Hey there, friends! Let’s talk about something truly inspiring. Jeff Bridges, the legendary actor we all know and love, recently shared a pretty incredible update on his health. After battling lymphoma and a brutal case of COVID-19, Jeff's outlook is nothing short of awe-inspiring. He spoke exclusively with Page Six at the 49th Chaplin Award Gala at Lincoln Center on Monday, April 29, and let me tell you, his words were nothing short of profound.
Now, if you’ve been following Jeff’s journey, you know it’s been quite the ride. The man who brought us classics like Tron and The Big Lebowski has faced some serious challenges, but his resilience? Off the charts. "It’s amazing the way the mind can forget all that stuff," Jeff said, reflecting on his battle with cancer and the virus. And honestly, who can blame him? Who wouldn’t want to move forward and leave the tough stuff in the rearview mirror?
Jeff Bridges: A Learning Experience
Jeff, now 74 years young, shared that overcoming his illnesses was a powerful learning experience. He’s decided not to dwell too much on the past, and honestly, who can blame him? When you’ve been through what he’s been through, sometimes the best thing you can do is focus on the present and the future. "The Big Lebowski" star first announced his cancer diagnosis back in October 2020 in a heartfelt post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
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“I have been diagnosed with Lymphoma,” Jeff wrote at the time. “Although it is a serious disease, I feel fortunate that I have a great team of doctors and the prognosis is good. I’m starting treatment and will keep you posted on my recovery.” Talk about staying positive, right? Even in the face of adversity, Jeff’s optimism shone through, giving hope to fans and followers around the world.
Gratitude in Hard Times
Jeff didn’t stop there. He expressed profound gratitude for the love and support he received from family and friends. "I’m profoundly grateful for the love and support from my family and friends," he added. "Thank you for your prayers and well wishes. And, while I have you, please remember to go vote. Because we are all in this together." Now, that’s leadership, folks. Even in the midst of personal challenges, Jeff is thinking about the greater good and encouraging everyone to make their voices heard.
Jeff’s journey began with a troubling discovery during an at-home workout. He felt some stomach pain, which eventually led to a diagnosis of a 12-by-9-inch tumor. Can you believe that? It was like having a child-sized mass living inside him, and yet, it didn’t hurt. “It didn’t hurt or anything,” Jeff told People in May 2022. But that was just the beginning of his battle.
A Near-Fatal Encounter with COVID-19
After undergoing chemotherapy, Jeff faced yet another challenge—a near-fatal bout with COVID-19. His weakened immune system made him particularly vulnerable, and he spent five grueling weeks in the hospital, unable to breathe without an oxygen feed. "I had no defenses. That’s what chemo does—it strips you of all your immune system. I had nothing to fight it," he explained. And let’s not forget his powerful statement: “COVID made my cancer look like nothing.” Talk about perspective, right?
“I was pretty close to dying,” the True Grit actor admitted. “The doctors kept telling me, ‘Jeff, you’ve got to fight. You’re not fighting.’ I was in surrender mode. I was ready to go. I was dancing with my mortality.” But Jeff didn’t give up. He received convalescent plasma, a therapy that uses blood from people who’ve recovered from an illness to help others get better, according to the Mayo Clinic. And guess what? His cancer is now in remission. Talk about a fighter, right?
Reflecting on his time in the hospital, Jeff expressed nothing but admiration for his medical team. “The nurses and doctors were just spectacular, man,” he said in a May 2023 interview with AARP. “They worked hard, they shared information, they appreciated different opinions. It was so focused, so simple, so beautiful.” It’s clear that Jeff’s journey wasn’t just about surviving—it was about appreciating the incredible people who helped him along the way.
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