Christina Applegate, an American actress, made a rare public appearance at the 2024 Emmy Awards on Monday night, where she received a standing ovation from her peers in Hollywood. Applegate, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2021, joked that people were “totally shaming” her by standing up at the awards show because she uses a “Body not by Ozempic.”
The 52-year-old’s Emmys appearance and joke about her life with MS has raised a lot of questions. In May of 2023, Christina revealed to Vanity Fair that it’s been hard for her to keep acting after her diagnosis. In fact, she shared that Dead to Me might be her last time on camera. “With the disease of MS, it’s never a good day,” she said. “You just have little s— days.” Christina added that it can be “frightening” to do simple things “You can fall, you can slip, your legs can buckle,” she said. “Especially because I have a glass shower. It’s frightening to me to get in there.”
Applegate’s diagnosis with MS has significantly impacted her personal and professional life. She has candidly shared that the disease has made even simple tasks frightening, such as getting in the shower, due to the risk of falling and losing balance. Applegate has expressed the emotional and physical toll of living with MS, stating that “it’s never a good day” and that she experiences “little s— days.” Christina added that it can be “frightening” to do simple things “You can fall, you can slip, your legs can buckle,” she said. “Especially because I have a glass shower. It’s frightening to me to get in there.“. Additionally, she has revealed that she may not work on-camera again, hinting that her acting career might be coming to a close.
The disease has also affected her ability to engage in activities that she once took for granted, such as going down the stairs and carrying things, which she can no longer do. Applegate has been open about the challenges of living with MS, including the exhaustion and heightened sensitivity to loud environments, expressing a desire to avoid crowded places. Overall, her diagnosis has brought about significant changes in her daily life and future plans.
At the Emmy Awards, Applegate’s appearance and joke about her life with MS sparked a conversation about the challenges faced by people living with MS. Her honesty and humor in addressing her diagnosis have been praised by many, and her bravery in sharing her struggles has inspired others to open up about their own experiences with the disease. As Applegate continues to navigate her life with MS, she remains an inspiration to those facing similar challenges, and her career as an actress continues to be a testament to her resilience and determination.