Christina Applegate's Emmy appearance 'meant a lot' amid 'exhausting' MS
Christina Applegate was overcome with emotion as she received a standing ovation at the Emmy Awards, something one expert has said "meant a lot to the MS community".
The Married... with Children star, 52, presented two awards at the glitzy ceremony and teared up as the audience rose to their feet when she stepped onto the stage. Addressing the crowd, Christina joked: "Thank you so much! Oh my God! You're totally shaming me [and my] disability by standing up".
Viewers quickly took to social media to discuss the emotional moment and Dr Sarah Rawlings from the MS Society said the response was "incredible". Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, she explained: "Living with MS can be debilitating, exhausting and unpredictable.
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"But since her diagnosis in 2021, Christina Applegate has used her platform to speak out about the condition and raise much-needed awareness. To see her presenting at the Emmys and receiving such an incredible response will have meant a lot to the MS community."
Emmy-nominated Murphy Brown actor Charles Kimborough dies aged 86Dr Rawlings, Executive Director of Research and External Affairs at the MS Society, added: "MS is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, and can cause a range of symptoms. But we want everyone affected by MS to know they're not alone – you can call our free MS Helpline for confidential emotional support or you can go to our website at www.mssociety.org.uk for information."
The MS Trust added: "By taking centre stage last night, Christina Applegate helped to challenge preconceived ideas that people living with multiple sclerosis are older or reliant on wheelchairs. It's a powerful testimony to the resilience and vibrant presence of individuals living with MS, enriching society through their diverse talents and contributions.
"People living with MS face a diverse array of invisible symptoms including problems with thinking and memory, bladder or bowel issues and debilitating fatigue or pain. We are delighted that Christina is helping to raise vital awareness of MS and standing up for the MS community."
At the Emmy Awards, Christina walked on stage using a cane and was helped by host Anthony Anderson. The actress was invited to present Outstanding Supporting Actress and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.
The audience at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, California, rose to their feet as Christina made her way across the stage. During her speech, she said: "Some of you may know me as Kelly Bundy from Married with Children. We don't have to applaud every time I do something.
She concluded: "I'm going to cry more than I've been crying." Christina was first diagnosed with MS in August 2021. Taking to X at the time, she said: "Hi friends. A few months ago I was diagnosed with MS. It's been a strange journey. But I have been so supported by people that I know who also have this condition. It's been a tough road. But as we all know, the road keeps going. Unless some a**hole blocks it."
She continued: "As one of my friends that has MS said, 'We wake up and take the indicated action'. And that's what I do. So now I ask for privacy. As I go through this thing. Thank you xo."