Sun Jul 13 21:20:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Richard Dreyfuss Cancels SharkCon Appearance Due to Bronchitis**

**TAMPA, FL – July 11, 2024** – Fans of the iconic shark thriller “Jaws” will be disappointed to learn that actor Richard Dreyfuss, 77, has been forced to cancel his scheduled appearance at SharkCon in Tampa, Florida this weekend due to a bout of bronchitis.

Dreyfuss shared the news in a video posted to SharkCon’s Instagram page. From a hospital bed, wrapped in a “Jaws” blanket, he apologized to fans for his absence. “I’ve been told by my doctors I cannot fly…I’m terribly sorry because I had planned to be there and I had been looking forward to it, but I am unable to do so.” He expressed concern about potentially infecting others and worsening his own condition.

Bronchitis, an inflammation of the airways leading to the lungs, causes symptoms such as shortness of breath, fever, and fatigue.

“I feel terrible about not showing up,” Dreyfuss lamented, promising to attend future events. He wished attendees well, jokingly urging them to “feel very sorry” for him. His wife, Svetlana Erokhin, also appeared in the video, expressing their love and well wishes to fans.

SharkCon organizers have assured fans that all prepaid autographs and photo opportunities will be automatically refunded within 5-10 business days.

Dreyfuss, known for his role as Matt Hooper in “Jaws,” continues to be an active actor. He recently starred in the action thriller “Into the Deep” and will appear in the upcoming Marlon Brando biopic. “Jaws” recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, commemorated by the National Geographic documentary, “Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story.”

Fans have flooded social media with messages of support for Dreyfuss, wishing him a speedy recovery. SharkCon organizers and Dreyfuss’s family have expressed gratitude for the outpouring of well wishes.

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