Richard Dreyfuss, 77, in devastating health update from hospital bed

Richard Dreyfus has shared a devastating health update with fans, confirming that he is too poorly to attend this year's SharkCon. The Jaws star, 77, was tucked up in a hospital bed with a blanket to celebrate the film's 50th anniversary, looking pale and seemingly struggling to speak as he addressed the camera. Richard played Matt Hooper in the award-winning Stephen Spielberg film, released in 1975.

Hollywood icon Richard said: "Hello fellow cons. I am very, very sorry to tell you that I've been diagnosed with, er, viral, er... Viral... What is it?" Off-screen, his wife Svetlana Erokhin confirmed that he was suffering from viral bronchitis, though Richard struggled to repeat the word himself. He eventually added: "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-"

Svetlana added: "And such great fans!" as Richard agreed: "And such great fans." She said: "We love you, we miss you all and we will see you soon."

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

The SharkCon organisers confirmed to fans: "All prepaid autographs and photo ops will automatically be refunded. There is no reason to reach out. 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."

But fans were more concerned for Richard and flocked to support him in the comments section, with one writing: "Take care of yourself. Your fans love you enough, we don't need autographs, just enjoy your life my friend."

Another echoed: "Feel better soon! Wishing you a speedy recovery." A third echoed: "Get better soon please. My family and I love you and we are hoping you feel better soon."