name Richard).

His career has had ups and downs. He battled and beat a drug addition. Some other performances I have affection for where in "Down and Out in Beverly Hills", "Stakeout", "Moon Over Parador", and "What About Bob?". "Once Around" is a wonderful love story with Holly Hunter.  Richard looked like he had great fun playing a right-wing politian in "The American President", since he would call himself a liberal. (During the Vietnamese War, he was a conscientious objector and did public service work as an alternative to military service.)

His ultimate role, so far for me, was in "Mr. Holland’s Opus". I know that movie has touched the hearts of everyone who has seen it. At the core is Richard’s solid performance of a teacher, who learns from his students and family how to be a better man and teacher. It was very personal for me, as my older brother, whom I mentioned looks like Richard Dreyfuss, is a retired teacher and a musician (he served in the Army band, playing clarinet and sax). He also has a handicapped child, as did the character of Mr. Holland. Ironically, Richard wanted to teach history, which is what my brother did, before his recent retirement.

So part of this tribute to Richard Dreyfuss also goes to my brother, Bill Kellogg. I am proud that you chose the career of teacher, an increasing difficult job in these days, and how you have handled the care of your child. I wish you only the best.

And, I look forward to more interesting performances from Richard Dreyfuss and expect we will not be disappointed. 

Brother Bill and Niece Lisa