Jeff Bridges' Incredible Story of Triumph Over Cancer and a 9-Inch Tumor

Despite fighting a massive tumor, Jeff Bridges persevered in filming "The Old Man," unaware of his condition. His journey underscores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

In an extraordinary display of determination and fortitude, actor Jeff Bridges opens up about his harrowing battle with cancer and the astounding fact that he filmed the first season of "The Old Man" with a massive 9-inch tumor.

Diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2020, Bridges faced a life-altering challenge. During his COVID-19 pandemic-mandated break from filming, he noticed an unusual sensation during a workout.

Jeff Bridges' Incredible Story of Triumph Over Cancer and a 9-Inch Tumor

"I felt what seemed like a bone in my stomach," Bridges recalled. "I thought, 'Hmm.' But it didn't hurt or anything."

Despite the lack of pain, Bridges' wife, Sue, encouraged him to get checked out. "She said: 'I don't know, but you've got to get it checked out,'" he shared.

Jeff Bridges' Incredible Story of Triumph Over Cancer and a 9-Inch Tumor

What followed was a bewildering series of symptoms that Bridges initially attributed to other causes. "I was hiking and feeling great," he said. "My shins really itch, and I think, 'Oh, I just got, you know, dry skin.' Then I had night sweats, but thought, 'That's just hot summer nights.' It turns out those are lymphoma symptoms."

Unbeknownst to him at the time, Bridges returned to filming the action-packed "The Old Man" series, all while carrying the massive tumor in his stomach. "You'd think that would have hurt or something, when they were punching me and stuff," he remarked. "It didn't."

Jeff Bridges' Incredible Story of Triumph Over Cancer and a 9-Inch Tumor

After completing his grueling chemotherapy treatment, Bridges received a devastating blow: he tested positive for COVID-19. "I got a letter from the treatment center where I was getting my chemo, and they told me that there was a possibility that I had been exposed to COVID," he said.

Confined to the hospital for five agonizing weeks, Bridges faced the grim prospect of death. "That meant me being in the hospital for five weeks, very close to, you know, kicking the bucket," he admitted. "I mean, I was very sick."

In a candid interview, Bridges spoke about the transformative power of his near-death experience. "It's amazing the way the mind can forget all that stuff," he said. "I don't think too much about the past."

Through sheer will and the unwavering support of his loved ones, Bridges emerged from the depths of his illness. The experience taught him invaluable lessons about the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing each moment.

"It's easy to complain about things when you have nothing to compare it to," he reflected. "But in the hospital, I met people whose situations were far worse than mine. It gives you a perspective on things."

Today, Bridges is cancer-free and grateful for the opportunity to continue his work as an actor. His story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human being and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.