Richard Dreyfuss Hospitalized with Severe Virus, Shuts Down SharkCon Appearance

The actor from "Jaws" had planned to attend the yearly deep-sea monster conference but ended up getting bronchitis.

If you had intended to catch Richard Dreyfuss Attend this year's SharkCon and begin planning for next year.

The legendary actor and Jaws Star released an apologetic message on Friday, clarifying why fans would not see him at the yearly gathering taking place this weekend at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo in Tampa.

"Hi, everyone. I'm really, truly sorry to inform you that I've been diagnosed with a virus..." he said began in a video Posted to the SharkCon Instagram on Friday from a hospital bed. Out of frame, his wife, Svetlana Erokhin, kindly provided Dreyfuss with the word he was trying to recall: "bronchitis."

I was informed by my physicians that I am not able to travel by air, and it would take me five hours to reach [SharkCon]. I deeply apologize as I had intended to attend and had been eagerly anticipating it. However, I am now unable to make it. I don’t wish for anyone else to become ill, nor do I want to worsen my own condition. I’m really upset about missing out, but even more distressed at the thought of potentially spreading this highly contagious disease to others, as they mentioned,” he said.

The caption stated that event planners mentioned refunds for prepaid autographs and picture sessions with Dreyfuss would occur within ten business days.

Dreyfuss added, vowing, "There will be more opportunities, and I'll ensure I'm there. I want to send you all best wishes for luck and joy, and I hope you all feel truly remorseful for me, as well as for yourselves. I am experiencing significant discomfort, which must take priority—my wellbeing. I’m quite pleased with having the time and sufficient health."

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The year 2025 marked a significant gathering at SharkCon, an event supported by National Geographic, bringing together marine scientists and specialists, certified divers, fans of sharks, suppliers, and artists involved with various aspects of shark-related content over the course of a weekend focused on promoting knowledge about sharks and protecting the oceans, according to the organizers. SharkCon website .

This marks the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg A groundbreaking shark-themed horror movie, much of the event focused on honoring Jaws 'milestone – for better or for worse – in the depiction of the infamous sea creatures. Along with Dreyfuss, one of the main actors of Jaws The gathering greeted Jeffrey Voorhees, Jonathan Searle, Steven Searle, and Carla Hogendyk (all) Jaws alums), Jaws 2 actresses John Dukakis and G. Thomas Dunlop, and ultimately John Putch, Jackie Kuntarich Cook, and Liz Smith, who were all featured in Jaws 3-D .

Adapted from the 1974 book with the same title written by Peter Benchley, Jaws features Dreyfuss as marine biologist Matt Hooper, Roy Scheider Officer Martin Brody and Hunter Quint, portrayed by Robert Shaw, embark on a mission to eliminate a deadly great white shark menacing a fictitious seaside town in New England.

Jaws It altered the professional trajectories of its director and every leading actor, introducing the idea of a "summer blockbuster" and reshaping how movies across genres were promoted and distributed. Two years later, Dreyfuss received an Academy Award for his role in Herbert Ross' film. The Goodbye Girl , but Jaws continues to be one of his most beloved movies, although he's inspired theater walkouts in the past, according to his involvement in these nostalgic gatherings.

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