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Jeff Bridges turns 73: How wife Susan Geston has been actor's rock for 45 years through health struggles

Jeff Bridges and Susan Geston have one of Hollywood's longest marriages, having tied the knot in 1977

Jeff Bridges and Susan Geston, his beloved wife of 45 years, celebrated Jeff's 73rd birthday on December 4, 2022. The icon is not only a phenomenal actor in Hollywood but also a devoted husband and father. They arguably have one of Hollywood's longest marriages, having tied the knot in 1977.

Jeff met Susan Geston in 1975 while filming the movie 'Rancho Deluxe' in Chico Hot Springs outside Livingston, Montana. It was love at first sight when his eyes fell on a beautiful girl in the set. After work, he mustered up the courage to ask her out, but he was turned down twice. After saying no, Susan added, "It's a small town; maybe we'll run into each other later."

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The 'Tron: Legacy' star hadn't thought that later would come so quickly. Just a few days after that initial encounter, at the wrap party, the two danced the night away and fell in love. They tied the knot on June 5, 1977 and their love has stayed strong ever since. The couple shares three daughters together, Hayley Roselouise, Isabelle Bridges Boesch, and Jessica Lily.

In an inspitational story penned by the actor, Bridges said, "I don't entirely know Sue; I never will, and she won't know me, really. But with each battle, we come closer to realizing that this "not knowing" is what we have in common. We know we'll experience our stuff, have tough times, but we're doing it together."

Jeff and Susan have remained faithful to each other through sickness and health. But the loving pair, who will celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary on June 5, recently experienced their largest crisis to date after Jeff was given a cancer diagnosis and then contracted COVID while on chemotherapy.

The actor announced his lymphoma diagnosis on October 20, 2020. "I have been diagnosed with Lymphoma," he tweeted.  "Although it is a serious disease, I feel fortunate that I have a great team of doctors, and the prognosis is good." Afterward, he informed his followers that he would begin treatment and keep them informed of his progress. In a similar statement on his Instagram, Jeff expressed his great gratitude to his family for their love and support.

When Geston revealed the news, he said they initially felt numb but then started taking the necessary actions. The actor soon began receiving chemotherapy, and shortly after that, it was revealed that the tumor had started to recede.

The actor regularly updated his Instagram in the meanwhile, like when he shaved his head, got a puppy, and celebrated his 72nd birthday. His wife's unwavering support kept him going, but little did they know they were going to face another life-and-death battle.

Susan demanded that doctors save Jeff 

According to the doctor's reports, the star's health was progressing, but chemotherapy exposed him to Covid 19. The positive result came as a huge emotional blow for the actor and wife as the virus wrecked his immune system. "COVID made my cancer look like nothing," he said.

A devastated Susan wasn't sure her husband would survive. After receiving a call from the hospital informing her that they would place him on a ventilator, Geston realized she had to act quickly in order to assist him. She began pressuring the medical professionals to perform at their highest level. It was difficult for Jeff to make decisions throughout his hospital stay, so his wife and doctor had to step in and make those decisions for him. To quote Geston, "I said, 'Save his life. No matter what you have to do.'"

The medical staff's battle for the actor's life eventually paid off. The 'Fearless' actor was on the verge of death while his teammates yelled at him to keep fighting, but he was eventually taken off the ventilator.

He had lost all his fighting energy, though, and had almost given up. "I was dancing with my mortality," he shared. He was thankful that his wife had struggled to keep him alive when he was on the verge of death. They had triumphed over not one, but two fatal illnesses together.

With his wife's overwhelming support, he was even able to walk his daughter down the aisle. Despite the tribulations, their love for each other seems to have made the impossible, possible.