Christina Applegate reveals shocking fall on set while battling MS
- Christina Applegate fell on the set of 'Dead to Me' during filming, which she later identified as an early symptom of multiple sclerosis.
- She discussed her experiences with Liz Feldman on the 'MeSsy' podcast, recalling the physical challenges encountered during long filming sessions.
- The production staff supported Applegate's health needs, emphasizing her well-being over the filming schedule.
In a recent discussion, Christina Applegate shared her experience of facing a significant health challenge while working on the popular Netflix series 'Dead to Me.' During the filming of the pilot episode several years ago, Applegate experienced one of the first signs of multiple sclerosis, which she later attributed to her diagnosis made public in August 2021. She recounted specifically a scene where she had to run across a field and ended up falling, which she now recognizes as an early indication of her condition. As Applegate reminisced about the filming experience, she spoke candidly with Liz Feldman, the creator of the series. Feldman noted that at the time, they had been working exceptionally long hours, which contributed to a sense of exhaustion as well as the difficulty in assessing Applegate's health. Applegate recalled losing her balance multiple times during production, but it seemed reasonable under the circumstances, given the demanding schedule they were under. However, reflecting on those moments now reveals how intertwined her symptoms were with the physical demands of her work. Despite her health challenges, Applegate continued to work on the third season of 'Dead to Me' post-diagnosis, which presented a unique set of hurdles and considerations for both her and the production team. Feldman emphasized making Applegate’s well-being a priority during filming, expressing that she had never experienced anything quite like it before in her career. The team made accommodations for Applegate, allowing her time to recuperate and ensuring that she wasn’t overwhelmed during scenes. The passionate dedication and effort from both Applegate and her colleagues demonstrated their commitment to the series, while also highlighting the complex dynamics of continuing a demanding role amid serious health issues. Applegate described filming the last episodes as extremely challenging, citing it as one of the hardest things she had ever done. Even as she faced difficulties and limitations, Applegate recognized the cathartic effect of conveying her unfiltered emotions through her character, allowing her experiences to resonate with audiences on a deeper, more personal level.