‘Jaws’ Star Richard Dreyfuss Sends Emotional Message to Fans After Illness Forces Him to Cancel Appearance at SharkCon
Oscar-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss, best known for his iconic role in Steven Spielberg’s 1975 thriller Jaws, has shared a heartfelt message with fans after being forced to cancel his highly anticipated appearance at SharkCon in Tampa, Florida, due to illness.
The 77-year-old actor revealed that he had been diagnosed with viral bronchitis, a respiratory infection that made it impossible for him to travel. Dreyfuss announced the news through a video message posted on SharkCon’s official Instagram account on Saturday, apologizing sincerely to fans who had been eager to meet him.
“Hello, fellow cons,” Dreyfuss began with a soft chuckle before coughing slightly. “I am very, very sorry to tell you that I’ve been diagnosed with viral… viral… What is it?” he asked, briefly forgetting the medical term. His wife, Svetlana Erokhin, was heard in the background clarifying, “Viral bronchitis.”
With a weary but good-natured tone, Dreyfuss continued, “I’ve been told by my doctors that I cannot fly, and I would have to fly five hours to get to SharkCon. I’m terribly sorry because I had planned to be there and had been looking forward to it. But I’m unable to do so. I don’t want to get anyone else sick, and I don’t want to get sicker myself.”
He went on to express his disappointment, emphasizing how much he had wanted to attend the fan convention dedicated to sharks and marine life, which also celebrates the enduring cultural legacy of Jaws. “I feel terrible about not showing up,” he said sincerely. “And I feel worse about exposing you to this apparently very viral illness.”
Fans quickly flooded the comments section with messages of support and well wishes, praising the actor for prioritizing his health and expressing their gratitude for his message. Many described Dreyfuss as “a legend” and “a class act” for his honesty and humility in the situation.
SharkCon organizers also released a statement expressing their understanding and support, wishing the actor a speedy recovery. “We know how much everyone was looking forward to meeting Richard Dreyfuss, but health always comes first. We’re sending our best wishes for a quick recovery and hope to see him at a future SharkCon event,” the organizers shared.
Dreyfuss’s planned appearance was one of the major highlights of this year’s SharkCon, where he was scheduled to meet fans, sign autographs, and discuss his experiences filming Jaws. The movie, which became one of the first-ever summer blockbusters, follows a small seaside town terrorized by a giant great white shark. Dreyfuss starred as Matt Hooper, a charismatic marine biologist brought in to help Chief Brody (Roy Scheider) and professional shark hunter Quint (Robert Shaw) hunt down the deadly predator.
Even nearly 50 years after its release, Jaws remains a cornerstone of cinematic history and a cultural phenomenon that continues to draw fans of all ages. Dreyfuss’s portrayal of Hooper helped cement his status as one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, later earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor in The Goodbye Girl (1977).
In recent years, Dreyfuss has continued to make appearances at fan conventions, often delighting audiences with behind-the-scenes stories from his career and humorous anecdotes from the making of Jaws. His absence from this year’s SharkCon is deeply felt by fans, but many expressed that his health and well-being were the top priority.
As Dreyfuss recovers from his illness, his message serves as a reminder of his enduring connection to fans and his genuine appreciation for their support over the decades. While he couldn’t make it to Tampa this time, his words carried the warmth and gratitude that have long defined his relationship with his audience.
For now, fans are wishing the beloved actor a swift recovery — and looking forward to the day he can safely return to share more memories from the film that made him a legend.
