Jeff Bridges Interview

What’s it like meeting the most laid-back man in Hollywood? Killian Fox found
out when he spent an hour with Jeff Bridges.

Ever since Jeff Bridges eased into a slightly tatty dressing gown, fixed himself a White Russian and headed for the bowling alley, it’s been nigh on impossible to think of the actor without picturing The Dude. He may already have been a Golden Globe-winning, multiple-Oscar-nominee with countless hit movies to his name, but after his tour de force showing in 1998’s The Big Lebowski he became something more. He became a stoner icon: honoured by annual festivals, theorised over in academic texts and even the inspiration for a religious movement. So when the opportunity arises to meet the man behind the myth, ShortList is slightly overwhelmed – not least by the urge to watch the Coen brothers’ classic for the 451st time. We have many questions to ask, but the first one is answered as soon as Bridges strides into his suite at London’s Soho Hotel. Yes, this guy is just as laid-back and downright Dude-ish in the flesh. Tall, tanned, lean and looking remarkably athletic for his 60 years, with a trim goatee and a great mane of hair, he greets us nonchalantly, tosses a sachet of vitamin C on to the table and pours himself a glass of sparkling water.