Jeff Bridges admitted to needing a lot of support and some medical aids when he returned to the set of “The Old Man,” following cancer treatment.
The famous actor had to fight for his life after contracting COVID-19 during his cancer treatment in 2021, and he wasn’t sure he’d ever make it back to filming, according to People. The process took a toll on his overall health, but he pushed through and came back to work.
“Everybody was watching Jeff. I mean, he needed oxygen occasionally,” co-star John Lithgow told the outlet, recalling when Bridges returned to the set. “You just do your best and that’s all you can do,” Bridges told People.
US actor Jeff Bridges arrives for Disney’s 2024 Upfront presentation at North Javits Center on May 14, 2024 in New York. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
“Early days, we really had to watch him,” Lithgow said to People, as he recalled Bridges’ difficult return.
Bridges opened up about his experience, and expressed gratitude to those who supported him during the challenging time.
“As far as being back into the show again, everybody was so considerate about my condition,” the famous actor told the outlet.
“It’s something so great, actors working with actors, being a fraternity, a sorority … You’re looking out for each other,” he said.
The legendary actor reflected on what it was like when he was unknowingly working with a tumor inside him, before he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in October 2020.
“I was doing these fight scenes. I had a 9 inch by 12 inch tumor … in my stomach, that didn’t hurt at all,” he said to People.
Bridges’ health has since improved.
“I’m feeling great now and I’m coming back for more punishment,” he told the outlet.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 08: Jeff Bridges attends FX’s “The Old Man” Season 1 LA Tastemaker Event at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on June 08, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
“Fortunately we have some wonderful stunt coordinators,” Bridges added, according to People.
Lithgow credited Bridge’s positive outlook for his success and recovery. (RELATED: ‘I Can’t Even See’: Judi Dench Suggests Her Career Is Over Due To Crippling Health Issue)
“He was so relaxed about it. He put everybody else at ease. Everyone at first was so watchful and nervous, and just put everyone at ease,” Lithgow said in the interview.
Bridges stars as Dan Chase in season 2 of “The Old Man” while Lithgow plays Harold Harper.
