Fans around the world are rallying around beloved Hollywood actor Richard Dreyfuss, 77, after he announced he would be unable to attend SharkCon due to a recent health scare.
The Oscar-winning star had been scheduled to participate in the convention to mark the 50th anniversary of Jaws, the Steven Spielberg masterpiece that launched Dreyfuss to international fame.
However, the actor was forced to withdraw at the last minute due to a painful and highly contagious illness.
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In a heartfelt video message shared on SharkCon’s Instagram page, Dreyfuss addressed his fans from a hospital bed, covered with a Jaws blanket, as he revealed the nature of his condition.
“Hello fellow cons. I am very, very sorry to tell you that I’ve been diagnosed with, viral, er… What is it?” he began, appearing pale and visibly uncomfortable.
His wife of 19 years, Svetlana Erokhin, could be heard off-camera, stepping in to clarify that he had been diagnosed with viral bronchitis.
Bronchitis, according to the Daily Mail, is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes—the airways that carry air into the lungs.
We heard Mr Richard Dreyfuss isn’t doing well. Yet he took the time from a hospital bed to apologize to fans for not being able to make it to a convention. He did this in poor health. What a caring class act! I had the honour of meeting him years back & he was so kind! #Jaws pic.twitter.com/UV0aTbxEa1
— The Mask Of Fear (@TheMaskOfFear) July 13, 2025
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The viral form of bronchitis can be especially aggressive, leaving sufferers weak and at risk of spreading the infection to others.
Dreyfuss, who appeared to struggle with pronouncing the diagnosis himself, showed signs of fatigue as he spoke to fans.
“I’ve been told by my doctors I cannot fly and I would have to fly five hours to get there,” he continued.
“I’m terribly sorry because I had planned to be there [at SharkCon] and I had been looking forward to it, but I am unable to do so. I don’t want to get anyone else sick, and I don’t want to get sicker myself.”
With both humility and humor, Dreyfuss went on to express his regret for missing the event, while also acknowledging the severity of his condition.
“I feel terrible about not showing up and I feel worse about exposing you to this apparently very viral illness. But there will be other times and I will make it my business to show up,” he said.
“I want to wish you all good luck and happiness and I want you all to feel very sorry for me, and very sorry for yourselves. I’m in a lot of pain and that has to come first, my health. I feel very good about having the time and enough health.”
Hoping Richard Dreyfuss gets better ♥️🖤 pic.twitter.com/39pQFizxB3
— Hollywood Horror Museum (@horrormuseum) July 13, 2025
Erokhin, who has been by Dreyfuss’ side throughout his health challenges, added, “And such great fans!”
Dreyfuss echoed her sentiment, proudly stating, “That’s my wife saying that! She’s right, she knows how to do this. So good luck, happy health, happy con – bye!”
The video struck a chord with fans, many of whom took to the comments to send their love and support.
One fan wrote, “Your health is most important. Don’t feel bad about it. Get better quickly!” Another added, “This is my all-time favourite movie!! Feel better Richard… sending healing prayers.”
Even fellow Hollywood star Sharon Stone offered her support. “Honey, feel better,” she commented.
“The world is not good without you then come over and give me a hug.”
Dreyfuss, who won an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1978 for his performance in The Goodbye Girl, remains one of the most respected and beloved actors of his generation.
Richard Dreyfuss singing “Show Me The Way To Go Home” on an Orca boat replica in Martha’s Vineyard to celebrate JAWS’s 50th.
Very cool 🦈 pic.twitter.com/TlPVEEj4mC— Todd Spence (@Todd_Spence) July 2, 2025
Over the decades, he has captivated audiences with powerful roles in films such as American Graffiti, Mr. Holland’s Opus, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and of course, Jaws, where he played oceanographer Matt Hooper—a role that helped define the blockbuster era of the 1970s.
Despite the unfortunate cancellation, Dreyfuss’ message to fans was filled with gratitude, resilience, and his trademark wit.
It’s clear that while his health may be temporarily sidelining him, his spirit remains strong.
As Dreyfuss focuses on rest and recovery, fans continue to flood social media with messages of encouragement and prayers.
Whether or not he can reschedule his SharkCon appearance, one thing is certain—Richard Dreyfuss is cherished by many, and his health and happiness are what matter most.
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