Jeff Bridges, best known for playing “The Dude” in “The Big Lebowski,” made a shocking revelation on Monday by speaking up about his diagnosis with lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.
The 70-year-old actor said his prognosis was good and he was starting treatment. However, he did not specify the type of lymphoma he has been diagnosed with. Typically, there are two types of lymphoma – Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
According to the National Cancer Institute, there will be nearly 8,500 new cases of Hodgkin lymphoma and 77,240 new cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2020.
The signs and symptoms for lymphoma are enlarged lymph nodes, which are felt in the neck, armpit, or groin, fatigue, breathlessness, unintentional weight loss, and night sweats, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
On Monday, Bridges announced his lymphoma diagnosis on Twitter by paraphrasing a line from his film “The Big Lebowski” – “New S**T has come to light” – adding that he is fortunate for having his team of doctors and the love of his family and friends.
In his second tweet, Bridges wrote, “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.”
“Star Trek” actor George Takei, crime novelist Don Winslow, and political journalist Jonathan Alter tweeted well-wishes to Bridges.
Comedian and actor Travon Free tweeted, “Hey 2020, leave Jeff Bridges out of this!”
Bridges won an Oscar in 2010 for his performance as a grizzled alcoholic country crooner Bad Blake in “Crazy Heart.”
His other notable films are Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, Starman, The Fabulous Baker Boys, The Fisher King, The Contender, and the first installment in the Iron Man series.
In a joint statement, FX, Touchstone Television, Hulu, and FXP said, “Our thoughts go out to Jeff and his family during this challenging time, and they have our love and support. We wish him a safe and full recovery.” “And, as Jeff always says, ‘We are all in this together.’ Jeff, we are all in this together with you,” they added.
