Christina Applegate Opens Up About Living with Multiple Sclerosis

Christina Applegate is ready to tell the world about her challenging journey of living with multiple sclerosis. 

In a recent interview with Good Morning America, the actress revealed that she experiences excruciating pain and feelings of loneliness from what many call the “invisible disease.” Yet, for Applegate, MS is painstakingly clear. 

“I live kind of in hell,” Applegate told GMA’s Robin Roberts.

In January, Applegate made headlines after giving a rare appearance at the Primetime Emmy Awards, stepping on stage with a cane to present the nominees for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series. Applegate was almost brought to tears after receiving a standing ovation, but her humorous nature was still evident.

“You’re totally shaming me with disability by standing up,” she joked. 

Scientists are still uncovering the potential causes for MS, which is three times more common in women than men, according to the National MS Society.

A disease of the central nervous system, MS occurs in less than 20,000 people in the U.S. per year. Symptoms vary, with some people losing their ability to walk, according to Mayo Clinic. There is no cure for the disease.

One of the clearer symptoms that Applegate first experienced was tingling in her toes while filming the final season of her Netflix drama “Dead to Me” in early 2021. By the time summer arrived, Applegate said she had to be brought to the shoot in a wheelchair. 

Applegate revealed on GMA that there is a likelihood she lived with MS for almost six or seven years before receiving an official diagnosis. She also dismissed signs like buckling in her leg, which occurred during filming of the show.

“I really just kind of put it off as being tired, or ‘I’m dehydrated,” or ‘it’s the weather,’” Applegate said. “Then nothing would happen for like months — and I didn’t pay attention. But when it hit this hard, I had to pay attention.”

Applegate said she finally got tested for MS after her former co-star and friend Selma Blair — who was diagnosed with the disease in 2018 — encouraged her to do so. 

Applegate sat down alongside “The Sopranos” star Jamie-Lynn Sigler for the GMA interview. Sigler, who also has MS, has helped her be more forthcoming about her feelings of frustration and anger, and also provided much needed support, Applegate said.

Sigler and Applegate are now launching a podcast called “Messy,” where they have an unscripted conversation about life. Appelgate said she wants listeners to feel seen, regardless if they are going through this. And better yet, she said the podcast is her “coming out party.”

“I was kind of putting on a little act for everybody for so long,” Applegate said. “I just thought that was easier — to be liked, be funny, be light. Don’t make people feel uncomfortable.”

But now, Applegate is reclaiming her power.

“I don’t care anymore,” she added.