Richard Dreyfuss stars as Roy Neary, with François Truffaut as Claude Lacombe and Teri Garr as Ronnie Neary in Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Main cast
- Roy NearyRichard DreyfussMain
- Claude LacombeFrançois TruffautMain
- Ronnie NearyTeri GarrMain
- Jillian GuilerMelinda DillonMain
Supporting cast
- David LaughlinBob BalabanSupp
- Robert (project leader)J. Patrick McNamaraSupp
- Brad NearyShawn BishopSupp
- Toby NearyAdrienne CampbellSupp
- Barry GuilerCary GuffeySupp
- FarmerRoberts BlossomSupp
- Jean Claude (interpreter)Philippe ForquetSupp
- Larry Butler (line foreman)Lance HenriksenSupp
- Team Leader (Mobilization)Warren J. KemmerlingSupp
- Wild BillGeorge DiCenzoSupp
- Audio Visual SupervisorHal BarwoodSupp
Guest & voice
- Major BenchleyM. Emmet WalshGuest
- Gill Guiler (voice)Alexandra DayGuest
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About this cast
Steven Spielberg’s 1977 sci-fi classic Close Encounters of the Third Kind follows electrician Roy Neary after a close encounter with a UFO. Richard Dreyfuss leads the cast as the obsessed Roy, supported by François Truffaut as French scientist Claude Lacombe and Teri Garr as Roy’s wife Ronnie.
FAQs
Who plays Roy Neary in Close Encounters of the Third Kind?
Richard Dreyfuss plays the lead role of Roy Neary, the Indiana electrician who becomes obsessed with UFOs.
Who plays Claude Lacombe in Close Encounters of the Third Kind?
The character of French scientist Claude Lacombe is played by legendary French filmmaker François Truffaut.
Who plays Ronnie Neary in Close Encounters of the Third Kind?
Ronnie Neary, Roy’s wife, is played by Teri Garr.
Who plays Jillian Guiler in Close Encounters of the Third Kind?
Melinda Dillon plays Jillian Guiler, the mother of the abducted boy Barry.
Is Close Encounters of the Third Kind based on a true story?
No, the film is a work of fiction, though it draws on real UFOlogy and the writings of J. Allen Hynek.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026