Jaws star and Oscar winner Richard Dreyfuss has canceled a scheduled appearance at a cast reunion event for the seminal blockbuster, citing “circumstances completely beyond my control.”
The veteran actor was slated to appear at a Burbank, Calif. fan convention, Hollywood Show, May 30.
“To all the incredible fans, my JAWS cast family, and everyone involved in making this reunion possible — I want to share how deeply grateful I am for the love and excitement surrounding this special event,” he wrote on Instagram. “It truly breaks my heart that I won’t be able to attend the reunion at The Hollywood Show May 29th & 30th. 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.”
The Close Encounters of the Third Kind alum continued: “My heart is absolutely with my fellow cast members who will be attending. Sharing this journey with them has been one of the greatest blessings of my life, and I know they’ll make this celebration unforgettable. I hope everyone attending gives them the warmest welcome and all the love they deserve! To the fans — thank you for carrying this story with you through the years. Your passion, kindness, and support have meant more than words can ever properly express. The connection we’ve shared through the years is something I will always treasure. And to the creators, organizers, and caretakers of this legacy, thank you for continuing to honor what brought all of us together in the first place.”
Dreyfuss continued, “While I may not be there physically, I’ll certainly be there in spirit. I hope the weekend is filled with laughter, memories, celebration, and the kind of joy this fandom has always created so beautifully. With love and gratitude always.”
The Goodbye Girl actor also pulled out of an appearance at SharkCon last summer, after being hospitalized with viral bronchitis.
In attendance at the reunion will be: Jeffrey Kramer, Carla Hogendyk, Steven Searle and Jonathan Searle, Ted Grossman, Carl Gottlieb, Greg Dole, production designer Joe Alves, Designing Jaws author Dennis Prince and concept poster artist Robert Tanenbaum.
Last year, the Steven Spielberg creature feature — which birthed the modern-day summer blockbuster upon its release June 20, 1975 — celebrated its 50th anniversary, complete with theatrical re-releases and an Academy Museum of Motion Pictures exhibition featuring archival material.
