Selma Blair: Triumphs, Triumphs, and Triumphs - An In-Depth Journey Through Her Courageous Battle with Multiple Sclerosis

Dealing with her diagnosis, Selma Blair has openly discussed adjusting to her new reality since learning she has multiple sclerosis. The actress, originally from Michigan, gained prominence through her roles in popular films such as Cruel Intentions, Legally Blonde, and After. Despite her successful career in Hollywood, she revealed her diagnosis in October 2018.

"I had a wardrobe fitting just two days ago, and I am filled with immense gratitude. It is such a profound feeling that I feel compelled to share it," wrote Blair in an Instagram post in October 2018. "The brilliant costumer, Allisaswanson, not only designs the clothing for Harper Glass, the character on this new Netflix show, but she also assists me in getting dressed, buttoning my coats, and offering support when needed. I have multiple sclerosis."

She further expressed, "I am currently experiencing a worsening of my symptoms. However, thanks to the grace of the Lord, my determination, and the understanding producers at Netflix, I have been given a wonderful job despite my disability. I do fall occasionally, and I struggle with my memory and coordination on my left side. But we are making it work. I find joy and laughter in the midst of uncertainty, and though I may not know exactly what lies ahead, I will give it my all."

Over the years, Blair has openly discussed her health struggles, including her participation in a documentary called "Introducing, Selma Blair" that focused on her diagnosis. She shares a son named Arthur with her former partner Jason Bleick. In the documentary, which debuted in March 2021, Blair reflected on her past experiences, stating, "I spent a significant amount of time trying to harm myself, numb my emotions, or disengage from life. I was essentially half alive. Now, my main goal is to support others and promote their well-being."

While Blair fought against her multiple sclerosis, she made the decision to join season 31 of the popular show "Dancing With the Stars".

"When I stood alongside Sasha [Farber, my partner on DWTS] and truly recognized how much he could assist me," she revealed to We in September 2022, prior to the Disney+ premiere, "I became extremely excited about the camaraderie and support I would receive. I hadn't realized how much I missed that. However, there was also a mixture of terror and nerves because I have no experience in dancing with proper steps. I can only pose like a dancer for a maximum of two seconds."

She exclaimed, "After making the decision to join the show and convincing my team that it wasn't too risky for me, I wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity because we pursue activities that bring us joy."

Prior to her official appearance on DWTS, Blair made an appearance at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards in September 2022. As she gracefully walked onto the stage with her cane to present the final award of the night, which was Outstanding Drama Series, the audience erupted into a standing ovation.

Scroll below to revisit everything the Sweetest Thing star has said about her health challenges through the years:

Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

Everything Selma Blair Has Said About Her Multiple Sclerosis Battle: Diagnosis, 'DWTS' Experience and More

Since her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, Selma Blair has openly shared her journey of adjusting to her new reality. The actress, originally from Michigan, gained popularity through her roles in successful films such as Cruel Intentions, Legally Blonde, and After. Despite her significant accomplishments in Hollywood, she revealed in October 2018 that she had received the MS diagnosis.

"I underwent a wardrobe fitting just two days ago, a moment that has filled me with immense gratitude. This gratitude is so deep that I feel compelled to share it," Blair expressed in an Instagram post from October 2018. "The exceptionally talented costume designer, Allisa Swanson, not only creates the outfits for Harper Glass, the character in this new Netflix series, but she also takes great care in helping me put on my pants, pull my tops over my head, button my coats, and offers her shoulder to steady me. I have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis."

She further revealed, "Currently, I am experiencing a flare-up of symptoms. However, with the blessings of divine intervention, my own determination, and the understanding support of the producers at Netflix, I have managed to secure a wonderful job. I am living with a disability. There are moments when I stumble and moments when I drop things. My memory is often clouded, and my left side seems to have lost its way, following the directions of a faulty GPS system. But despite these challenges, we are forging ahead. I find moments of laughter amidst uncertainty, not knowing exactly how things will unfold, but I will always strive to give it my all."

Blair has been open about her health struggles and even appeared in a documentary called "Introducing, Selma Blair" to shed light on her diagnosis. She has a son named Arthur with her ex-partner, Jason Bleick.

"I have spent a significant amount of time contemplating death, attempting to harm or detach myself from reality, or searching for a way to exist in a state between life and death," stated the actress from American Crime Story in the documentary that debuted in March 2021. "Now, my sole intention is to assist others in finding solace and contentment."

During her journey with multiple sclerosis, Blair made the decision to participate in season 31 of Dancing With the Stars.

"I had a moment of realization when I stood with Sasha [Farber, my DWTS partner] and recognized his potential to help me in various aspects," she shared with We in September 2022 prior to the Disney+ premiere. "I am truly excited for the bond and support from my fellow dancers. I didn't anticipate how much I had missed that camaraderie. Although I felt some fear and nervousness due to my lack of experience with dancing steps, I can hold a dancer's pose for a brief moment."

She further explained, "Once I made the decision to join the show and convinced my team that it was a feasible option for me, considering the potential risks, I wholeheartedly committed. We engage in activities that bring us joy, and I am fully invested."

Blair made her official debut on DWTS after attending the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards in September 2022. Stepping onto the stage with her cane to present the final award of the night, Outstanding Drama Series, she received a standing ovation from the audience. Continue scrolling to read Blair's past statements about her health obstacles over the years.

Credit: Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock

October 2018

While sharing behind-the-scenes set photos in October, Blair confirmed her diagnosis.

"At this moment, I find myself in an exacerbation," she shared on Instagram. She acknowledged the worsening of her symptoms, expressing, "I face disability, experiencing occasional falls and unintentional drops. My memory feels foggy, and my left side seems to be following a faulty GPS for directions." Despite these challenges, she remains determined. With a laugh, she admits uncertainty regarding the specific path ahead, but pledges to give her best effort.

Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

March 2019

Amid her battle with MS, Blair candidly expressed the importance of cherishing life's blessings every day.

"In this moment, all we have is the present. The past is just a memory. But I can distinctly recall the sensation of embracing the warmth in the breeze, the gift of this journey," she shared on Instagram. "Right now, my son is peacefully asleep beside me. I can hear his gentle breaths, the sound of a tender soul, a young boy who will wake up filled with vitality. I am going to curl up beside him because this is the beauty that life has to offer. The present moment, the now, is what I hold dear. So...goodnight."

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May 2019

Blair shared an Instagram photo of herself with a candid caption about her current state. She expressed feeling extremely ill and experiencing unpleasant symptoms that she didn't want to mention specifically. Adding to her distress, her son had run away from her. Despite all these challenges, Blair mentioned the importance of getting her son to school and the toll that medical treatments were taking on her. However, she remained determined to overcome these difficulties, acknowledging that tough times like these will eventually pass. Feeling okay again seemed unimaginable at the moment, but Blair emphasized the resilience and strength to face reality.

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October 2021

In spite of enduring significant pain, she expressed to Variety, "I am in remission, and I want to acknowledge the stem cell transplant for its role in achieving this. The flare was resistant to all other treatments, but the transplant brought about remission by preventing the development of any new lesions since HSCT."

She continued: "You go into it with the expectation of finding a solution. But what defines a solution? It accomplished what he promised. It's simply a phase of acknowledging that I have undergone a transformation. And that's completely okay; I consider myself fortunate. It has made me less rigid and the damage to my nervous system has actually been a blessing in disguise, as it has enabled me to become more empathetic towards myself and others. And that is always valuable."

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April 2021

Blair has found comfort in wearing makeup throughout her journey with MS. She shared in an interview with Town & Country that she has been made up by renowned makeup artists during her acting career and felt transformed by their makeup, to the point of becoming a different person. She considers makeup a superpower, as it holds great significance in her life, even before her diagnosis or other challenges, and refers to it as her beautiful war paint.

She shared with the outlet, "I couldn't care less if my muscles get tangled in the crossroads of a sluggish brain signal. What truly matters to me is uttering those words with lips adorned in Chanel gloss."

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September 2022

"I lose my ability to speak clearly when subjected to intense lighting or under the sun. Even simple tasks like getting a coffee or stepping out of the car become challenging. However, if I am in a car seat with my knees up, I can articulate my words without difficulty," explained the Anger Management alum during an interview with Us in September 2022. "There are countless intriguing observations and patterns that I believe people are unaware of, even those who have friends with MS, in terms of triggers... I just tend to be more theatrical about it."

Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

September 2022

Blair stated in September 2022 that two years ago, it was not possible for her to participate in DWTS due to her balance issues. She lacked confidence in being able to complete even half a dance. However, she now believes that it is achievable.

Initially, Blair believed that she was not suitable for the show because of her mood swings and inability to support herself. However, her perspective has changed for season 31. She now sees herself as a different person and considers participating in DWTS as a miraculous opportunity for personal growth and learning.

Farber, on his end, observed Blair's rapid progress in mastering her physical movements after just a few rehearsals. "This isn't just about a dance show for me. My ultimate goal is for Selma to leave with a multitude of newfound skills," he disclosed during that period.

Credit: ABC/Eric McCandless

September 2022

Blair's debut performance on DWTS in September 2022 moved both the spectators and the panel of judges to tears. Dancing alongside Sasha Farber, the pair beautifully executed the Viennese Waltz to the melodic tunes of "Time of Your Life" by David Cook. Overwhelmed with emotion, Blair couldn't contain her tears as she expressed her gratitude for the enchanting experience. "I've never had the chance to dance before, so this truly was a dream come true. It was absolutely wonderful, and I am so grateful. Thank you," she tearfully exclaimed.

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October 2022

After fainting at a DWTS rehearsal with dance partner Farber, Blair admitted there is an “added layer” to the dance competition experience having multiple sclerosis. 

“I faint frequently,” shared the After star with Entertainment Tonight. "Having my service dog, Scout, is one of the reasons why. However, it doesn't mean I completely lose consciousness or require an ambulance. Instead, I experience a loss of vision, feel pulled down by gravity, and become disoriented for a while. Scout is there to support me during these episodes, making the ground feel a little closer by leaning against me."

Blair further expressed the importance of being transparent about her condition, emphasizing that regaining her composure through breathing and movement allows her to feel completely comfortable while dancing with Farber.

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October 2022

Blair made the voluntary decision to depart from DWTS in week 5 following a doctor's recommendation to take it easy during rehearsals. Expressing her reluctance, she revealed, "I didn't want to leave." Blair underwent an MRI on her knee, and the doctor advised against any weight-bearing movements, suggesting alternatives like choreographing in the pool. Despite her departure, Blair expressed her desire to share "one last gentle dance" with Farber.

"I suffered from illness for several years, desperately searching for ways to help myself," she recounted in a pre-recorded segment. She wondered why she couldn't be a more involved mother during her son's younger years. "I simply believed that I failed as a mother," she admitted, expressing that her MS diagnosis brought immense relief and marked the beginning of her personal recovery.

After her final performance, Blair expressed her gratitude to the judges and her fellow contestants, stating that she felt privileged to be in the ballroom with them. "This competition has shown me how much I enjoy being around individuals who give their all," she reflected. "Even though I lack musical talent, being surrounded by music brings me so much joy."

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October 2023

Blair joined President Joe Biden at the White House to celebrate laws protecting disabled Americans — the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act.

"I have experienced symptoms since the age of 7, but it took years of advocating for myself to finally receive a diagnosis at the age of 46. This diagnosis came after a lifetime of pain and self-doubt," she stated.

In her speech at the ceremony, Blair confidently referred to herself as a "proud disabled woman." She acknowledged the late activist Judy Heumann, who passed away at the age of 75 in March, as someone who instilled in Blair a sense of her own value.

"The push towards equity continues," Blair said. "Our laws and policies must reflect that our disabled lives are not of lesser value."