Christina Applegate

Christina Applegate Receives Standing Ovation at the 75th Emmy Awards

Christina Applegate made a powerful appearance at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards on January 15, earning a standing ovation for her resilience and grace. Among those moved by her presence was her ex-husband, Johnathon Schaech, who expressed his admiration in a heartfelt post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Schaech praised the 52-year-old actor, calling her “the toughest human being I’ve ever met.”

Applegate, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2021, took the stage with the assistance of host Anthony Anderson and a walking cane to present the opening award. Her appearance comes after she revealed in 2023 that her condition may prevent her from working on camera again.

“She danced opening night on Broadway on a broken foot! Beat cancer!” Schaech wrote, referencing her previous battle with breast cancer. “So proud of her! Go, Christina!”

Designer Christian Siriano, who created Applegate’s striking cranberry gown for the event, also paid tribute to the actor, sharing on Instagram, “Christina, you are divine, and I will dress you any day of the week! What a woman.”

Applegate’s strength and grace continue to inspire many, as she navigates her health journey with courage and dignity.

Who Is Christina Applegate?

Christina Applegate is a renowned actor who rose to fame as a teenager with her breakout role as Kelly Bundy on Fox’s hit sitcom Married… with Children. Her career has since flourished, with lead roles in popular TV shows like Jesse, Samantha Who?, Up All Night, and Dead to Me. Applegate has also made her mark in the film industry, starring in comedies such as Anchorman and the Vacation reboot. Beyond her acting career, she has used her platform to raise awareness for breast cancer and multiple sclerosis, both of which she has personally battled.

Early Life

Born on November 25, 1971, in Los Angeles, Christina Applegate made her television debut at just three months old on Days of Our Lives, appearing alongside her mother, actor Nancy Priddy. After her parents’ separation, Applegate was raised by her mother and began pursuing acting at an early age.

TV Shows and Movies

Married… with Children

At 15, Applegate landed her breakthrough role as Kelly Bundy on the long-running sitcom Married… with Children. The show became a massive success, running for 11 seasons, and launched Applegate into stardom. During this time, she also took on film roles, notably starring in the comedy Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead (1991).

The Big Hit and Jesse

In the late 1990s, Applegate worked to distance herself from her Married… with Children persona. She starred in films like The Big Hit and the parody Mafia!, while also returning to television with the sitcom Jesse. The show, inspired by her relationship with her mother, ran for two seasons and earned Applegate a People’s Choice Award in 1999.

The Sweetest Thing and Anchorman

On the big screen, Applegate received praise for her role in The Sweetest Thing (2002) alongside Cameron Diaz and co-starred with Gwyneth Paltrow in A View From the Top (2003). She showcased her comedic chops opposite Will Ferrell in the iconic Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004).

Up All Night, Vacation, and Dead to Me

Applegate returned to TV with Samantha Who? in 2007, followed by Up All Night. In film, she appeared in Anchorman 2 (2013), Vacation (2015), and Bad Moms (2016). She also voiced characters in several animated films, including the Alvin and the Chipmunks series. In 2019, she co-starred with Linda Cardellini in the dark comedy Dead to Me, earning critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination for her performance.

Health Challenges: Breast Cancer and MS

In 2008, Applegate was diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer, leading to a double mastectomy. She became an advocate for breast cancer awareness, speaking openly about her experience and raising funds for research. In 2021, while filming Dead to Me, Applegate was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system. Despite the challenges, she has remained resilient, though she has acknowledged that MS may limit her future on-camera work.

Personal Life

Applegate married actor Jonathan Schaech in 2001, but the couple divorced in 2005. She later dated photographer Lee Grivas, who tragically passed away from a drug overdose in 2008. In 2011, Applegate welcomed her daughter, Sadie Grace, with musician Martyn LeNoble. The couple married in 2013.

Despite her health struggles, Applegate continues to inspire many with her strength and determination, both as an actor and an advocate for health awareness.