Actor Jeff Bridges has shared an uplifting update on his cancer treatment with fans, saying his tumour has “drastically shrunk”.
The Big Lebowski star announced that he had been diagnosed with lymphoma in October, referencing his famous character from the film with a statement that said: “As the Dude would say… New S**T has come to light.”
Since then he has shared updates on Instagram, thanking fans for their support and posting photos of his treatment and showing he has shaved his head.
Bridges won the best actor Oscar in 2010 for Crazy Heart. Pic: AP
In a new message posted on his website, the 71-year-old star said he was “elated” following his most recent medical visit on 6 January.
“I go in for a CAT scan to see if my new protocol is shrinking my tumor,” he wrote. “Turns out it’s working beautifully. The thing has drastically shrunk.”
The scan took place on the day of the riots at the US Capitol. Donald Trump has since been impeached for a historic second time, accused of inciting an insurrection.
“I come home elated with the news,” Bridges wrote. “I turn on the TV to find out what’s going in the world and… well… I don’t have to tell you what’s goin’ on. To see our country attacking itself broke my heart.”
The actor then referenced the late artist Rozzell Sykes.
“A question rose in me – what’s an individual to do in a situation like this? My mentor Rozzell Sykes came to mind. His mantra was BE LOVE.
“Aaaa… yeah… that’s my path. Here’s a taste of Rozzell.”
He then posted a video of himself singing and playing the guitar.
Bridges won an Oscar in 2010 for his portrayal of an alcoholic country singer in the 2009 film Crazy Heart, and has been nominated for an Academy Award on six other occasions – but is arguably best known for playing Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski in the 1998 cult classic The Big Lebowski.
Lymphoma is cancer that begins in infection-fighting cells of the immune system, called lymphocytes. These cells are in the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, bone marrow, and other parts of the body.
When he made his diagnosis public, Bridges said he was positive about the outlook, saying: “Although it is a serious disease, I feel fortunate that I have a great team of doctors and the prognosis is good.”