Jeff Bridges Biography

He was born into one of Hollywood's great acting dynasties, yet he's untouched by celebrity. He has the good looks that should have made him Tinslestown's top drawer by now and instead, his became one of Hollywood's most underrated careers.

Despite making his debut in 1951 in an uncredited role and going on to co-star alongside leading ladies, Bridges has managed to steer clear of scandal and hold onto a marriage for more than 25 years. So, given his talent, his lineage and the fact that he's made countless films, why isn't Bridges in a league with Robert Redford? Probably because there is no one defining role, we take the guy for granted - sort of like an old sweater that is comfortable, easy to put on, and will always be there for us.

Over the years, Bridges has matured into one of the most respected actors in Hollywood, thanks to roles in 'The Fabulous Baker Boys' (alongside his brother, Beau), 'The Vanishing', 'White Squall', 'Arlington Road' and many other high profile movies.

He earned his first Oscar nomination as Best Actor in a Supporting Role for 'The Last Picture Show', in 1971, again in the same category for 'Thunderbolt and Lightfoot' in 1974, and as Best Actor in a Leading Role in 'Starman' in 1984.

In 1983, he co-founded the End Hunger Network, a non-profit organisation which originally concentrated on world hunger and later shifted its focus to America.

Although many of the projects in between produced mixed results, Bridges' role in 'The Contender' (2000) helped him come into a new century with a big bang as the film earned him critical acclaim, with another Academy Award nomination thrown his way. 2003's 'Seabiscuit' also earned him further recognition as he was put in contention for a Satellite and Screen Actors Guild Award.

Despite 'The Door in the Floor' (2004) failing to deliver an accolade, his work on the drama earned him an Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead nomination. Bridges went on to appear in several productions, which helped to keep him busy and connected to his fans, with 'The Amateurs' and the animation 'Surf's Up' among his projects.

Bridges' appearance in the 2008 superhero film ‘Iron Man’, which was based on the Marvel Comics sharing a similar title, allowed him to work with director Jon Favreau, as well as co-stars Robert Downey Jr, Terrence Howard and Gwyneth Paltrow.

He also gained widespread critical acclaim for his role in 'Crazy Heart' (2009), which allowed him to achieve a career high as an Academy Award for Best Actor was awarded to him. He played the character of a down-and-out country music singer-songwriter trying to turn his life round in the film. Bridges missed out on bagging a second Best Actor Oscar with 2010's 'True Grit' as his role in the Coen Brothers' film went up against an unstoppable Colin Firth in 'The King's Speech'.

Bridges is also a musician and has been writing for years. His album, 'Be Here Soon', includes contributors ranging from Michael McDonald to David Crosby.