Jeff Bridges scored his first acting gig when he was just six months old. In 1951, his actor parents brought him along to the set of The Company She Keeps, where it just so happened they were filming a scene with Jane Greer that needed a baby. His mother, Dorothy, volunteered the infant Jeff. Problem was, he was a happy baby — too happy for a scene in which the baby needed to be crying. His mother offered a novel solution. "Just go ahead and pinch him!"
Greer gave him a pinch. Baby Jeff cried. And with that pinch, like an infectious bite from an acting bug, a reluctant star was born.
For years, Jeff Bridges was known as one of the most underrated actors in the business, never garnering the same prestige as names like Al Pacino or Robert De Niro, or Dustin Hoffman despite his immense talent. This was partly because he escaped so deeply into his characters there was no Jeff Bridges remaining for audiences to become familiar with. Partly because he turned down several roles that would have launched him to household name status (he deemed them too inauthentic.) And partly because he had a strong dislike for the trappings of fame — the lack of privacy that comes with stardom. For this reluctant star to receive his due credit, he couldn't be the name you saw slapped on a poster in larger font than the title (Jeff Bridges in... ) He needed to be the role.
That role wouldn't arrive until Jeff was well into middle age, when he played mellow slacker The Dude in the Coen brothers' 1998 cult classic The Big Lebowski. And he didn't just play The Dude. He became The Dude. And unlike most actors who aren't too keen on being remembered primarily for one part, Bridges is more than happy to be seen as The Dude forevermore. "If I'm lucky I'll be associated with The Dude the rest of my life," he once said. "I feel so honored to be a part of that film." As the reluctant star who strived not for fame but to truly become one with a character, it seems he got what he always wanted.
Today, the 73-year-old actor has lent his perfectly unpolished skills to over ninety films, occupying scenes with a presence both growlingly authoritative and plaited with sweetness. He's won an Oscar. Proved wrong anyone who ever doubted his ability as a leading man. And he's done it all while upholding his rigorous standards of authenticity. Let's highlight the most effortlessly iconic roles from his one-of-a-kind career.
The Last Picture Show (1971)
Michael Ochs Archives
The deaths of childhood innocence, a small town in Texas, and the movie house (replaced by television sets in homes) all coincide in this coming-of-age drama set in 1951. Bridges earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for The Last Picture Show and marked the beginning of his distinguished career.
True Grit (2010)
Paramount Pictures
The Coen brothers took a risky leap in remaking the beloved classic True Grit. However, they surpassed expectations, garnering 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Writing, and Directing. Jeff Bridges, fresh from his recent Best Actor win, earned another nomination for his portrayal of Rooster Cogburn, a fat, one-eyed drunk U.S. Marshal. Embracing the role's formality and complexity, Bridges captivates audiences with his performance. While not claiming it as his best, Bridges' take on the character resonates powerfully and solidifies its place in his impressive acting repertoire.
The Fisher King (1991)
Archive Photos/Getty Images
Jeff Bridges stars as Jack Lucas, a disillusioned former shock jock radio host grappling with guilt after an on-air tragedy. Robin Williams plays Parry, a homeless man haunted by a traumatic past. Their lives intertwine as Parry believes in a medieval quest to find the Holy Grail. The film delves into themes of redemption, love, and the power of imagination to heal deep wounds. Bridges delivers a poignant performance, complemented by Williams' emotional brilliance, creating a captivating and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
Starman (1984)
Columbia Pictures
In a departure from his usual horror films, director John Carpenter helmed Starman, where Jeff Bridges portrayed an alien life form responding to Earth's invitation from the Voyager spacecraft. After cloning into the appearance of a young widow's deceased husband, the alien navigates human life and communication. Bridges' exceptional acting brought him his first Oscar nomination for a starring role, infusing humor and heart into the character. His poignant portrayal shines, especially in the scene where the alien learns about human intimacy. The film solidifies Bridges' versatility and talent beyond his previous sci-fi role in Tron.
Hell or High Water (2016)
Lorey Sebastian
In Taylor Sheridan's gripping crime drama, two brothers rob banks to save their family ranch. Jeff Bridges portrays a relentless Texas Ranger hot on their trail. With his signature rugged charm and seasoned wisdom, Bridges' nuanced acting adds a layer of authenticity and emotional resonance to the film.
The Old Man (2022-present)
Prashant Gupta / FX Netwo
This series follows the life of a former CIA operative named Dan Chase, played by Bridges, who is forced to go on the run when an assassin comes after him. As he evades his pursuers, Chase must confront his past and reckon with the consequences of his actions. Continuing his streak of playing grizzled outlaw types, Bridges offers a compelling and suspenseful narrative, filled with intrigue, espionage, and emotional depth.
The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989)
Sunset Boulevard
Jeff Bridges has always been a talented musician, and twenty years before he played a faded country star in Crazy Heart, he tickled the ivory as one of two struggling pianist brothers performing lounge music in dimly-lit bars in The Fabulous Baker Boys. When they decide to add a talented singer, Susie Diamond (Michelle Pfeiffer), to their act, it sparks both professional success and romantic tension. Bridges and Pfeiffer are both absolute forces of nature in this film and share an easy chemistry.
Fearless (1993)
Warner Bros.
Jeff Bridges stars as Max Klein, a survivor of a tragic plane crash, who undergoes a profound transformation after experiencing the near-death encounter. The film delves into themes of trauma, survivor's guilt, and the search for meaning and redemption. Bridges delivers a captivating and emotionally charged performance, portraying Max's complex journey of healing and self-discovery.
Crazy Heart (2009)
Fox Searchlight Pictures
Jeff Bridges stars as Bad Blake, a once-successful country music singer-songwriter now struggling with alcoholism and a fading career. The film follows Blake's journey of redemption, self-discovery, and the possibility of love when he meets a young journalist named Jean, played by Maggie Gyllenhaal. Bridges delivers a powerful and authentic performance, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor.
The Big Lebowski (1998)
Gramercy Pictures
Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski, portrayed by Bridges, is the central character and the epitome of laid-back, carefree, and unconventional living. The middle-aged unemployed slacker cares only for smoking doobies and bowling with friends. A white Russian is glued to his palm at all times, the half and half of the concoction paid for with checks. But The Dude is swept into a surreal crime caper when he's mistaken by a couple of thugs as The Big Lebowski, a wealthy man who shares his name. It's Bridges' most iconic role by far. Synonymous with him as a person — a fact he takes great pride in. Naturally, we had no choice but to put The Big Lebowski at the number one spot on this list. It's what The Dude would want. And we abide.
