Alicia Witt on Working with Richard Dreyfuss in Her Earlier Acting Days

Alicia Witt is looking back on her early career with gratitude — and giving Richard Dreyfuss major credit for setting the tone on set. The Hallmark star recently opened up about her time filming “Mr. Holland’s Opus” with the Oscar-winning actor, sharing how his kindness and professionalism left a lasting impression.

With the 30th anniversary of the beloved drama approaching in December 2025, Witt says there are “several things” she still remembers vividly from her time on the film — especially Dreyfuss’ “lovely” demeanor toward her and the other young actors in the cast.

Alicia Witt Says Richard Dreyfuss Treated Young Actors Like Colleagues

Witt, who was just 18 years old when she filmed “Mr. Holland’s Opus,” recalled how Dreyfuss made her feel welcome from day one.

“He treated me — and I think all of the young actors, the actor opposite him — with such respect,” Witt told People. “We were treated like colleagues. Never did I feel like I have to impress him or I’m afraid he’s not going to think I’m good enough. He never talked down to me, he never tried to direct me. He was so nurturing just by being a colleague to someone who was 18, who was not known and had very little experience.”

The actress believes that Dreyfuss’ attitude on set taught her an important lesson about professionalism. “The energy he exuded taught me a lot about how to be on a set, even when you’ve had lots of experience — that every person you’re interacting with should be treated as an equal,” she explained.

Richard Dreyfuss Celebrated His Oscar Nomination With the Cast

One particular memory stands out for Witt: the way Dreyfuss shared his success with the entire cast and crew. When the actor received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in 1996 for his performance in “Mr. Holland’s Opus,” he marked the occasion in a generous way.

“He rented out a big Italian restaurant in L.A. and he made a speech,” Witt remembered. “He said, ‘I just wanted to share this with all of you because I wouldn’t have this nomination if not for every person here.’”

That gesture, she says, left a lasting impact. “It showed me what it means to truly value everyone who contributes to a project, no matter their role,” Witt added.

Alicia Witt Went From Child Star To Hallmark Holiday Movie Mainstay

Witt’s acting career began at age 7, when director David Lynch cast her as Alia Atreides in his 1984 adaptation of “Dune.” She later appeared in Lynch’s TV classic “Twin Peaks” and returned for “Twin Peaks: The Return” in 2017. In the ’90s, she played Cybill Shepherd’s daughter on “Cybill” and appeared in films like “Urban Legend,” “Two Weeks Notice,” and “Last Holiday.”

She’s also made a name for herself in Hallmark holiday movies, starring in “Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane,” “A Very Merry Mix-Up,” “Christmas at Cartwright’s,” “The Mistletoe Inn,” and “I’m Not Ready for Christmas.” In 2020, she starred in and executive-produced “Christmas Tree Lane” for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.

Tell us! Which of Alicia Witt’s Hallmark movies is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.