“I lay in bed screaming,” Christina Applegate shares a raw glimpse into her battle with the disease More DETAILS and THE VIDEO of her recent outing, which sparked concerns, are in the comments
The “Dead to Me” star walked to the polls with the assistance of a cane while gently holding onto the woman accompanying her for support.
Christina Applegate was spotted on her way to cast her vote despite her ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis. Fans who saw the clip of her shared their admiration and support for the actress as she continues to navigate the challenges of her condition.
A fan shares their love and support with Christina Applegate after she opened up about her MS battle, from a post dated November 6, 2024 | Source: Tiktok/@dailymailshowbiz
Applegate was spotted with her hair pulled up into a messy bun, wearing a black face mask. She sported a black and grey shirt of the ban “The Police,” along with an “I Voted” sticker and a few beaded necklaces. Her outfit was completed with loose black pants and a grey cardigan.
Carrying a green backpack over one shoulder, she used a cane for support in one hand, while holding onto a companion with the other for stability.
Christina Applegate attends the 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, California, on January 15, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Fans who saw her touching clip took to social media, to offer Applegate words of encouragement and praise as she continues to battle multiple sclerosis (MS).
One fan expressed their feelings, “So sad. Big fan and God Bless Her 🙏 🙏.” Another fan simply stated, “I’ll pray for you,” showing their support. Other fans shared the impact she has had in their lives, “I always loved her in everything see [sic] appeared in. Prayers.”
Christina Applegate looks on during her Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony in Hollywood, California, on November 14, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Another long-time admirer shared, “I grew up watching her. God I pray you send her healing ❤️🙏,” expressing both nostalgia and hope. A fan chimed in with their own message of encouragement, “Praying for you 🙏 ❤️.”
Christina Applegate at the star ceremony where she is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, California, on November 14, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
The support continued, with one fan sharing their sorrow, “So sad!!! My heart breaks for her!!!” while another observed, “She looks like she’s in pain 😔.” Finally, one fan empathized deeply, “I’m so sorry you have to deal with this devastating disease 😢,” a reminder of the emotional toll MS can take.
Christina Applegate at the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Award on Los Angeles, California, on January 17, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
Christina Applegate revealed her MS diagnosis in 2021 and has recently opened up about the challenges the disease has brought to her life. Speaking with her co-host, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who also has MS, on the “MeSsY” podcast, the actress said MS has different ways of manifesting. When it comes to Applegate, the disease shows itself through pain.
Christina Applegate arrives for the 25th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards at Barker Hangar Santa Monica airport in Santa Monica, California, on January 12, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
“I lay in bed screaming, like the sharp pains, the ache, the squeezing,” she opened up. She explained that the condition has progressed to the point where she sometimes struggles to even pick up her phone, as the symptoms have now affected her hands.
“So I’ll, like, try to go get my phone or get my remote to turn on the TV or whatever, and I can’t — sometimes I can’t even hold them. I can’t open bottles now,” detailed Applegate.
Christina Applegate attends the 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, California, on January 15, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
When Sigler said she and Applegate looked fine, the actress replied, “Because it’s the beauty of the invisible disease.” The pair noted that while multiple sclerosis may not always be visible on the outside, it silently takes a toll on their bodies. It makes them appear healthy even as they endure daily challenges.
Christina Applegate speaks onstage during the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, on January 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Applegate has also revealed her heartfelt aspirations online as MS keeps taking a toll on her. She shared her wishes about whom she wanted to spend time with in her final days. Her comments left netizens emotional and supportive.
The actress is eager to relish more memorable moments as she expressed her desire to spend time with some inspiring figures.
Christina Applegate arrives at the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 5, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
“There are things I want to do with the days I have left in life. I want to work with Shirley MacLaine And do shots with [C]her! And yes my days are so big. Just saying,” Applegate declared on X, formerly Twitter.
Christina Applegate speaks during her Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony in Hollywood, California on November 14, 2022. | Source: Getty Images
Shirley MacLaine, an award-winning actress, is best known for her role in the 1989 film “Steel Magnolias.” Cher is a music icon who gained fame with hits such as her 1998 song “Believe.”
Cher arrives at NBC’s “Carol Burnett: 90 Years Of Laughter + Love” Birthday Special in Los Angeles, California on March 2, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
Supportive comments poured in for Applegate, surrounding her with encouragement and admiration after she shared her wish to collaborate with two icons. “I wish you to fulfill the dreams you still have. You are the Best!” commented one X user, deeply moved by her plans.
Shirley MacLaine and Christina Applegate attend Variety’s 1st Annual Power of Women Luncheon in Beverly Hills, California on September 24, 2009. | Source: Getty Images
Another fan, clearly captivated by the actress’s spirit and vision, chimed, “You’re just a beautiful woman inside and out. I hope you get to do everything you ever wanted and more. Best to you!”
Christina Applegate appears on the “Tonight Show With Jay Leno” at NBC Studios in Burbank, California on September 12, 2011. | Source: Getty Images
Another supporter urged, “I love this! Go after it girl [sic]!” In another concise yet profound message, an admirer summed up the collective hope of Applegate’s fellow supporters: “I want you to do everything your heart desires.” The actress’s transparency about her condition has resonated deeply with many.
In a March 2024 interview with “Good Morning America” host Robin Roberts, Applegate discussed her MS diagnosis alongside “The Sopranos” actress Sigler, who was diagnosed with the same condition in 2001.
Robin Roberts’s interview with Christina Applegate and Jamie-Lynn Sigler in March 2024. | Source: YouTube/ABCNews
Applegate publicly revealed her diagnosis in 2021 after experiencing symptoms while filming the final season of her hit Netflix show, “Dead to Me.”
“My symptoms had started in the early part of 2021, and it was, like, literally just tingling on my toes. And by the time we started shooting in the summer of that same year, I was being brought to set in a wheelchair. Like, I couldn’t walk that far,” Applegate told Roberts.
Christina Applegate’s looking emotional during Robin Roberts’s interview in March 2024. | Source: YouTube/ABCNews
Recognizing the seriousness of her condition, Applegate credited “Legally Blonde” star Selma Blair, diagnosed with MS in 2018, for urging her to get tested. She recalled how Blair insisted she get tested for MS, even though Applegate initially dismissed it.
Selma Blair and Christina Applegate at the premiere of “A Guy Thing” in Los Angeles on January 14, 2003. | Source: Getty Images
Blair’s intuition proved crucial. “She knew. If not for her, it could have been way worse, Applegate,” said. Reflecting on her journey, Applegate believes she may have had MS for as long as seven years before her diagnosis.
During the first season of “Dead to Me,” Applegate experienced episodes on set where her legs would give out. She initially dismissed these symptoms as fatigue, dehydration, or weather-related issues, often going months without much attention.
As her condition worsened, living with MS profoundly impacted Applegate’s life. She described it as a “kind of hell” and noted the disease as “invisible,” leading her to isolate herself at home. “It can be very lonely because it’s hard to explain to people,” Applegate shared, adding that she has become used to its “excruciating pain.”
Christina Applegate speaks at her Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony in Hollywood, California, on November 14, 2022. | Source: Getty Images
MS is a chronic disease with no known cause or cure, and its symptoms can vary widely, including fatigue, numbness, weakness, dizziness, and severe pain. Applegate expressed frustration over how the condition affects her life, especially as a parent.
She shared that the disease prevents her from fully engaging in activities she loves, such as running, dancing, and being a mom to her 13-year-old daughter, Sadie Grace LeNoble.
Christina Applegate and Sadie Grace LeNoble at the 29th Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles on February 26, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
“She keeps me going because … I’m flipping the bird all day long at this thing and I’m angry. I’m really, really pissed,” Applegate said of LeNoble. Despite the challenges, Applegate finds strength in her friendship with Sigler.
Their bond has inspired them to launch “MeSsy,” which debuted on March 19. This platform allows them to share their experiences and support others facing similar battles.
Applegate has also opened up about her drastic weight loss, shedding light on the severe health challenges she’s facing rather than a dieting success story. She shared that her weight loss journey is a direct result of her battle with MS, which she described as “devastating.”
Christina Applegate at her Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony at the Hollywood Walk of Fame on November 14, 2022 in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images
Applegate recently recounted her numerous hospitalizations due to the mysterious and intense pain accompanied by vomiting. “They don’t know what’s wrong, but we’re pretty sure my stomach and my intestines are not very good friends. It causes me intense pain and vomiting,” she disclosed.
Christina Applegate at the 29th Screen Actors Guild Awards in California, on February 26, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
She added, “I gained 45 lbs. when I was diagnosed, from steroids and lack of mobility. It’s just a body that doesn’t feel right. And I’ve lost 30-something. People are like, ‘What have you been doing?’ And I’m like, ‘Vomiting.’ Not Ozempic. Barfing.”
Addressing her coping mechanisms in the face of MS, Applegate shared which time of day is hardest for her. “My symptoms are worse in the morning, like crazy-town bad. The pain and the numbness and the balance,” she shared.
Christina Applegate seen on November 14, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Applegate remains hopeful that she will have a long and happy life where she can experience the milestones in her daughter’s life. She feels a strong need to be there for these moments and is determined to fight the disease and improve her health.
Despite the challenges, Applegate has maintained a good-humored approach to her diagnosis. She humorously addressed her condition during an award presentation at the Emmys, earning a standing ovation and quipping about the audience’s gesture, given her difficulty standing.
Christina Applegate at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards on January 15, 2024 in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images
While Applegate continues her battle with MS, her daughter, Sadie Grace LeNoble, has shared how she feels about her condition in a previous “MeSsy” podcast. Facing her own health challenges, LeNoble deeply relates to her mother’s struggles.
She reminisces about their earlier, more active days together and expresses the difficulty of seeing her mom lose the abilities she once had. Despite these changes, LeNoble finds reward in supporting her mom, sharing moments like attending concerts together, even if it means pushing her wheelchair.