Christina Applegate: 'Worst Thing I've Ever Gone Through'

Christina Applegate announced her multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis in August 2021, though symptoms like tingling and leg buckling began years earlier. She reported experiencing significant pain, including physical distress and frequent hospitalizations, describing her condition as the "worst thing" she has faced. MS, a central nervous system disorder affecting myelin, has profoundly impacted her life.

Amidst her health challenges, Applegate has stepped away from acting, including concluding her role in "Dead to Me." She now focuses on her podcast "MeSsy," her online platform "Next in MS," and released her memoir "You With the Sad Eyes" in March 2026. These endeavors allow her to connect with others and share her experiences openly.

Applegate made notable public appearances, including accepting a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in November 2022 with a cane and a surprise presentation at the 2024 Emmy Awards, where she received a standing ovation. She has been open about the daily difficulties, spending much of her time in her bedroom but prioritizing taking her daughter to school. In April 2026, she was hospitalized to focus on her health, later returning home and sharing updates, including a new hairstyle in September 2026.