Hailee Steinfeld Posts a Heartfelt Birthday Message to Jeff Bridges Amid His Cancer Treatment

Actress Hailee Steinfeld, best known as Mattie Ross in “True Grit,” posted a birthday message on social media to Jeff Bridges, who is undergoing treatment for blood cancer.

On December 4, Steinfeld took to Instagram to share a photo of Jeff Bridges sitting on a couch while in character as Jeffrey Lebowski in the 1998 hit film “The Big Lebowski.”

In the caption, she wrote, “happy birthday dude,” and added that she missed her “friend.” Bridges and Steinfeld worked together in “The Grit,” the film that put her on the map.

HAILEE STEINFELD IN “TRUE GRIT”

Speaking of “The Grit,” landing the part of Mattie Ross was not easy for Steinfeld. The filmmakers actually auditioned over 15,000 girls through online video submissions.

Apart from that, they held open casting calls in Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and many other places in the States, looking for a girl to play a “sassy, fearless, and sure of herself” character.

The 70-year-old actor pointed out that his prognosis was “good.”

Steinfeld, from Thousand Oaks, California, stood out, and she was chosen by directors Joel and Ethan Coen just one month and a half before the film process started.

At the time, Steinfeld had only a few short films and minor TV appearances to her name, but she won the part after reading for the directors with Bridges and other cast members.

Ten years after “The Grit” was released, Steinfeld confessed that it was “a wild experience,” adding that she felt as if she won the lottery. She said:

“That role was incredible, the writing was amazing, the filmmakers obviously. Everything about that whole thing was perfect.”

JEFF BRIDGES’ CANCER

Coming back to Bridges, he shocked his millions of fans and followers in October 2020 after announcing that he had been diagnosed with lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.

The 70-year-old actor pointed out that his prognosis was “good,” that he felt fortunate for his team of doctors and love from friends and family, and that he’d start treatment.

One week later, he posted a photo of himself posing in a hospital gown while receiving treatment. In the caption, he revealed that the cancer was bringing on feelings of gratitude and love.

Bridges also thanked his fans for reaching out during such a difficult time, adding that getting people’s well wishes and love felt good. We’re sending healthy vibes your way, legend!