Jeff Bridges Reflects on Near-Death Battle with Cancer and COVID-19: "It Was a Learning Experience

Jeff Bridges opens up about his harrowing experience with cancer and COVID-19, revealing how close he came to dying and the profound lessons he learned along the way.

In an intimate interview with Page Six at the 49th Chaplin Award Gala, Jeff Bridges candidly shared his harrowing experience with lymphoma and COVID-19, which left him "pretty close to dying." The Hollywood icon reflected on the life-altering journey, emphasizing the profound lessons he gleaned from his near-death encounter.

Bridges' diagnosis with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in October 2020 sent shockwaves through the entertainment world. With his signature dry wit, he quipped in reference to his iconic character from "The Big Lebowski," "As the Dude would say.. New S--- has come to light." The actor expressed gratitude for his excellent medical team and the positive prognosis, but the road ahead was fraught with challenges.

While filming the TV series "The Old Man," Bridges discovered a tumor in his stomach. Initially dismissing it as a minor issue, he later experienced symptoms such as itchy shins and night sweats, which turned out to be indicators of lymphoma.

Despite his illness, Bridges continued filming, unaware of the magnitude of his condition. "I was doing those fight scenes for the first episode of ‘The Old Man’ and didn’t know that I had a 9-by-12-inch tumor in my body," he recalled.

After completing his final round of chemotherapy, Bridges contracted COVID-19, which further threatened his life. "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," Bridges recounted. Hospitalized for five weeks, he faced a harrowing ordeal.

Speaking to People magazine in 2022, Bridges admitted that the experience had brought him to the brink of death. "I was pretty close to dying," he confessed.

Three years after his harrowing ordeal, Bridges has emerged as a beacon of resilience. He credits the support of his family and friends for his recovery, as well as the transformative lessons he learned during his brush with mortality.

Bridges emphasizes the importance of not dwelling on the past, acknowledging the mind's remarkable ability to forget traumatic experiences. "It's amazing the way the mind can forget all that stuff," he said. "I don’t think too much about the past."

Reflecting on the profound impact of his near-death experience, Bridges coined it a "learning experience." The realization of life's fragility has instilled in him a heightened appreciation for the present moment.

"I look at life in a different, more positive way now," Bridges said. "I'm just more grateful for every day that I'm alive."

Jeff Bridges' near-death battle has served as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of embracing every moment. His resilience and wisdom in the face of adversity provide inspiration for all who face their own challenges in life.