Jeff Bridges has had quite a tumultuous few years, battling a severe health issue while continuing his acting career. The 74-year-old Hollywood veteran recently opened up about his experience working on a TV show while harboring a massive tumor.
Health Struggles and Resilience
At an age where many actors might slow down, Jeff Bridges continued to work despite significant health challenges. During the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour on July 10, he shared an update on his recovery and reflected on the unusual feelings he experienced while filming.
“I’m feeling great now,” Bridges stated, according to Entertainment Weekly. He revealed the surprising fact that he had a 9-inch by 12-inch tumor in his stomach while filming the first season of the thriller TV show, “The Old Man.” Remarkably, he felt no pain from the tumor, even during intense fight scenes.
A Surprising Discovery
Bridges’ battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma began in 2020, during a break from filming mandated by the Covid-19 pandemic. In a 2023 interview with AARP magazine, he recounted how he discovered the tumor. While exercising, he felt what seemed like a bone in his stomach but dismissed it due to the lack of pain. It was his wife, Sue, who urged him to get it checked out.
Reflecting on his symptoms, Bridges mentioned night sweats and itchy shins, which he initially attributed to benign causes like dry skin and hot summer nights. These turned out to be symptoms of lymphoma. Despite the severe illness, he continued to perform demanding physical scenes without feeling pain from the tumor.
Overcoming Cancer and Covid-19
In September 2021, Bridges announced that his cancer was in remission and had shrunk to the size of a marble. However, his recovery was complicated by a Covid-19 infection he contracted shortly after his final chemotherapy session. This led to a five-week hospital stay, during which he was gravely ill.
In 2022, Bridges reflected on his near-death experience but expressed a positive outlook, focusing on his current well-being rather than dwelling on the past. His resilience and positive attitude serve as an inspiration to many.
Jeff Bridges’ journey through cancer and recovery while maintaining his acting career is a testament to his strength and perseverance. Now, feeling great and cancer-free, Bridges continues to inspire with his story of resilience and determination.
This remarkable chapter in Jeff Bridges’ life underscores the unpredictable nature of illness and the power of resilience. His experience offers a beacon of hope and a reminder of the importance of paying attention to one’s health.
