S Poddar
Recently, Christina Applegate shared with the public for the first time when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis symptoms as she worked on the Netflix show Dead to Me. The 53-year-old actress is famous for her role in Anchorman and Married. with Children. She was diagnosed in 2021, though now believes that the first signs of the chronic disorder date back a long time prior to the official diagnosis.
In an episode of the MeSsy podcast, which she hosts with Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Applegate spoke about one dramatic moment in the filming of the pilot for Dead to Me. “I recall falling that day. Hi, first sign of MS!” she said, describing a scene in which her character, Jen, runs across a field.
She recalled this was the first of the many physical signs that something was amiss in her body, although she didn’t realize then that it marked the beginning of MS.
Liz Feldman, the creator of Dead to Me, was also on set and witnessed the hints of Applegate’s struggle. Feldman remembered, “I remember you losing your balance a couple of times but it was very hard to figure out. I remember one time it was like really late at night, we’d been shooting probably 14 or 15 hours, it seemed completely reasonable that anybody would be collapsing.” As filming went on, Feldman got attuned to Applegate’s condition and sensed that something deeper was going on. “There’s no handbook for this. I could just sense that A, she was scared and B, that something was wrong, something in her body was not working the way that she wanted it to,” Feldman said. She explained further that her knowledge of Applegate’s professionalism led her to believe that something major had to be going on.
“I knew Christina well enough to know that something major had to be going on because she’s an extreme professional,” she added. Applegate’s physical condition continued to worsen throughout the production of Dead to Me, and adaptations were made on set to accommodate her needs. Because her health was deteriorating toward the end of the season, there had to be changes in shooting certain scenes. For instance, Applegate’s close friend, a sound technician named Mitch B Cohn, would hold her up by the legs at specific scenes so she could keep upright.
She also would sometimes open doors and use them for support to stand. Sharing her gratitude for the support she received from her cast and crew, Applegate explained. “That would not happen anywhere else,” she said.
“So my gratitude toward you guys being humans – because you should be humans and love other humans – I cannot even tell you; that is not the normal reaction!
” Her heartfelt appreciation highlights the extraordinary care and understanding from the team, as they worked to ensure her comfort during filming despite her growing challenges.
Since her diagnosis, Applegate has not been shy about her prospects in acting. She has stated that she’s unlikely to return to on-camera work, but she continues to be open to voice-over work. This is the continued commitment to her work, even with the challenges presented by MS.
Multiple sclerosis, as explained on the NHS website, is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. Though there is no cure at present, treatment options are available to manage the symptoms of the condition. These symptoms may be highly variable and range from extreme fatigue, problems with vision, numbness in different parts of the body, problems with balance, muscle spasms, difficulties with urination, problems with memory, and sexual dysfunction. Applegate’s openness about her journey with MS serves as an inspiration to many, particularly those who may be experiencing similar symptoms or facing their own health battles. By sharing her experience, she not only raises awareness about the condition but also highlights the importance of empathy and support in the workplace and beyond. As she continues to navigate through the effects of MS, it is her story that serves as a powerful reminder that one can continue to pursue passion by leaning on the kindness and understanding of those around.
