Jeff Bridges' cancer battle: Big Lebowski star has lymphoma, says he has good prognosis

Jeff Bridges announced on Twitter he is being treated for lymphoma. Photo / AP

Jeff Bridges says he is being treated for lymphoma and his prognosis is good.

The 70-year-old actor channeled his The Dude character from The Big Lebowski in a statement on social media about the diagnosis Monday evening.

He wrote on Twitter: "As the Dude would say.. New S**T has come to light. 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 said he understands the disease is serious. He expressed gratitude to his family, friends and medical team and promised to keep fans posted on his recovery.

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

Actors were among those who sent the actor their messages of support.

Patricia Arquette wrote: "Sending you and your family love and healing."

Star Trek actor George Takei offered his words of encouragement: "You're a fighter. You can beat this."

Bridges is a seven-time Oscar nominee known for his roles in Starman, True Grit, The Last Picture Show and many other films. He won an Academy Award in 2010 for Crazy Heart and was most recently nominated for playing a grizzled lawman in Hell or High Water.

The affable Bridges is considered Hollywood royalty, the son of actors Lloyd and Dorothy Bridges, who both died in 1998.

- AP, additional reporting NZ Herald