Christina Applegate's journey with multiple sclerosis took an unexpected turn while she was filming the pilot for "Dead to Me". Long before her 2021 diagnosis, she began experiencing the first symptoms. This revelation has shed light on the challenges she faced during the production of the show.

Uncovering Christina Applegate's Struggle with MS on "Dead to Me"

Symptoms and Early Signs

During the Wednesday, Dec. 11 episode of "MeSsy", Applegate, 53, recounted falling while filming a scene of her character running across a field. She remembered that day clearly as the first sign of MS. Her co-host, Liz Feldman, 47, also noticed her losing balance during the pilot shooting. It was a difficult time as they were shooting for long hours, and it seemed reasonable for someone to be exhausted. But Applegate knew it was MS.This experience shows how the disease can creep up on a person even in the midst of their daily activities. It highlights the importance of being vigilant and aware of one's body.

Dealing with the Diagnosis

In August 2021, Applegate announced her MS diagnosis, stating that it was a few months prior. Despite the decline in her mobility, she still managed to finish filming the third and final season of "Dead to Me". The progressive nature of the disease damages the protective cover around nerves called myelin in the central nervous system, causing various issues like muscle weakness, vision changes, numbness, and memory problems.Feldman expressed that there is no handbook for this situation. She couldn't compare it to any other experience she had with a person before. But she could sense Applegate's fear and that something was wrong with her body.

Support during Production

Later, Applegate praised Feldman and the rest of the "Dead to Me" crew for their understanding during production. She specifically recalled how filming was once shut down for a week because of her. This shows the humanity and care of the crew. Applegate expressed her gratitude towards them for being understanding and putting her health first.This incident emphasizes the importance of a supportive work environment, especially in challenging times. It shows that with the right people around, one can face difficulties with more strength.

Performance and Coping

"Dead to Me" starred Applegate and Linda Cardellini as two grieving women who bond during therapy. Applegate earned Emmy nominations in 2020 and 2023 for her performance. In December 2022, she told Kelly Clarkson that filming the final season helped her cope with her MS diagnosis.The show provided a unique platform for her to deal with her emotions. It allowed her to fall apart in a scene and express her pain. This cathartic experience was a beautiful way for her to deal with her illness.It shows how art can be a powerful tool for healing and coping with difficult situations. Applegate's performance in the show is a testament to her talent and strength.