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“This is the worst thing I've ever had in my life” — Christina Applegate opens up about her health struggles due to multiple sclerosis

  • Christina Applegate (Photo: Everett Collection)
    Christina Applegate (Photo: Everett Collection)

    Christina Applegate appeared on the May 5 episode of Conan O'Brien's podcast, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend. The actress-turned-podcaster appeared with her MesSy podcast co-host, Jamie-Lynn Sigler. Applegate opened up about her struggles living with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic neurological disorder.

    Christina Applegate revealed that because of her condition, she doesn't leave her house and stated most people wouldn't be able to live like her. According to People's report dated May 5, she was diagnosed with the disorder in August 2021.

    "I don't really leave the house anymore. If people saw what my life was like on the daily, they wouldn't they wouldn't be able to do it. Because I can sometimes not do it. It's really, really hard," Applegate stated.

    She also told O'Brien that people often ask her how she got the disorder and if it was triggered by something she did. Applegate said that as a cancer survivor, facing the stigma was the hard part.

    "It's, like, I had breast cancer as well, so, 'Oh, you must have done something.' That stigma is — I'm used to it now, but it was for a while, like, was so hard to swallow because why the f would you think that I would do something to have this?" the actress said.


    Christina Applegate was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 36

    In March 2024, Christina Applegate appeared on the Armchair Expert podcast and told Dax Shepard, the host, that when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, she lied to people and pretended as if she was fine.

    "I learned that lesson the hard way because in 2008, when I had breast cancer at 36 years old, I went out, and I was the good girl talking about 'Oh, I love my new boobs' that are all scarred and f**ked up. What was I thinking?... Everything I was saying was a freaking lie. It was me trying to convince myself of something, and I think that did no service to anyone," Applegate said.

    In 2009, Christina Applegate founded Right Action for Women, a nonprofit foundation that provided breast cancer screening to women. The actress then told Dax Shepard that while actively working for the cause, she cried every night. Applegate expressed regret over not sharing that part of her journey at the time.

    "Yes, I started a foundation right away. Yes, I did all the things that I had to do, and we raised millions of dollars for women to get MRIs who were at high risk. Yes, we did a good thing, but at the back of it, I was taking off my bra and crying every night. And I wish that I had said that," Applegate stated.

    According to the People's report dated March 26, 2024, Christina Applegate had a double mastectomy in 2008, causing her to become cancer-free. Over the years, she became the spokesperson for the Lee National Denim Day twice. The Lee National Denim Day fundraiser supports women's cancer programs.


    MeSsy Podcast, Christina Applegate's podcast with Jamie Lynn Sigler, is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

    TOPICS: Christina Applegate, Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, Married with Children