“I had a 9-inch by 12-inch tumor in my body” — Jeff Bridges shares health update on lymphoma ahead of The Old Man season 2 release

Actor Jeff Bridges shared a health update three years after he was diagnosed with lymphoma. The 74-year-old, who was promoting his TV series The Old Man at the Television Critics Association's (TCA) Summer Press Tour on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, told the panel:

"I’m feeling great now. I’m coming back for more punishment. What is so bizarre, to me anyway, in the first season when I was doing these fight scenes, I had a 9-inch by 12-inch tumor in my body, in my stomach, that didn’t hurt at all. So that’s surprising to me."

In October 2020, The Big Lebowski actor announced his cancer diagnosis in an X post, adding that his prognosis was good and he was starting treatment. A year later, he revealed his cancer was in remission, stating, "The 9" x 12" mass has shrunk down to the size of a marble."

The Old Man is a 2022 drama-thriller centered around ex-CIA operative Dan Chase, who lived off-grid for 30 years before he was hunted by his former agency.

While discussing playing the elderly lead, Dan, Bridges explained at the event that it came naturally to him. He quipped:

"I’m an old man, I don’t have to play it. I bring that to the party without any trouble."

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"We have such a fantastic time"- Jeff Bridges about working with John Lithgow on season 2 of The Old Man

While discussing his lymphoma, Jeff Bridges noted that his illness unfortunately left him little time to engage in his photography. The actor has been an amateur photographer since high school and has even published two books featuring his pictures.

The True Grit star also revealed that the second season of the show allowed him to appear on camera with co-star John Lithgow. Lithgow plays FBI assistant director Harold Harper, who is tasked with bringing in Jeff's character, Dan.

Due to their roles, the two actors didn't get to share screen time. However, Bridges revealed they would share scenes together in the upcoming season, stating:

"I so wanted to work with Jeff. And there is an abundance of it in the second season. We have such a fantastic time."

Series co-creator Jonathan E. Steinberg explained that even the creative team behind the show wanted them to share the screen. He explained:

"As much as you guys wanted to work together, we wanted to see you together. And, in a way, it’s driving the show (now). It’s such a treat to be able to write scenes for these two."

Jeff Bridges also noted that he and John Lithgow share a good relationship. He elaborated that they both have similar upbringings (referring to them being second-generation actors after their respective fathers). Since their characters on the show play old friends, the duo decided to be friends in real life.

The second season of The Old Man sees Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow teaming up to rescue Bridges’ character’s daughter, Emily (Alia Shawkat). It is set to premiere on September 12 on FX.