She is battling multiple sclerosis.
54-year-old actress Christina Applegate has revealed that her fight with multiple sclerosis often keeps her confined to bed, as she struggles with intense, daily pain. The autoimmune disease, which affects the central nervous system, has dramatically changed her routine and limited her mobility. Some days, she admits, even the smallest tasks feel overwhelming.
Still, despite the physical toll, Applegate refuses to let the illness take away what matters most to her — time with her 15-year-old daughter, Sadie. One of her biggest priorities is taking her to school in the morning, even when her body tells her to stay under the covers.
“I want to do this. It’s my favorite thing to do. It’s the only time we have alone. I tell myself, ‘Just get her there safe and come home to go back to bed,’” the actress said in an interview with People.
For Applegate, those short car rides are more than just a daily responsibility — they are moments of connection, strength, and normalcy in a life that has otherwise been turned upside down by illness.
Her upcoming memoir, set to be released on March 3, promises to offer an unfiltered look at her journey. In the book, she opens up not only about her diagnosis and the realities of living with multiple sclerosis, but also about her early years in Hollywood and the trauma she experienced growing up.
Applegate writes candidly about her difficult childhood, including her mother, Nancy Priddy, who struggled with drug addiction. She also addresses the abuse that marked her early life — experiences that shaped her resilience long before her health battle began.
Through her honesty, Applegate hopes to shed light on the invisible battles many people face and to offer comfort to others living with chronic illness. By sharing both her pain and her perseverance, she continues to inspire fans with her courage, proving that even on the hardest days, love and determination can provide a powerful source of strength.
