'Jaws' stars misses convention after major diagnosis reveal

Jaws star Richard Dreyfuss had to miss out on a shark themed convention on July 12 and 13 due to his illness.

Scheduled by National Geographic, they shared a statement from the actor on Instagram which showed a pre-recorded statement from him.

Saying he had been diagnosed with viral bronchitis, 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 and had been looking forward to it."

They further assured fans that all of the prepaid autographs and photo ops with the actor would be refunded.

Dreyfuss continued, "I feel terrible about not showing up, and I'd 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, and I want to wish you all good luck and happiness."

The actor went on to joke, "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 – and I feel very good about having the time and enough health."

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