Celebrities
Published March 13, 2024, 1:12 p.m. ET
Christina Applegate Opens Up About Battle with Multiple Sclerosis
Christina Applegate, famous for her roles in “Married…With Children” and “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,” has recently shared heartbreaking details about her battle with multiple sclerosis (MS).
During an appearance on “Good Morning America,” Applegate and her friend Jamie-Lynn Sigler, known for her role in “The Sopranos,” sat down with Robin Roberts to discuss their experiences with MS.
Applegate revealed that her symptoms started in early 2021 with tingling in her toes. Over time, her condition worsened, and by the time she started shooting her Netflix show “Dead To Me” in the summer of that same year, she was being brought to set in a wheelchair.
Years of Undiagnosed MS
Applegate, 52, shared that she had been diagnosed with MS in 2021 while filming “Dead To Me.” However, she suspects she may have had the disease for as long as seven years before she received an official diagnosis.
Applegate’s symptoms included numbness in her toes and the balls of her feet, as well as falling over and experiencing extreme fatigue. She gained 40 pounds and at times had difficulty walking. Despite these challenges, Applegate continued to work and even attended the 2024 Emmy Awards, where she received a standing ovation.
Living with MS
Applegate describes living with MS as “kind of hell.” The disease is often referred to as the “invisible disease” due to the difficulty in explaining its symptoms to others. She has found herself isolating at home as a way to cope with the hardships of the disease.
Applegate’s 12-year-old daughter, Sadie, has witnessed the impact of MS on her mother’s life. Applegate’s ability to engage in daily activities has been affected, and she is no longer able to do the things she once enjoyed with her daughter.
Applegate and Sigler, who also has MS, have started a podcast called “MeSsy” to raise awareness and support for those living with the disease.
Looking to the Future
Applegate has taken a step back from acting due to her health battle, but she remains determined to cope with MS and continues to support and be there for her daughter. She has the support of her friend Sigler and numerous fans who have been touched by her bravery and openness in sharing her journey with the disease.
