Jeff Bridges, renowned for his outstanding contributions to cinema, has enjoyed a highly acclaimed acting career, graced with memorable roles in classics such as "The Big Lebowski" and "Crazy Heart." His remarkable talent has been recognized with three Golden Globe awards and a prestigious Best Actor Oscar, placing him among the elite in Hollywood. In 2023, his role in "The Old Man" earned him a Best Actor Emmy nomination and a quick renewal for Season 2. Beyond his professional successes, Bridges has also been fortunate in his personal life, sharing over 40 years of marriage with his wife, Susan Geston, a journey that showcases a deep and enduring partnership.
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Their romance adds a charming chapter to Bridges' life story, notably marked by a case of love at first sight, at least on his part. This instant attraction and ensuing lifelong bond exemplify a fairy-tale-like aspect of their relationship. Susan Geston, who has been by Bridges' side through the highs and lows of his career, has played a pivotal role in his life, not just as a spouse but also as a grounding force. Their enduring marriage stands as a testament to their strong connection and mutual respect, making their love story all the more endearing and inspiring. This blend of a successful career and a fulfilling personal life contributes to the profound respect and admiration Bridges enjoys both within and outside the entertainment industry.
Jeff Bridges and Susan Geston Meet
(Photo by Fotos International/Getty Images)
It all started when Fargo, North Dakota, native Susan was in Paradise Valley, Montana, waiting tables to pay her way through college. She never would have dreamed that she would be swept off her feet by a movie star. Bridges was in town filming the 1975 movie "Rancho Deluxe," and while filming a scene at a place called Chico Hot Springs, he saw Geston for the first time. He just knew he had to ask her out. At the time, she had two black eyes from a car accident, but that just intrigued Bridges even more.
Geston turned him down, but fate prevailed because they ran into each other again and ended up dancing all night. Bridges immediately fell in love and Geston moved back to Los Angeles with him after filming wrapped. They were really young, Bridges just 24 and Geston 20, but when you know, you know.
Bridges told Good Housekeeping it took him two years to get with the program, lose the cold feet and fear of marriage and just propose to the love of his life.
"Mostly the issue was losing my freedom. After two years of ambivalence, I finally got up the courage to ask Sue to marry me, with the secret assurance in mind that I could always get a divorce. Thank God I finally got with the program. It's true, you close one door, but the door you open is a long hallway lined with more incredible doors — like children, grandchildren, deeper intimacy with your wife, and so many other things that would not be available to you without marriage. Frightening as it was for me, there was also the sense of deeply opening my heart."
Jeff Bridges and Susan Geston Through the Years
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Their relationship prevailed over the years, despite the fact that many relationships between Hollywood celebs fail. The couple has also faced hard times, like Bridges' battle with Lymphoma, which he announced in October. For Bridges, he wasn't interested in cheating or divorce. He told Reddit that the hardest part is just schedules associated with filming.
"The toughest thing about making movies is being apart from your family. One of the things I try my best to do is call my wife every day, to keep up to speed with what's going on in her life. And tell her what's going on with mine. Often when you're apart from your loved one like that for so long, your connection kind of atrophies unless you keep engaged, even if it's small everyday kind of stuff."
The happy couple shares three daughters, Isabelle Annie, Jessica Lily Bridges ("Jessie"), and Haley Roselouise Bridges. They even have a 10-year-old granddaughter named Grace. Bridges told Jimmy Kimmel that he prefers to go by "Dude-pa" which is fitting considering he's famously known as "The Dude."
Loyd Catlett, Bridges' longtime friend and stand-in, describes their relationship perfectly to AARP. "Sue brings Jeff down to earth. In this business, you've got everybody telling you how great you are. In a loving way, she says, 'All right, honey, let's get down to reality.'"
This post was originally published on October 20, 2020.
