Christina Applegate's brave journey through multiple sclerosis: A closer look
Since announcing her multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis in 2021, actor Christina Applegate (52) has maintained a low profile. However, she made a rare appearance at the recent Emmys to present an award. She walked to the stage with a cane, escorted by host Anthony Anderson. The crowd honored her with a standing ovation that moved her to tears. Her appearance showcased her resilience in the face of her diagnosis. We take a closer look at her journey.
Why does this story matter?
Although nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a comedy series for Netflix's Dead to Me, Applegate lost to Quinta Brunson. In a 2023 interview, she hinted that her role in Dead To Me might be her last on-camera performance due to her MS diagnosis. MS aside, Applegate has faced other health issues, such as breast cancer in 2008 and the removal of her ovarian and fallopian tubes in 2017.
First, know what multiple sclerosis is
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), multiple sclerosis is characterized as a chronic disease of the central nervous system. The NIH explains that immune system cells, which typically safeguard against viruses, bacteria, and unhealthy cells, erroneously target myelin in the central nervous system (including the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord). This results in a condition that progressively leads to increased disability over time.
'You're shaming me and my disability by standing up'
When Applegate received a standing ovation, she humorously quipped, "You're shaming me [and my] disability by standing up. It's fine. Body not by Ozempic." She referenced her weight gain, alluding to the popularity of Ozempic—popular for weight loss among celebrities. In a previous interview, she acknowledged gaining 40 pounds due to inactivity and medications. Playfully firing back as the applause continued, she said, "We don't have to applaud every time I do something."
'With the disease of MS, it's never a good day'
In a candid interview with Vanity Fair in 2023, Applegate opened up about living with MS. She stated, "It's never a good day. There are certain things...people take for granted in their lives that I took for granted. Going down the stairs, carrying things—you can't do that anymore." Applegate also talked about how she was forced to use a wheelchair to get to set. She has found support in her friend and fellow actor Selma Blair, who also battles MS.
When Applegate insisted on resuming filming 'Dead to Me'
After taking a break from filming for her treatment, Applegate reportedly insisted on returning to complete the series, Dead To Me. The actor, who had been working since she was a child, had to depend on others more than ever, "letting the production know what she could and couldn't do." In an interview, Applegate praised the crew, especially creator and showrunner Liz Feldman, whom she described as a perfect combination of the characters Jen and Judy from the show.
When she received her Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2022
Applegate received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in November 2022. This marked her first public appearance since sharing her MS diagnosis news. During the ceremony, she opted to go barefoot, explaining on X that the sensation of shoes may be uncomfortable for some with MS. In her acceptance speech, she candidly mentioned her condition, stating that she "can't stand for too long."
Meanwhile, here's a quick look at Applegate's career, personal life
Applegate is renowned for her iconic role in Married With Children (1987-1997). She started as a child actor in the early 1980s before transitioning to the silver screen and delivering notable performances in blockbusters like Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) and The Sweetest Thing (2002). Applegate married Johnathon Schaech in 2001, but they divorced in 2007. She later married Dutch musician Martyn LeNoble in 2013. The couple shares a daughter, born in 2011.
