The Dude is going to be OK.
Jeff Bridges said his cancer is in remission and he’s ready to return to filming his new FX drama “The Old Man.”
The “Big Lebowski” actor, 71, shared a heartwarming post on his website Monday to reveal the happy news.
“The 9″ x 12″ mass has shrunk down to the size of a marble,” he wrote. He added that his lymphoma battle has been a “piece of cake” and compared it with his fight with COVID-19. Bridges caught the virus in January before he was able to get a shot of the vaccine.
“Covid kicked my ass pretty good, but I’m double vaccinated and feeling much better now,” the “True Grit” star continued. “I heard that the vaccine can help folks with [long-term COVID]. Maybe that’s the cause of my quick improvement.”
Bridges has also “been working out with a great therapist” on his journey to recovery. “We’ve been concentrating on getting me off of the oxygen assistance, which until recently I’ve been needing to walk around,” he explained. “The sound it makes reminds me of Darth Vader.”
“While I had moments of tremendous pain (screaming singing, a sort of moaning song all through the night) getting close to the Pearly Gates, all in all, I felt happy and joyous most of the time,” he said. “This brush with mortality has brought me a real gift — LIFE IS BRIEF AND BEAUTIFUL. LOVE IS ALL AROUND US, AND AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES.”
The Oscar winner added that his main focus for getting better was to walk his daughter Haley down the aisle on her wedding day. Haley, 35, tied the knot earlier this year and Bridges was “able to not only [escort her], but [also] do the father/bride dance with her without oxygen.”
In October 2020, Bridges revealed he was diagnosed with lymphoma on Twitter.
“As the Dude would say … New s – – t has come to light,” he tweeted at the time. “I have been diagnosed with Lymphoma. Although it is a serious disease, I feel fortunate that I have a great team of doctors and the prognosis is good. I’m starting treatment and will keep you posted on my recovery.”
“I’m profoundly grateful for the love and support from my family and friends,” Bridges continued. “Thank you for your prayers and well wishes. And, while I have you, please remember to go vote. Because we are all in this together.”