Christina Applegate Opens Up About Living with Multiple Sclerosis and Finding Solace in Reality TV
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Christina Applegate recently shared her experiences managing the daily challenges of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) on the November 5 episode of her MeSsy podcast. The 52-year-old actress opened up about the physical pain and limitations she faces, providing a candid look at her journey with the disease.
“Everybody has different ways of it showing up,” Applegate explained, describing how MS affects her. She continued, “I lay in bed screaming. Like, the sharp pains, the ache, the squeezing.” The Married with Children star revealed that the condition has now impacted her hands, making even simple tasks feel insurmountable.
“I can’t even pick up my phone sometimes because now it’s traveled into my hands,” she said. “So, I’ll try to go get my phone or get my remote to turn on the TV or whatever, and sometimes I can’t even hold them,” added the Bad Moms actress.
In August, during an appearance on James Corden’s SiriusXM show This Life of Mine, Applegate discussed how she finds comfort in watching reality television to escape the physical and emotional struggles brought on by MS. “I find reality television very useful. That’s kind of it for me,” she shared. Known for her humor and resilience, Applegate described reality TV as a constant presence in her life.
“Anyone who knows me well knows that it’s on 24/7 in my room,” she admitted. “I don’t leave my room very often. I know that sounds really depressing, but it’s kind of like, I just need to sleep sometimes. Yeah, reality TV.”
When it comes to her go-to shows, Applegate has a few favorites. “Give me any of it… Vanderpump Rules, Below Deck, Real Housewives, even Kitchen Nightmares with Gordon Ramsay,” she said, sharing that she can binge-watch entire seasons over just a few days. “I’ll watch like nine seasons of that in like two days,” she added with a laugh.
Through her openness, Christina Applegate sheds light on the realities of living with MS while finding ways to cope with its challenges, showing resilience and humor in her journey.
