‘Jaws’ Star Dreyfuss Misses Shark-Themed Fan Convention After Bronchitis Diagnosis

Dreyfuss, 77, was barred by doctors from flying to the Florida event, which came on the heels of the 50th anniversary of the release of ‘Jaws.’

Actor Richard Dreyfuss arrives for the Los Angeles premiere of "Sweetwater" in the Steven J. Ross Theater at the Warner Bros. Studio Lot in Burbank, Calif., on April 11, 2023. Michael Tran/AFP via Getty Images

Oscar-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss, best known for his leading role in “Jaws,” missed a fan convention due to a severe case of bronchitis.

The 77-year-old alerted fans of his condition through a July 11 video on the “SharkCon” Instagram page, after the diagnosis kept him from flying to the shark-themed event in Tampa, Florida, over the weekend.

“Hello cons, I’m very, very sorry to tell you that I’ve been diagnosed with viral bronchitis,” he said in the video. “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.”

Presented by National Geographic, SharkCon 2025 is an annual two-day event that brings together fans, celebrities, photographers, conservationists, and scientists of the “shark world.”

The event is also dedicated to raising awareness and funds for shark and ocean conservation efforts, which include wildlife sustainability.

“I feel terrible about not showing up, and I'd feel worse about exposing you to this apparently very viral illness,” he continued. “But there will be other times and I will make it my business to show up and I want to wish you all good luck and happiness.”

SharkCon apologized for any inconvenience this may have caused attendees and reaffirmed that automatic refunds will be granted for any prepaid autographs or fan photo ops.

“I want you all to feel very sorry for me, and very sorry for yourselves.” Dreyfuss quipped in his message.

“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.”

Acute bronchitis is inflammation of the lining of the tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is caused by a viral respiratory infection and, with proper treatment, can improve over a week.

Dreyfuss portrayed marine biologist Matt Hooper in the 1975 classic “Jaws,” and was set to attend the event alongside other actors from the franchise, including Jeffrey Voorhees, John Putch, and John Dukakis.

June 20 marked the 50th anniversary of the Steven Spielberg thriller, which became the first film to generate $100 million mark in theatrical rentals across the U.S. and Canada.

The feat placed the production at the top of the list as the highest-grossing U.S. film of all time, a distinction it held until “Star Wars” topped it in 1977.

Throughout his decades-long career in Hollywood and with over 120 film and television credits combined, Dreyfuss received 20 award accolades and nominations.

In 1976, he was nominated for Best Actor at the BAFTA Film Awards for “Jaws,” and two years later received the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for “The Goodbye Girl.”