Jeff Bridges, the beloved actor known for his role in The Big Lebowski, recently shared an encouraging update on his health. In a new interview with People magazine, the 75-year-old star revealed that he is feeling “very good” and in a positive state almost five years after being diagnosed with lymphoma. While he acknowledged the difficulty in distinguishing whether certain symptoms stem from cancer, COVID-19, or simply aging, Bridges expressed a generally optimistic outlook on his health journey.
Lingering COVID Effects and Cancer Journey Mark a Challenging Yet Hopeful Road to Recovery
Despite the good news, Bridges shared that he continues to face some lingering health challenges. Notably, he mentioned experiencing memory issues and a loss of his sense of smell. He believes these symptoms are likely long-term effects of COVID-19, which he contracted during cancer treatment. These residual issues haven’t dampened his spirit, but they remain a part of his recovery story.
Jeff Bridges Shares Health Update, Reflects on Cancer Recovery and COVID’s Lasting ImpactBridges first announced his lymphoma diagnosis in October 2020 through a post on X (formerly Twitter). He conveyed that while the disease was serious, he was fortunate to have strong medical support and a promising prognosis. By the following year, his cancer had responded well to treatment, with the tumor shrinking significantly—down to the size of a marble. However, this progress was complicated by a severe case of COVID-19, which he contracted during chemotherapy.
A Fierce COVID Battle, Deep Gratitude, and a Triumphant Return to the Spotlight
The actor’s experience with COVID-19 proved to be even more intense than his cancer battle. On his personal website, Bridges described the virus as more challenging than cancer, stating, “Covid kicked my ass pretty good.” Though he was double vaccinated at the time, he faced extreme symptoms and even described feeling close to death. Despite these hardships, he remained emotionally resilient, expressing a deep appreciation for life’s fleeting beauty and the unexpected gifts of such profound experiences.
Today, Jeff Bridges is not only in recovery but also actively working. He recently completed filming the FX series The Old Man and is set to return to the big screen in Tron 3, scheduled for release later this year. His story of resilience and recovery serves as both an inspiration and a reminder of the fragility and beauty of life. Bridges’ journey highlights his enduring spirit and readiness to embrace whatever lies ahead.