In a Twitter announcement on Monday night, Jeff Bridges revealed that he has been diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening illness. The iconic actor, known for his laid-back demeanor and often associated with his character "The Dude," shared the news with his followers.
Bridges continued his tweet, stating, "I'm commencing treatment and will provide updates on my recovery." He did not disclose whether the lymphoma is Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin, nor did he specify the stage at which the cancer was detected.
The Oscar-winning actor, best known for his role in "Crazy Heart," has been a prominent figure in Hollywood since his debut alongside his father, Lloyd Bridges, in the 1950s TV series "Sea Hunt." With seven Academy Award nominations to his name, he has graced the big screen in notable films like "True Grit," "Starman," "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot," and "The Last Picture Show." However, he will forever be linked to the iconic character of the laid-back Los Angeles slacker, The Dude Lebowski, in "The Big Lebowski."
Currently involved in the production of the drama series "The Old Man," where he serves as both the star and executive producer, Bridges has projects in the pipeline. The series is set to premiere on FX and Hulu in 2021, produced by Touchstone Pictures and FX Productions.
Both organizations released a statement expressing their support: "Our thoughts are with Jeff and his family during this challenging time. We send our love and encouragement for a swift and complete recovery. And, as Jeff always reminds us, 'We're all in this together.' Jeff, we're united with you in this journey."
In a follow-up tweet, the actor used his familiar phrase to highlight an issue he has long championed: "Thank you for your prayers and well wishes. And while I have your attention, please remember to exercise your right to vote. Because, as I always say, we're all in this together. Visit Vote.org. With love, Jeff."
