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Her openness about the disease helped normalize conversations around preventive surgery and genetic testing, especially for individuals at higher risk of recurrence.
Years later, in 2021, Applegate revealed that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a chronic neurological condition that affects the central nervous system and can impact mobility and energy levels.
The announcement marked another turning point in her life, as she openly discussed how the condition changed her daily routines, professional choices, and physical capabilities.
Rather than stepping away entirely from public life, she continued working selectively, adapting her schedule and performance style to accommodate new health limitations.
Her role in the Netflix series “Dead to Me” became especially significant, as it allowed her to continue acting while also reflecting emotional complexity and personal vulnerability.
Applegate has spoken candidly about the physical and emotional impact of multiple sclerosis, emphasizing the unpredictability of symptoms and the importance of support systems.
She has also highlighted how chronic illness reshapes identity, particularly for individuals whose careers are physically demanding and highly visible to the public.
