Jaws icon Richard Dreyfuss shares concerning health update from hospital

Hollywood legend Richard Dreyfuss has shared a shocking health update from his hospital bed, as he's forced to pull out of this year's SharkCon event on medical advice. The iconic actor played Matt Hooper in Stephen Spielberg's three-time Oscar-winning film Jaws, which turns 50 this year.

But the 77-year-old, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2010, was looking frail as he spoke in the video, which was shared on the SharkCon Instagram on Sunday. Explaining to fans that he was too ill to take the five-hour flight, he appeared visibly unwell as he addressed followers.

He was wrapped up in a Jaws blanket as he spoke in to the camera. Richard said: "Hello fellow cons. I am very, very sorry to tell you that I've been diagnosed with, viral, er…What is it?"

His wife, Svetlana Erokhin, spoke off-screen, confirming her husband had contracted viral bronchitis. After a few attempts, he managed to repeat his diagnosis before he continued.

He explained: "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 [at SharkCon] and I had been looking forward to it, but I am unable to do so.

"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.

"But there will be other times and I will make it my business to show up. I want to 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."

His wife added: "And such great fans!", with Richard agreeing: "And such great fans." She said: "We love you, we miss you all and we will see you soon."

Richard added: "That's my wife saying that! She's right, she knows how to do this. So good luck, happy health, happy con–bye!"

SharkCon organisers shared the video, with the caption: "A message from Richard Dreyfuss. All prepaid autographs and photo ops will be automatically refunded. It will take 5-10 business days, plus what your bank takes to process. We are sorry for any inconvenience. Thank you."

The actor was inundated with messages of support from fans, with some sharing anecdotes about the Oscar winner. Sharon Stone wrote: "Honey, feel better. The world is not good without you, then come over and give me a hug."

A fan added: "My buddy was a limousine driver in NYC and his company drove a lot of stars. He said most stars ignored you and were aloof but Richard Dreyfus was the best! Always chatting with the drivers and such a cool guy. They all loved him."

Actor Jake Busey, son of Gary Busey, wrote: "F***! Well, hey Rick. DAD and I are sending you love and healing energy. This is only a small hurdle you will beat. So wild. We were just watching you and Roy in jaws 3 days ago. Get well soon and feel better fast !!"

Rosie O'Donnell added simply: "I love u Richard [sic]." A fan typed: "He will always be one of the great actors of his time."

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