Jeff Bridges was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 28th annual Critics' Choice Awards. Image Source: US Weekly
Jeff Bridges opens up about his return to Hollywood after his challenges with COVID and cancer.
Actor Jeff Bridges was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 28th annual Critics' Choice Awards held on January 15, 2023, at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, California. Jeff accepted the award from his friend and co-star John Goodman and dedicated it to his late father Lloyd Bridges and mother Dorothy Bridges.
While accepting the award, Jeff channeled his iconic character, the Dude from The Big Lebowski, and stated that if he were the Dude from The Big Lebowski, he might well agree with you. He continued by stating that it was his father's birthday and that he had been wearing his cuff links.
Jeff Bridges stated that he would not be where he is today if it weren't for his father, describing that he is the reason he is and that he recognizes loving him so much. He recounted that as a child, he would say that he wasn't certain whether he wanted to be an actor, to which his father would react that he should be an actor because it'd allow him to tell all these incredible stories from all the different points of view of individuals who are still alive, adding that it is a wonderful profession and going to mention that his late father was so right and he is so pleased he started listening to him.
Jeff recalled his mother, Dorothy Bridges, and asserted that she was the greatest actor in the group before stating that his parents were supportive. He noted that they have a wonderful sister, Cindy, who is always there to support them, and he motions to be supported by his fantastic, skilled wife, Susan. Jeff mentioned that they've been married for 48 years and that they are very appreciative of their three wonderful daughters. Isabel, Jessie, and Haley before concluding that it all comes down to family.
He also conveyed his career, saying that looking at those pictures, he had to acknowledge that he did check out IMDB to see what he had done in preparation for the night, and he said wow he had also made a lot of movies! Jeff added oh my goodness. All these brief moments, right? These performers add that it's comparable to these little families. Families trying to work collaboratively and start creating something beautiful bring up this once-in-a-lifetime magic trick of making a movie. We are just doing our best.
Later, in the press room following the show, the actor revealed that he did forget a section of his prepared speech and explained that he had been sick for two years with cancer and COVID -- and when he talked about his family, he wanted to talk about their support during that time and said that he didn't think he'd make it at all, let alone get back to work.
But Jeff continued that, because they supported him so beautifully, he was able to go back and finish The Old Man. They were stopped in the middle of the season, and it was very surreal. It was like they had a two-year long weekend, you know, and then they came back to work, and he would say to Amy Brenneman and John Lithgow that he had the weirdest dream, guys, which was that he was in the hospital. Jeff Bridges added that he couldn't believe it, but their support during those times – as well as The Old Man – was invaluable. Doing that show was terrific, and he is so happy we're going to do another season starting in March.
Jeff Bridges began filming for his FX series The Old Man before the pandemic and his subsequent battle with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, which was diagnosed in October 2020. Jeff Bridges took to social media in October 2020 to explain his diagnosis. He wrote channeling his character from The Big Lebowski that the Dude would say, new shit has been brought to light adding that he has been diagnosed with Lymphoma. Jeff explained that even though it is a dangerous infection, he is lucky to have a great team of doctors and a good prognosis. Jeff added that he is profoundly grateful for the love and support from his family and friends and thanked everyone for the prayers and well wishes.
He wrote via Twitter in September 2021 that Covid kicked his ass pretty good, but he is double vaccinated and was feeling much better noting that he heard that the vaccine can help folks with long-term COVID which could be why he was able to recover quickly.
Bridges were awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Critics' Choice Association last month. CCA CEO Joey Berlin said in a statement that they are delighted to be respecting the one and only Jeff Bridges with the Lifetime Achievement Award, trying to add that his generation's career is unrivaled, from his debut with his father on Sea Hunt to his iconic performance as The Dude in The Big Lebowski, to his Academy award achievement in Crazy Heart, to his amazing work in The Old Man.
Jeff Bridges shared the lessons he learned from his parents in 2014, saying they have been great examples for him. He said at the time that his father's method to fame did not come to him as unusual since he was such a fan of show business; he liked doing interview sessions and signing autographs. Jeff decided to add that his father taught him the foundations of acting, but what he inherited from him consisted of the joy he felt while working.
Actor Jeff Bridges co-starred with his father in the 1994 film Blown Away, a memory he cherishes. He remembered how, when he arrived on set, he was truly pleased it was contagious. It would continue to flow throughout the community. Joy brings stress relief about just the way things are, and relaxation brings obtaining out of one's way. And you eventually wind up with some excellent work.
Congratulations!
