In a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Jeff Bridges opened up about a health scare that almost derailed his hit show “The Old Man.” The beloved actor, who is currently starring in the second season of the show, shared details about the incident that occurred during the production hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bridges explained that after filming a few episodes, he started experiencing unusual symptoms. “I was down on the ground doing some exercises and I felt like a bone was in my stomach,” he said. Concerned, his wife urged him to get it checked out. However, Bridges initially brushed it off, as it didn’t cause any pain.
The couple decided to take a two-month trip to Montana, assuming everything was fine. But upon returning, Bridges realized he needed to address the issue before getting back to work. “I better get the thing checked out,” he recalled thinking. The medical examination revealed a shocking discovery – a 9 by 12 tumor in his stomach. It turned out to be lymphoma, a form of cancer.
Despite the grim diagnosis, Bridges maintained his signature toughness and resilience. He admitted that watching fight scenes from the first season, unaware of the tumor, was quite surreal. “I’m hitting the stomach, and I’ve got this 9 by 12 tumor. That’s just how tough you are,” he quipped.
Fortunately, Bridges found solace in the fact that there was a treatment available. The medical team prescribed a cocktail of therapies tailored to his specific condition, and it seemed to be working. “I’m so happy,” he said about the tumor shrinking. This hopeful phase began on January 6th, ironically, a date he remembers vividly due to its significance in his health journey.
However, another twist awaited him. Bridges received a letter from the treatment center, informing him that he had been exposed to COVID-19. This news was alarming because the lymphoma treatment had already weakened his immune system. The combination of the two made the situation much more dire, and he ended up spending five weeks in the hospital battling both illnesses.
Reflecting on the experience, Bridges acknowledged the fear that comes with facing mortality. Yet, he highlighted that it was perhaps even harder for his family, especially his wife, Susan. “I think for my family, it was probably worse,” he admitted.
Despite the numerous setbacks, Bridges made a slow but steady recovery. He didn’t think he would be able to return to work, but to his surprise, he eventually found himself back on set. He praised the cast and crew for their unwavering support, noting that it felt like one long weekend rather than a stressful production.
During the interview, Bridges also touched on his deep love for Montana, where he resides with his wife. He reminisced about shooting movies there, particularly one called “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot” with Clint Eastwood. The breathtaking landscapes and the overall experience shaped his fondness for the state. Interestingly, he met his wife while filming another movie, “Rancho Deluxe,” at Chico Hot Springs.
As the interview wrapped up, it was evident that Bridges’ positive spirit and resilience shine through every challenge he faces. From the health scare to his long-lasting marriage, he proves time and time again that he is a true survivor.
