Actor Richard Dreyfuss, best known for his iconic role in Jaws, has pulled out of this year’s SharkCon due to a bout of bronchitis. The 77-year-old star shared a health update with fans in a video posted on SharkCon’s Instagram, apologizing for his absence and explaining his condition from a hospital bed—wrapped in a Jaws-themed blanket.
“Hello fellow cons,” Dreyfuss began, looking fatigued but in good spirits. “I am very, very sorry to tell you that I’ve been diagnosed with viral… what is it?”
“Bronchitis,” his wife, Svetlana Erokhin, gently answered off-camera.
What is bronchitis?
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the lungs, often triggered by a virus. It can cause coughing, fatigue, shortness of breath, fever, and congestion—symptoms that make air travel risky.
“I don’t want to get anyone else sick”
In the video, Dreyfuss explained that his doctors had advised against flying. “I would have to fly five hours to get there, and I simply can’t do that right now,” he said. “I feel terrible about not showing up—and worse about exposing you to this very viral illness.”
He assured fans that this wouldn’t be his last attempt to join them, adding, “There will be other times. I will make it my business to be there.”
Dreyfuss, with his signature humor, told fans in Tampa: “I want you all to feel very sorry for me—and very sorry for yourselves,” he laughed, before acknowledging the priority of his health.
His wife chimed in from behind the camera: “And such great fans!”—to which Dreyfuss smiled and replied, “She’s right. She knows how to do this. So good luck, happy health, happy con – bye!”
SharkCon assures refunds
In a caption accompanying the video, SharkCon confirmed that all prepaid autograph and photo op purchases will be refunded automatically within 5–10 business days, not including any delays caused by banks. “There is no need to reach out,” the organizers wrote. “We are so sorry for any inconvenience.”
Dreyfuss still active in Hollywood
Despite the setback, Dreyfuss remains busy. He recently appeared in the thriller Into the Deep and is set to star alongside Billy Zane in a biopic about Marlon Brando. Jaws, which catapulted Dreyfuss to stardom, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with the National Geographic documentary Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story, directed by Laurent Bouzereau.
Dreyfuss closed the video by expressing gratitude for fans’ support: “Thank you for your love. We love you, we miss you all—and we’ll see you soon.”
