'I'm in a lot of pain': Jaws star drops out of public appearance amid health battle
Jaws star Richard Dreyfuss, 77, has devastated fans with news he was forced to drop out of a recent public appearance.
The actor took to Instagram to confirm he was pulling out of SharkCon in Florida after being diagnosed with viral bronchitis.
He posted a video in which he apologised to fans, saying he was "very, very sorry" to have to cancel the appearance.
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Richard Dreyfuss announced he is dropping out of SharkCon due to a viral bronchitis diagnosis. Instagram/shark_con
"I've been diagnosed with viral... what is it?" he asked his wife, Svetlana Erokhin, behind the camera.
"I've been diagnosed with viral bronchitis and I've been told by my doctors that 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 and have 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."
Dreyfuss went on to say how "terrible" he feels about having to cancel the appearance, adding that he would feel even worse if he exposed his fans to the virus.
He assured fans that he will make it up to them, saying that he will be sure to "show up" at future appearances.
"I want to wish you all good luck and happiness, and I want you all to feel very sorry for me," he laughed.
"And very sorry for yourselves. 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."
The video was shared in a joint post by SharkCon and Field and Screen.
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The actor promised he would make it up to the fans. Getty
In the caption, SharkCon shared that all prepaid autographs and photo opportunities would be automatically refunded.
"There is no reason to reach out," the company wrote.
"It will take 5-10 business days plus what your bank takes for them to be processed. We are so sorry for any inconvenience. Thank you."
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