
Christina Applegate, a beloved Hollywood staple, has been navigating the rough waves of Multiple Sclerosis since her diagnosis dropped in 2021. The SoCal actress, known for her vibrant roles and quick wit, has seen her mobility take a hit, but it’s not just her body that’s feeling the strain - it’s her family, too. Her 14-year-old daughter, Sadie, has been a rock by her side, often spotted arm-in-arm with her mom at glitzy awards shows and major events across LA.
But behind the red carpet smiles, there’s a heavier story. On a recent episode of her podcast, MeSsy, Christina spilled the tea about how Sadie’s been grappling with seeing her mom struggle. It’s a far cry from the days when Sadie knew her as the active, Peloton-pumping, dance-floor queen of their Studio City vibes.
Christina, who shares Sadie with her husband Martyn LeNoble, didn’t hold back on the raw emotions. She reminisced about how Sadie only ever knew her as the fit, go-getter mom before MS crashed the party. 'She was so stoic at first when this hit in 2021,' Christina shared, reflecting on those early, chaotic post-COVID days when life was already upside down.
Now, though, the reality stings deeper. Christina painted a vivid picture of Sadie’s quiet heartbreak - seeing her mom stuck in bed, unable to shuffle down the hallway to say goodnight, or barely making it to the bathroom on bad days. 'It’s broken her,' she admitted, noting how Sadie feels like she’s 'losing the mom she had' as the years roll on.
'I see it in her eyes every day - that pain of watching me struggle, and it tears me apart more than the disease itself,' Christina confessed on her podcast.
Despite the emotional rollercoaster, Sadie’s been Christina’s ride-or-die. Whether they’re out in the Hollywood spotlight or just chilling at home, Sadie’s always got her mom’s arm, helping her navigate crowds and cane in tow with that fierce LA loyalty. Christina gushed about how her daughter pushes her to keep going, even on the toughest days.
At home, Sadie’s not shy about nudging her mom to tackle the little things - like making her fave snacks. 'She’ll be like, ‘Mom, can you go downstairs and make my food? You’re the only one who gets it right,’' Christina laughed, even though those steps are a brutal challenge. 'I do it anyway, ‘cause I know she’s checking if I can still take care of her.'
Christina’s not just fighting MS for herself - she’s become a loud-and-proud advocate for survivors across Cali and beyond. The disease, which messes with the central nervous system and brings on everything from vision issues to extreme fatigue, has been a brutal ride. She’s candid about the pain, awkwardness, and isolation, even struggling to grip her phone some days.
On MeSsy, alongside fellow MS warrior Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Christina keeps the convo real, sharing the nitty-gritty of life with a debilitating illness. From the 405 traffic of daily challenges to the quiet moments in her LA home, she’s determined to shine a light on what it means to live with MS - not just for her, but for Sadie and every family feeling the ripple effects.