“Dead to Me” star Christina Applegate made her first public appearance since revealing her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2021 while attending her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony Monday.
The actress’ star ceremony was originally scheduled in 2020, but the COVID pandemic set it back two years. Applegate disclosed the state of her health on Twitter in 2021 as she worked on the third and final season of the Netflix comedy series “Dead To Me,” in which she stars alongside Linda Cardellini and has received multiple Emmy Award nominations.
Applegate’s “Married…with Children” co-stars Katey Sagal and David Faustino honored her before she took the podium.
“Humility, humor, fortitude, grace, bravery,” Sagal began her introduction. “I’ve watched you wear it all … No matter what, you kept showing up for yourself, but also most definitely for those that you love. Some of us come into this life requiring broad shoulders because what’s coming at us needs support to bear it … You came in with those shoulders and you carry the weight. You bend, but you don’t break.”
Cardellini and “Dead to Me” co-creator Liz Feldman attended the ceremony, as well, both giving their own speeches about Applegate.
Feldman spoke about how she and Applegate bonded over conceiving children, praised the actress as a lioness and recounted experiences of her humor, calling it that of “a 13 year-old boy” with her favorite word being “butthole.” Feldman closed looking at Applegate and saying, “I love your butthole.”
Cardellini began her tribute describing how she took her role in “Dead to Me” because she knew Applegate was already signed on.
“At some of my weakest moments, she has hugged me and looked me in the eyes and said ‘I’ve got you. We’ve got this,’” Cardellini said. “And you believe her, because she is exactly the person you want in your corner.”
Sagal assisted a barefoot Applegate to the stage, where she stayed during the actress’s acceptance speech. While speaking, Applegate recalled how she wanted a star on the Walk of Fame whether it meant you did something right or wrong since she was five years old.
“This day means more to me than you could possibly imagine,” she said. “I don’t say that I have friends. I have family. These people take care of me every day of my life.
Applegate teared up and hesitated before thanking her daughter, Sadie.
“The most important person in this world is my daughter,” Applegate said. “You are so much more than even you know. You are so beautiful and kind and smart and interesting. I’m blessed every day that I get to wake up and take you to school … Thank you for standing by me through all of this.”
The third season of “Dead To Me” celebrates its premiere on Nov. 15, which Applegate is also expected to attend. The series streams in full on Netflix Nov. 17.
