Jeff Bridges Returns To Hollywood Amid Cancer & Covid Battle

Jeff Bridges, 73, spent two years fighting for his life as he battled both cancer and COVID-19. The actor, however, has returned to Hollywood — and he’s returned with a bang. Over the weekend, he was honored in a huge way by winning the Lifetime Achievement at the 2023 Critics Choice Awards. Making the moment even more special, he was presented the award by his dear friend and Big Lebowski co-star John Goodman. While accepting the award, he dedicated it to Lloyd Bridges, his late father.

Overwhelmed by the moment, there was a lot Jeff Bridges didn’t get to say during his acceptance speech. Fortunately, ET caught up with him in the press room after the show. And, he was allowed to speak a little more freely about other things on his mind. Namely, he wanted to discuss his two-year battle for his life.

Jeff Bridges spent two years fighting for his life

The actor tells ET that he spent two years of his life sick. He was fighting off both cancer and COVID. He recalled his family and friends being so supportive during this horrible time in his life. Adamantly, he didn’t think he was going to survive. And, he never dreamed he would return to Hollywood.

Thanks to the overwhelming about of support he had, he was able to jump back into Hollywood and finish The Old Man. He told ET that they started filming the action drama before the pandemic. A combination of the pandemic and his battle with lymphoma halted production in the middle of the season.

He explained: “We were stopped in the middle of the season and it was very surreal. It was like we had a two year long weekend ya know?”

“And then we came back to work and, you know, I’d say to Amy Brennamen and [John] Lithgow, and say, ‘I had the weirdest dream guys. I was in the hospital. I couldn’t believe it. But their support during those times — and also The Old Man. Doing that show was terrific and I’m so happy we’re going to do another season starting in March.”

Watch his full backstage interview in the clip down below:

Season 1 of Old Man can be streamed via Hulu. Season 2 of Old Man has yet to be released but is expected to premiere sometime this year. Season 2 is also expected to be available for streaming via Hulu after its release.

Did you know this actor spent two years fighting for his life? Let us know in the comments down below. And, keep coming back for more TV news.