Beloved Actor Jeff Bridges, 73, Is Now Up For Best Actor Emmy After Beating Cancer & Filming “The Old Man” While Sick

Bridges' acting career began six decades ago. Among his biggest starring roles include "The Big Lebowski," "Crazy Heart," and "True Grit." He's been nominated for dozens of awards throughout his career, but won an Oscar for "Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role" in 2010 for "Crazy Heart." The movie chronicled a country musician who was reevaluating his life.

Interestingly, "The Old Man" which has him up for an Emmy this year began filming shortly after he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2020.  Lymphoma is different from cancers of specific organs like the lung or breast. It's not one cancer, but an umbrella term that encompasses several different types.

"I had a 12-by-9-inch tumor in my body. Like a child in my body. It didn't hurt or anything," he previously told People.

Despite his diagnosis, the actor remained positive and said at the time, "The prognosis is good."

WATCH: What kind of lymphoma do you have?

"I always advise that people understand their specific type of lymphoma because there are over 40 different types," Dr. Elise Chong, medical oncologist at Penn Medicine, tells SurvivorNet.

While undergoing treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, he battled COVID-19 in early 2021. He told People Magazine at the time; his chemotherapy treatments weakened his immune system allowing the COVID-19 virus to impact him harder than he expected.

He spent nearly five months in the hospital while treating his cancer and managing his COVID-19 symptoms.

"I had nothing to fight it. COVID made my cancer look like nothing," he said.

Luckily the actor was able to fight through and overcame COVID-19, and his chemotherapy helped shrink the tumor to the size of a marble.

In September 2021, Bridges shared that his lymphoma was in remission, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Despite his health challenges, the veteran actor continued working through his cancer battle, with "The Old Man" production that premiered last year.

While Bridges' hasn't made any public comment yet about his exciting nomination, several fans have already come forward to congratulate the talented actor and cancer survivor.

"Congrats to the man, the myth, the legend, my dude, DC, Jeff Bridges. A true professional in every way. Well deserved," Dan Cooley wrote on Facebook.

Jeff Bridges was amazing in "The Old Man", he may not win it, but his performance deserves more recognition.

Vincent (@freesoul7) July 12, 2023

Another social media user wrote, "Jeff Bridges was amazing in 'The Old Man'."

There's Life After Cancer

Bridges never allowed his cancer diagnosis to stop him from doing what he loves. He continued to work when he was able, and his efforts are paying off with an Emmy nomination.

RELATED: Working during cancer treatment.

Sometimes it can be hard for cancer patients to see the light at the end of the tunnel especially after being hit with a diagnosis. However, SurvivorNet has shared thousands of stories from cancer warriors that prove everyday challenges tend to improve over time. With the support of loved ones that make up your support group, you too can find a way to navigate your emotions. Your support group also helps motivate you while undergoing the rigors of cancer treatment. While every cancer warrior's journey is unique, one thing is certain, you are more than your diagnosis.

Bridges and many other cancer survivors continue to demonstrate there's life after cancer every day by focusing on what brings them joy, happiness, and gratitude.

WATCH: Living in gratitude.

Gratitude means being thankful for what you have and showing appreciation for it. It's a mindset that helps people going through tough times, and the experts SurvivorNet spoke with encourage cancer warriors and their loved ones to practice gratitude.

Dr. Zuri Murrell, a colorectal cancer surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, told SurvivorNet that his patients who live with gratitude tend to handle treatment better because this attitude is one way to stay mentally healthy.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

If you are in the middle of a cancer journey and are looking to improve your emotional health, consider what you're grateful for. To begin, ask yourself the following questions to kickstart your journey to achieve gratitude.

• What can I do if I'm struggling to be thankful for what I have in my life?
• Are there local resources for people wishing to improve their mental health?
• What else can I do to help reduce my stress level during my cancer journey?

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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