Jaws actor Richard Dreyfuss abruptly pulled out of an appearance at SharkCon in Florida as he revealed a devastating health diagnosis in a video from his hospital bed.
On July 11, the beloved actor, 77, shared the disappointing announcement in a clip posted by SharkCon’s official Instagram account.
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“I am very, very sorry to tell you that I’ve been diagnosed with viral…What is it?…I’ve been diagnosed with viral bronchitis,” he revealed, with help from a woman filming the video.
“I’ve been told by my doctors I cannot fly, and I would have to fly five hours to get there,” Dreyfuss continued. “I’m terribly sorry because I had planned to be there and had been looking forward to it. But I’m unable to do so.”
To conclude the clip, Dreyfuss reiterated, “I don’t want to get anyone else sick and I don’t want to get sicker myself. I feel terrible about not showing up, and I feel worse about exposing you to this apparently very viral illness.”
In the caption, SharkCon noted that prepaid autographs and photo ops with Dreyfuss would automatically be refunded.
“It will take 5-10 business days plus what your bank takes to process.” the update added. “We are sorry for any inconvenience. Thank you.”
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Dreyfuss’ fans flooded the comments with well-wishes and messages of understanding.
Rosie O’Donnell wrote, “I love u richard ❤️❤️❤️❤️.”
Another Instagram user shared, “Please get better soon 🦈❤️
Someone else echoed, “My prayers out to you ❤️.”
Meanwhile, yet another fan commented, “You take care and get better!! That is the number one priority. You are loved. Heal up soon💛🙏.”
SharkCon was held from July 11 to July 13 at Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall in Tampa, Fla. Jaws premiered on June 20, 1975.
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