- Christina Applegate was met with a standing ovation when she took to the Emmys stage as a presenter.
- Applegate was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2021.
Christina Applegate was lauded for returning to the Emmy Awards this year as both a presenter and nominee for her series "Dead to Me." But she says people don't need to clap every time she does something after her multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis.
In a rare public appearance, Applegate presented the award for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy to "The Bear" star Ayo Edebiri. But before she announced Edebiri as the winner, she had her own moment in the spotlight.
Accompanied to the podium by Emmys host Anthony Anderson, Applegate, who hadn't previously been announced as a presenter, received a standing ovation from the crowd for her entrance.
"Oh my god! You're totally shaming me with disability by standing up, it's fine," she joked. "Body not by Ozempic. Okay, let's go."
"Some of you may know me as Kelly Bundy from 'Married With Children,'" Applegate continued, prompting cheers and applause from the audience.
"We don't have to applaud every time I do something," she quipped.
Later in the night, Applegate lost the award for best actress in a comedy series to "Abbott Elementary" star Quinta Brunson.
Applegate was diagnosed with MS while filming 'Dead to Me'
Applegate was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2021, and has been candid about the impact that the disease has had on her. In May 2023, she said that her life was now full of "little shitty days" since she was diagnosed with the neurological disease, whose symptoms frequently affect mobility and vision. Applegate told The New York Times in November 2022 that the disease had led to her gaining 40 pounds and meant that she needed to walk with a cane.
Applegate told British Vogue in May 2023 that her friend and fellow actor Selma Blair, who also has MS, was the one who encouraged her to get tested. After doing so, she was diagnosed.
"In essence, because of her I'm going to have a better quality of life," Applegate told British Vogue.
Applegate hasn't made many public appearances since announcing her diagnosis. In February 2023, the actor told the Los Angeles Times that year's SAG Awards would likely be the last awards show she'd attend as an actor.