Jeff Bridges has revealed he worked with a personal trainer to help walk his daughter down the aisle after battling cancer.
The 72-year-old actor recently sat down with the Independent to open up about his health struggles.
He was diagnosed with cancer of the lymphatic system and the disease left him unable stand up for very long.
Despite battling cancer, as well as Covid-19, Bridges said he was determined to accompany his youngest daughter, Hayley, down the aisle.
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He said: “My record was 45 seconds, that’s how long I could stand up. And then it was, how many steps can I take? Oh good. Now I’m going to walk down the hall – all this with oxygen, of course.”
The actor even worked with a personal trainer every day leading up to the wedding to ensure his walks could last longer.
He said: “Finally, one day I said, ‘Maybe I can do it, you know.’ And it turns out I not only got to walk her down the aisle, but I got to do the wedding dance [to Ray Charles’s ‘Ain’t That Love’]. That was terrific.”
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Excuse me while I just wipe the mascara running down my face.
Despite the actor’s tumultuous battle, in some respects, he describes it as ‘gift’.
He explained: “I learnt things during those times that I wouldn’t have learnt in any other way.
“Oh, well, to dig, man. Dig it all as it’s coming at me. That was the specific thing: dig every little thing. And by dig, I mean, get into it, you know, get into what’s happening in a very rich way, you know. As deeply as you can.”
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The Big Lebowski star announced in October 2020 that he had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
He revealed 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.
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"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. Vote.org. Love, Jeff."
However, in June this year, Bridges revealed he’s ‘feeling good’ and has entered remission, as per Entertainment Weekly.
Charisa Bossinakis