Academy Award-winning actor Jeff Bridges worked to inject a bit of levity into a very serious announcement.
Bridges, 70, announced that he is battling cancer on Monday night over Twitter and alluded to the 1998 cult classic The Big Lebowski, in which he starred as a bumbling yet endearing slacker who went by the name “the Dude.”
“As the Dude would say.. New S**T has come to light,” he said in reference to the White Russian-loving bowling enthusiast. “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.”
He also used his platform to thank his fans and to urge them to vote in the Nov. 3 election, which is two weeks away.
“I’m profoundly grateful for the love and support from my family and friends. 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. http://Vote.org,” he said, signing off with “love.”
I’m profoundly grateful for the love and support from my family and friends.
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. https://t.co/6sAU4MYixl
Love, Jeff
— Jeff Bridges (@TheJeffBridges) October 20, 2020
News of Bridges’s diagnosis soon began to trend on social media, with fans and celebrities alike wishing him well in his recovery. While perhaps best known for his role as Jeffrey “the Dude” Lebowski in the film’s eponymous role, Bridges has starred in myriad films and won the Academy Award for best actor for his starring role in the 2009 drama Crazy Heart.
