Robert De Niro on How Richard Dreyfuss Replaced Him in ‘The Goodbye Girl’: “It Was The Worst”

Robert De Niro recently shared his “worst” experience on the set of the 1977 film ‘The Goodbye Girl’, where he was replaced by Richard Dreyfuss because he was not deemed fit for the rom-com role. Despite his otherwise legendary Hollywood career, this particular incident remains a sore point for De Niro. He recalled the ordeal during his appearance at the 2024 Tribeca Festival, speaking with filmmaker Quentin Tarantino.

The Irishman star reminisced about the experience, which took place while the film was being directed by Mike Nichols under the working title Bogart Slept Here. De Niro revealed that he had been shooting for about two weeks when he began to sense a shift in energy on set. He overheard some crew members commenting that he was “just not funny,” which left him feeling the “dread of just not working.”

Also Read: Robert De Niro, Snoop Dogg And Austin Butler Spotted Together at Malibu Dinner Party

De Niro shared with the audience that this was one of only three times he had been fired in his acting career and the first time it had happened for a film. The other two instances involved plays. The Oscar-winning actor admitted he even considered offering part of his salary to keep the rehearsals and production going. However, he was ultimately replaced by Richard Dreyfuss.

The role switch was significant, as Dreyfuss went on to win an Academy Award for his performance in ‘The Goodbye Girl’. Reflecting on the experience, De Niro acknowledged the impact it had on him, despite his many successes since then. He detailed how the project, originally titled Bogart Slept Here, was reshaped into ‘The Goodbye Girl’ after his departure.

During the segment dedicated to him at the Tribeca Festival, De Niro candidly discussed his feelings about the incident, illustrating the challenges and disappointments that even the most accomplished actors face in their careers. This particular memory remains a poignant reminder for him of the unpredictable nature of the film industry.

In sharing this story, De Niro offered a rare glimpse into the vulnerabilities and setbacks that have punctuated his otherwise illustrious career, underscoring the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in Hollywood.

-Sushmita Sarkar