Celebrities send support to Jeff Bridges after lymphoma diagnosis: Hey 2020, leave him out of this

Fans of Jeff Bridges have today sent messages of support to the actor after he confirmed he has lymphoma.

The 70-year-old star of films including Crazy Heart and True Grit referenced one of his most famous characters from The Big Lebowski when he announced: “As the Dude would say.. New S**T has come to light. I have been diagnosed with Lymphoma.”

He added on Twitter: “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.

“I’m profoundly grateful for the love and support from my family and friends. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes.”

Comedian Travon Free wrote online: “Hey 2020, leave Jeff Bridges out of this!”

Family Guy actor James Woods added: “#JeffBridges is absolutely loved by every person who has ever crossed his path. In my heart I know he’ll beat this thing, Against All Odds.”

Actor Sean Maguire: “I’m sure one of the only things we could ALL agree on as a planet is that we ALL wish you well Jeff Bridges. sending you positive vibes man.”

Author Don Winslow said: “This breaks my heart. I send Jeff Bridges every good wish to beat this.”

Singer Ricky Davila wrote: “Wishing the legendary badass Jeff Bridges a speedy recovery. This is a bit heartbreaking. 2020 sucks.”

Jeff Bridges, a senator in Arapahoe County, Colarado, who shares a name with the actor, said: "Incredibly sad news from the other Jeff Bridges. Prayers, love, and positive vibes headed your way, Dude."

Bridges ended his online announcement with a message urging fans to vote in the presidential election, adding: “Because we are all in this together. Love, Jeff.”

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system - a network of vessels and glands that spread throughout the body.

Born in to a showbusiness family, Bridges, the son of Lloyd and Dorothy Bridges, won both the Academy Award and Golden Globe for his performance as Otis ‘Bad’ Blake in Crazy Heart.

But he is best known for playing Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski in 1998 cult classic The Big Lebowski, directed by the Cohen Brothers.