Jeff Bridges opened up about his profound health struggles during the filming of "The Old Man".
In a candid revelation, Jeff Bridges shared his battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma amidst the physical demands of his latest TV show role, Fox News reported.
In 2020, while working on physically challenging scenes for "The Old Man," Bridges was diagnosed with a large tumor in his stomach. He described the tumor as surprisingly large—measuring 9 by 12 inches—which posed additional challenges during his action-packed performances.
Despite the absence of pain, the diagnosis marked the beginning of a difficult period for him. During the subsequent filming hiatus, Bridges underwent chemotherapy and also faced a severe bout of COVID-19, which left him doubting his future in acting and his life in general.
Reflecting on his darkest moments, Jeff Bridges described his mental state changing from a combative stance against his illness to acceptance and surrender. This shift, he suggests, unexpectedly deepened his appreciation for life's fragility and the love around him.
Jeff Bridges recalls his doctor's advice and his emotional pivot:
While I was sick, I thought I not only wouldn't go back to ‘The Old Man,’ I thought I might just kick the bucket. It got down to that. I remember one doctor said, 'You got to fight, Jeff. You're not fighting.' And I had no idea what he was talking about. I was in surrender mode, just, ‘Everybody dies. This might be me doing that.’ And out of that surrender, like I say, all of this intense love surfaced, and maybe that's what caused me to survive, I don't know. But I didn't relate to the fighting thing, more of a surrendering.
Through his recovery process, Bridges set personal milestones with his physical therapy goals, which included walking his daughter Hayley down the aisle—an event he proudly achieved. This achievement symbolized more than just recovery; it represented a significant emotional victory for Bridges and his family.
The dramatic shrinkage of his tumor, now reduced to the size of a marble, marked his health improvement over time, offering him and his family a new perspective on life and hope for the future.
With treatments ongoing, Jeff Bridges reported positive feedback from his medical team concerning his recovery: "My oncologist says, ‘You're looking good, man.’ And all my blood tests and everything is going well," Bridges shared.
The journey also heightened his sense of gratitude towards his family, friends, and the medical staff who supported him throughout. "All of your strategies for life, how you work — all of those get heightened," he noted. "And love, that's the word that comes to mind."
The arduous journey of his illness and recovery taught the actor profound lessons about human resilience and the power of community and familial support. "It just exacerbated love, basically," said Bridges, reflecting on how adversity brought an increased awareness and appreciation for life's essential values.
In his own words, he articulated a renewed understanding of his priorities and the impermanence of life, emphasizing the deep emotional connections fostered during his treatment and recovery.
As Jeff Bridges continues to cherish every moment post-recovery, his narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the unwavering support of loved ones during times of crisis.
