Additional Coverage:
- Jaws star Richard Dreyfuss forced to pull out of SharkCon due to health scare (the-independent.com)
Richard Dreyfuss, the Hollywood icon known for his role in Jaws, was unfortunately forced to miss this year’s SharkCon in Florida due to a bout of viral bronchitis. The 77-year-old actor was hospitalized with the lung infection, preventing him from traveling to the event.
In a video message shared with SharkCon attendees, Dreyfuss, filmed from his hospital bed beneath a Jaws 50th anniversary blanket, expressed his sincere apologies. With a touch of humor, he momentarily forgot the name of his ailment, prompting his wife, Svetlana Erokhin, to remind him off-camera.
Dreyfuss stressed his disappointment at missing the convention, explaining that doctors had advised against the five-hour flight. He also expressed concern for the well-being of attendees, wanting to avoid spreading the virus.
SharkCon organizers quickly reassured fans that all pre-paid autographs and photo opportunities with Dreyfuss would be refunded automatically. This year’s convention, presented by National Geographic, featured a variety of shark-related exhibits and activities.
Dreyfuss had been scheduled for solo photo ops and group photos with Jaws co-stars Carla Hogendyk, Jeffrey Voorhees, and brothers Jonathan and Steven Searle, commemorating the film’s 50th anniversary. In the 1975 Steven Spielberg thriller, Dreyfuss played the memorable role of marine biologist Matt Hooper.
This incident follows a controversy last June where Dreyfuss faced criticism for allegedly using sexist and homophobic language during a Jaws screening discussion. The Cabot Performing Arts Center, where the event took place, subsequently issued a public apology for the actor’s remarks.
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- Jaws star Richard Dreyfuss forced to pull out of SharkCon due to health scare (the-independent.com)