LOS ANGELES – In a touching moment at the 2023 Emmys, actress Christina Applegate received a heartfelt standing ovation from the audience as she took the stage to present the award for supporting actress in a comedy series. Applegate, who had announced her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) in August 2021, was visibly moved by the show of support. The talented actress had largely kept a low profile since her diagnosis, but made a few public appearances last year to promote the final season of her popular Netflix comedy series, “Dead to Me.” The show had earned her an Emmy nomination for outstanding actress in a comedy series.
As the applause from the audience subsided, Applegate expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much. Oh my god, you’re totally shaming me with disability by standing up. It’s fine… Body not by ozempic. Okay, let’s go.” Despite the overwhelming response from the crowd, Applegate responded with humor, saying, “We don’t have to applaud every time I do something.”
In an interview with Variety leading up to last year’s Walk of Fame ceremony, Applegate shared the challenges of filming the final season of “Dead to Me” while battling MS. She revealed that she had to use a wheelchair to get to the set. It took her months before she could bring herself to watch the final season, as she didn’t like seeing herself struggle onscreen. Applegate also revealed that the inactivity and medications had caused her to gain 40 pounds, which further affected her self-image and well-being. However, she eventually realized the beauty of the show and appreciated the scenes she wasn’t in.
Looking ahead, Applegate mentioned that she is considering a transition to full-time voiceover work as a way to continue her acting career while managing her MS. The demanding schedule of traditional on-set work is currently not feasible for her. Instead, she envisions her future in Hollywood to involve producing, developing, and taking on a abundance of voiceover projects to secure her financial stability for her and her daughter.
Christina Applegate’s appearance at the 2023 Emmys was a testament to her strength and resilience in facing the challenges posed by MS. As she moves forward, her focus on self-care and finding new avenues for her career demonstrates her determination to continue thriving in the entertainment industry.