Actress Christina Applegate received an outpouring of love and support at the Emmys as she battles multiple sclerosis (MS). The 52-year-old, known for her role in 'Dead to Me,' made a surprise appearance at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Monday. As she walked on stage with a cane and assistance from host Anthony Anderson, the audience rose to their feet, giving her a standing ovation. Applegate looked stunning in a plunging Christian Siriano burgundy velvet gown.
Although the emotional moment brought tears to her eyes, Applegate quickly lightened the mood with her trademark humor. Taking the microphone to introduce Carrol Burnett, she joked, 'Thank you so much. Oh my God. You’re totally shaming me with the disability by standing up. Body not by ozempic,' playfully referencing the Type 2 diabetes drug that has gained popularity in Hollywood as a weight loss supplement. She continued by saying, 'Some of you may know me as Kelly Bundy from ‘Married With Children'... we don’t have to applaud every time I do something.'
Tears continued to stream down Applegate's face as she expressed her gratitude to the crowd and admitted that she would likely cry more throughout the evening. 'It’s been an honor to play funny, flawed, complex characters like the women nominated for Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series,' she added.
Last year, Applegate shared that the 2023 SAG Awards would probably be her 'last award show as an actor' due to her ongoing battle with MS. Mayo Clinic describes MS as a disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord. In an interview last February with the LA Times, she explained, 'Right now, I couldn’t imagine getting up at 5 a.m. and spending 12 to 14 hours on a set; I don’t have that in me at this moment.'
Having been diagnosed with MS in early 2021, Applegate has been candid about how the illness has impacted her career as an actress. She revealed that she was 'a wreck every day' while filming three seasons of 'Dead to Me' from 2019 to 2022. Despite her struggles, she expressed gratitude for the support she received on set. 'There were times I’d break down on set and be like, ‘I can’t, we have to take a break, I need a half-hour,’ and everyone was so loving that it was OK,' she shared. Applegate commended the 'incredible' cast and crew for accommodating her needs during filming.
As Christina Applegate continues to navigate her journey with MS, her appearance at the Emmys served as a powerful reminder of her talent, strength, and the deep impact she has had on the entertainment industry. Her ability to find humor in difficult situations and her openness about her struggles have endeared her to fans around the world. We send our love and support to Applegate as she continues to inspire others with her resilience and grace.
