Christina Applegate makes surprise appearance at Emmys amid multiple sclerosis battle

Christina Applegate at the 2024 Emmys | Image: Screenshot/X

Christina Applegate received a standing ovation after her surprise appearance at the 75th Emmy Awards amid her battle with multiple sclerosis. 

The “Dead to Me” star stepped out onto the Emmy stage on Jan. 15 holding a cane and leaning on an escort amid her health condition. Applegate turned emotional as the audience stood up to applaud her.

The 52-year-old actress was in attendance to present the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series award. Despite her condition, Applegate did not lose her touch on comedy, as she delivered a few jokes.

“You’re totally shaming me and my disability by standing up,” she joked before adding, “Body, not by Ozempic.”

Applegate revealed her health diagnosis in 2021 by penning a tweet about her condition.

“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 asshole blocks it,” she wrote on X.

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 asshole blocks it.

— christina applegate (@1capplegate) August 10, 2021

In a 2023 interview with The Los Angeles Times, the actress announced what seems to be her supposed last public appearance at an awards show at the 2023 Screen Actors Guild Awards. 

“It’s probably my last awards show as an actor, so it’s kind of a big deal,” said Applegate. “Right now, I couldn’t imagine getting up at 5 a.m. and spending 12 to 14 hours on a set; I don’t have that in me at this moment.”

The Hollywood star also opened up about her struggles with the medications, noting her indifference to her physical appearance.

“I don’t like seeing myself struggling,” she said. “Also, I gained 40 pounds because of inactivity and medications, and I didn’t look like myself, and I didn’t feel like myself.”