Richard Dreyfuss, the beloved star of the iconic 1975 film Jaws, was forced to cancel his appearance at SharkCon 2025 in Tampa, Florida, after being diagnosed with viral bronchitis. The 77-year-old actor, known for his role as oceanologist Matt Hooper, shared a heartfelt video message with fans on the SharkCon Instagram page, explaining that his illness was severe enough to require hospitalization and that doctors advised him against flying the five hours needed to attend the event.
"Hello cons, I’m very, very sorry to tell you that I’ve been diagnosed with viral bronchitis," Dreyfuss said, wrapped in a Jaws blanket, in the video posted on July 11, 2025. "I’ve been told by my doctors I cannot fly, and I would have to fly five hours to get there. I’m terribly sorry because I had planned to be there and had been looking forward to it, but I am unable to do so."
He expressed deep regret not only for missing the convention but also out of concern for the health of others. "I don’t want to get anyone else sick, and I don’t want to get sicker myself," he added. "I feel terrible about not showing up, and I’d feel worse about exposing you to this apparently very viral illness."
Despite his disappointment, Dreyfuss maintained a touch of humor, joking, "I want you all to feel very sorry for me, and very sorry for yourselves." But he quickly shifted to a more serious tone, emphasizing that his health must come first. "I’m in a lot of pain, and that has to come first — my health. And I feel very good about having the time and enough health."
The actor’s wife, Svetlana Erokhin, also appeared off-camera in the Instagram video, confirming the diagnosis and expressing their appreciation for fans. "Such great fans! We love you, we miss you all, and we will see you soon," she said, adding a warm touch to the message.
SharkCon organizers responded promptly, reassuring fans that all prepaid autographs and photo opportunities with Dreyfuss would be automatically refunded. "There is no reason to reach out," the event’s Instagram caption explained. "It will take 5-10 business days plus what your bank takes for them to be processed. We are so sorry for any inconvenience. Thank you." Meanwhile, panels dedicated to Jaws and its sequel, Jaws 2, proceeded as scheduled, ensuring fans still had plenty to enjoy during the weekend of July 12 and 13.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking thriller Jaws, a film that forever changed the landscape of summer blockbusters. The movie, starring Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Dreyfuss himself, tells the story of a great white shark terrorizing a New England beach town. SharkCon, sponsored by National Geographic, gathered marine biologists, scuba professionals, shark enthusiasts, vendors, and creatives to celebrate the enduring legacy of the film and marine life alike.
Although Dreyfuss was unable to attend, other Jaws alumni such as Jeffrey Voorhees, Jonathan and Steven Searle, and Carla Hogendyk were expected to participate in the festivities. The event offered fans a unique opportunity to connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts, blending entertainment with education.
Fans and fellow celebrities alike took to social media to send their well wishes to Dreyfuss. Actress Sharon Stone commented, "Honey, feel better. The world is not good without you then come over and give me a hug." Comedian Rosie O’Donnell added, "I love you, Richard," accompanied by heart emojis, reflecting the widespread affection for the veteran actor.
While Dreyfuss’s recent health setback was unfortunate, it is not the first time the actor has been in the spotlight for reasons beyond his cinematic achievements. Around July 2024, he made headlines for controversial remarks during a Jaws screening in Beverly, Massachusetts, which led to accusations of homophobic, transphobic, and misogynistic comments. The venue, The Cabot, later issued a formal apology, stating, "We deeply regret the distress that this has caused to many of our patrons. We regret that an event that was meant to be a conversation to celebrate an iconic movie instead became a platform for political views."
Despite that incident, Dreyfuss’s contribution to film and his enduring connection with fans remain significant. His decision to prioritize health over appearance at SharkCon was met with understanding and support, underscoring the respect he commands within the entertainment community.
As the 50th anniversary celebrations continue, fans can look forward to future opportunities to engage with their favorite stars and celebrate the cultural impact of Jaws. For now, the focus remains on Dreyfuss’s recovery and the hope that he will soon be back sharing his charm and wit in person.
