LIFE is a GIFT

THE LONGTIME ACTOR FEELS EXTREMELY GRATEFUL FOR THE LESSONS HE'S LEARNED THE HARD WAY

Following his release from the hospital in 2021, Jeff Bridges spent a lot of time contemplating the fountain outside his garage. He enjoyed watching the birds and butterflies that flew down for a sip of water. "Your attention gets narrower in old age," he says. "But there are beautiful things to be seen within that narrow focus."

On Dec. 4, the still ruggedly handsome actor turned 75. Jeff's mother, Dorothy, lived to 93, so he's hopeful that he still has some very good years ahead of him. "Turning 75 still seems crazy to Jeff, but this milestone, because of his health issues from the past couple of years, is definitely more meaningful," says a friend. "Jeff has always been insightful, but he's much more in tune with what's important in life."