Richard Dreyfuss Shares Health Update and Apologizes for Missing SharkCon
Richard Dreyfuss, known for his iconic role in Jaws, recently shared an unexpected health update that forced him to cancel his appearance at the SharkCon event in Tampa, Florida. The actor, who is 77 years old, was set to attend the shark-themed fan convention but had to pull out due to an illness.
In a video posted on SharkCon’s Instagram account on July 12, Dreyfuss appeared from a hospital bed, addressing fans directly. “Hello fellow cons,” he began, “I’m very sorry to tell you that I’ve been diagnosed with viral bronchitis. I’ve been told by my doctors I cannot fly, and I would have to fly five hours to get there.”
Dreyfuss expressed his disappointment, explaining that he had been looking forward to attending the event. “I’m terribly sorry because I had planned to be there and had been looking forward to it,” he said. “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.”
Viral bronchitis, as explained by the Mayo Clinic, occurs when the lining of the tubes that carry air to and from the lungs becomes inflamed. This condition can lead to symptoms such as coughing and chest discomfort. Dreyfuss emphasized that his priority right now is to focus on his recovery.
“I will bounce back as soon as I can,” he promised. “There will be other times, and I will make it my business to show up.” Dreyfuss added a light-hearted comment, saying, “I wanna 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 and such great fans.”
His wife, Svetlana Erokhin, who married Dreyfuss in 2006, also made a brief appearance behind the camera, echoing his sentiments. “We love you,” she told his fans. “We miss you and we will see you soon.”
The message received an overwhelming response from fans and celebrities alike. Sharon Stone, known for her role in Basic Instinct, left a heartfelt comment on the post: “Honey, feel better. The world is not good without you then come over and give me a hug.”
Rosie O’Donnell, the former host of The Rosie O’Donnell Show, also shared her support, simply stating, “I love u Richard.”
Dreyfuss’s decision to prioritize his health over attending the event highlights the importance of self-care, especially for individuals in the public eye. His fans have shown immense support, expressing hope for his quick recovery and anticipation for future appearances.
As he continues his treatment, Dreyfuss remains optimistic about returning to events and reconnecting with his fans. His dedication to his health serves as a reminder that even the most dedicated professionals must sometimes step back to take care of themselves.
