Famous Faces Fighting Multiple Sclerosis: Stories of Christina Applegate, Selma Blair, and Beyond

Many celebrities, including Christina Applegate, Selma Blair, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, and Jack Osbourne, have shared their experiences of living with multiple sclerosis, a type of autoimmune disease.

In August 2021, Christina Applegate announced that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

"Hey everyone. I wanted to share that a few months back, I found out I have MS," the actress from Married ... With Children shared on X. "It's been a bit of a strange journey. I've been fortunate to have the support of others who are going through the same thing. It hasn't been easy, but as they say, life goes on. Unless someone blocks the road."

She added, "A friend of mine with MS once said, 'We wake up and do what we need to do.' That's exactly what I try to do every day. Right now, I kindly ask for some privacy as I navigate through this. Thank you, sending love."

Selma Blair, who has been fighting the disease since 2018, reached out to Applegate with a message of support. Blair has been open about her own challenges with the illness.

In her 2021 documentary, "Introducing, Selma Blair," she shared, “We have a long time to be dead and I spent so long trying to kill myself, or numb myself, or check out — or figure out how to be alive by being half dead. And now I just want to help other people feel better.”

Scroll down to see what celebrities stars have said about battling multiple sclerosis:

Celebrities Who Battle Multiple Sclerosis

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Celebrities Who Battle Multiple Sclerosis: Christina Applegate, Selma Blair and More

Many celebrities, including Christina Applegate, Selma Blair, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, and Jack Osbourne, have shared their experiences of living with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease. In August 2021, Applegate announced that she had been diagnosed with the condition.

"Hi friends. A few months ago, I received the news that I have MS," shared the Married ... With Children alum through X. It has been a unique journey, but I have found great support from others who also live with this condition. The road has been challenging, but we all know it keeps moving forward. Unless someone decides to block it.

One of my friends with MS once said, "We wake up and take the necessary steps." This is exactly what I do every day. So, I kindly ask for some privacy as I navigate through this experience. Thank you xo.

Selma Blair, who has been battling the disease since 2018, reached out to Applegate with a supportive message during that time. Blair has been vocal about her own struggles with the disease.

In her 2021 documentary, titled Introducing, Selma Blair, she shared, “We have a long time to be dead and I spent so long trying to kill myself, or numb myself, or check out — or figure out how to be alive by being half dead. And now I just want to help other people feel better.”

Scroll down to see what celebrities stars have said about battling multiple sclerosis:

Celebrities Who Battle Multiple Sclerosis

Credit: VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images

Christina Applegate

Applegate shared that her sense of humor is essential to her well-being. During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in March 2024, she playfully joked about a clumsy entrance she could make. "I thought it would be hilarious if I came out and did a somersault like Willy Wonka," she quipped to host Jimmy Kimmel. "Then I'd be like, 'Ta-da!' You'd probably think, 'What a liar. She's such a liar.' But no, really, I am physically disabled."

Kimmel chuckled as he mentioned, "I've noticed from our text conversations that you have a pretty twisted sense of humor."

In response, Applegate shared that having a playful attitude is "how I go about my life" and "how I manage to stay okay."

Living with MS is tough, I won't sugarcoat it. I don't think anyone with MS would say it's a walk in the park. It's just not.

Celebrities Who Battle Multiple Sclerosis

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Selma Blair

After receiving her diagnosis in 2018, Blair described her symptoms as getting worse, which she called an "exacerbation."

In a post on Instagram, she shared, "I consider myself disabled now. I have moments where I fall, drop things, struggle with memory, and my left side feels like it's lost. But I'm managing. I find ways to laugh and though I'm unsure of the future, I will give it my all."

While fighting MS, she decided to participate in Dancing With the Stars in 2022. She expressed her excitement for the camaraderie and support from her fellow competitors. Two years later, she shared that she was in remission.

In a January 2024 Instagram video, Blair opened up about her constant pain, mentioning that aging is a painful experience for everyone. She empathized with others who also experience pain, stating, "I say that only for you people that hurt also. Like I get it."

Blair shared that dealing with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome makes it tough for her to stretch. This condition impacts her connective tissues, causing her muscles to easily get stiff and prone to injury. However, she reassured that it's not something scary or severe, just an extra challenge that has become chronic and requires careful monitoring.

Celebrities Who Battle Multiple Sclerosis

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Jamie-Lynn Sigler

Jamie-Lynn Sigler, known for her role in The Sopranos, recently opened up about her battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). She disclosed this information almost 15 years after she was initially diagnosed with the autoimmune disease when she was just 20 years old.

During an interview on Fox News in October 2016, Sigler talked about how challenging it was for her to come to terms with her diagnosis because she was already enjoying a successful career at that time.

In 2023, Sigler opened up to Us about how she didn't let her disease get in the way of raising her sons.

She shared, "I'm only human. There are days when I wonder if I could have been more patient if I wasn't dealing with physical struggles. It really makes you question everything in your life and impacts every aspect of it."

Sigler continued, "But at the end of the day, when I tuck my kids into bed and feel the strong connection we have, I realize that it remains unaffected by my physical limitations. That bond is unwavering, regardless of what I can or cannot do physically."

Sigler and Applegate became close because they both faced similar challenges. Their friendship led them to start the “MeSsy” podcast in early 2024.

During an interview on Good Morning America, Sigler shared, “I feel like I am witnessing a truly beautiful chapter in her life, even though I know it's tough for her right now. I genuinely believe in her strength and resilience.”

Celebrities Who Battle Multiple Sclerosis

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Jack Osbourne

Just two weeks after Osbourne welcomed his first baby, Pearl, with then-fiancée Lisa Stelly, Us confirmed in 2012 that he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

In 2018, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne's son shared with Us that he feels lucky that his treatment plan has been successful for him. He mentioned, "I haven't faced any big problems in the past six years, so my kids just see it as me taking medication a few times a week."

Celebrities Who Battle Multiple Sclerosis

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Emma Caulfield Ford

After dealing with MS for over a decade, the Buffy the Vampire Slayer actress revealed in 2022 to Vanity Fair that she was done keeping her diagnosis a secret.

“I’m tired of hiding the truth,” she expressed to the publication. “And especially now, being a parent has shifted my outlook. I understand that my daughter has a 30 percent higher risk of developing MS, just by chance."

Celebrities Who Battle Multiple Sclerosis

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Richard Pryor

Richard Pryor, the beloved comedian who passed away in 2005, received his diagnosis in 1986. In a 1993 interview with The New York Times, Pryor expressed his disbelief that his life had come to this point before he lost his ability to speak.

He added, “But you know, the worst part of being sick, the worst part of being in the hospital is you can't go fishing. I love to go fishing, but when you're sick, you can't do none of that."

Editor's P/S:

The article sheds light on the challenges and resilience of celebrities who have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. These individuals, including Christina Applegate, Selma Blair, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, and Jack Osbourne, have shared their personal experiences and perspectives on living with MS.

Their stories highlight the diverse symptoms, challenges, and coping mechanisms associated with the disease. While some celebrities have found humor and support in their experiences, others have faced setbacks and physical limitations. The article emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about MS and the need for empathy and support for those living with this condition. It also underscores the strength and determination of these individuals as they navigate the complexities of their illness.