Richard Dreyfuss says he’s been forced to cancel his scheduled appearance at The Hollywood Show convention in California on May 29 and 30, adding that he’ll be with fans “in spirit.” The Oscar winner didn’t explain why he can’t attend, but he previously cancel
Richard Dreyfuss had one job at the upcoming “Jaws” reunion: show up in person for the fans. Instead, he announced he can’t make it.
In a May 22 Instagram post, the Oscar-winning actor, 78, said he will no longer be able to attend The Hollywood Show convention in California, where members of the classic film’s original cast and crew are scheduled to appear. The event is set for May 29 and 30.
“It truly breaks my heart that I won’t be able to attend the reunion at The Hollywood Show May 29th & 30th,” Dreyfuss wrote. “Please know this was never the outcome I hoped for. Due to circumstances completely beyond my control, it has become impossible for me to be there in person.”
He did not share any details about what’s preventing him from traveling. What he did share was how close the moment is to him anyway. Dreyfuss said his “heart is absolutely with my fellow cast members who will be attending. ” and he urged fans to give them “the warmest welcome and all the love they deserve!”.
Dreyfuss also thanked “Jaws” fans for “carrying this story with you through the years,” writing that “while I may not be there physically, I’ll certainly be there in spirit.”
The convention account posted the update as well on Instagram, thanking attendees for their “patience, understanding, and continued support.” The Hollywood Show is billing the get-together as the “largest ‘Jaws’ cast reunion in history.”
Dreyfuss starred as marine biologist Matt Hooper in Steven Spielberg’s 1975 classic. He is also the last surviving member of the movie’s original acting trio after Roy Scheider—who played Martin Brody—died in 2008 at age 75, and after Robert Shaw—who played Quint—died in 1978 at 51.
Among the “Jaws” cast scheduled to appear at The Hollywood Show are Jeffrey Voorhees, who played shark attack victim Alex Kintner, and Jeffrey Kramer, who played Deputy Hendricks.
Dreyfuss’s cancellation follows a similar setback last summer. He previously had to cancel an appearance at the shark-themed fan convention SharkCon in July after coming down with viral bronchitis. At the time. he said he had been “told by my doctors I cannot fly. and I would have to fly five hours to get there.” He added. “I feel terrible about not showing up. and I’d feel worse about exposing you to this apparently very viral illness.”.
The shift from “in person” to “in spirit” lands with extra weight because this particular reunion is built around who can actually show up—especially in a franchise where time has narrowed the original cast down to just a few surviving faces. Dreyfuss may not be in California this time. but his message makes clear he’s still trying to be part of the moment. even from a distance.
For fans buying their tickets for a weekend built on “Jaws” nostalgia, the headline is the same: the event will go on May 29 and 30, but the reunion won’t unfold exactly as planned.
Richard Dreyfuss Jaws reunion The Hollywood Show May 29 30 Hollywood Show California viral bronchitis SharkCon Spielberg Matt Hooper