Christina Applegate made a powerful and stylish return to the 2023 Emmy Awards, where she is nominated for lead actress in a comedy series for her role in “Dead to Me.” The actress, who has been open about navigating the red carpet with her multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis, donned a striking cranberry velvet gown designed by Christian Siriano for the occasion. Applegate, 52, paired the elegant dress with Dr. Martens Jadon II Boot Hardware Buttero Platforms and carried a cane, a necessity due to the effects of her MS on balance.
Taking the stage with host Anthony Anderson, Applegate expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic reception from the audience. She humorously addressed the applause, saying, “Oh my God, you’re totally shaming me with disability by standing up. It’s fine… Body not by Ozempic! We don’t have to applaud every time I do something.”
Christian Siriano shared his admiration for Applegate on Instagram, describing her as an “incredible woman” and highlighting her strength and inspiration. Applegate was diagnosed with MS in August 2021, during the filming of “Dead to Me’s” third and final season.
The actress’s last red carpet appearance was at the 2023 SAG Awards in February. For the Emmys, she was accompanied by her teen daughter, Sadie Grace LeNoble, both dressed in coordinating ensembles. Applegate wore a floor-length velvet tuxedo dress with oversize lapels, while LeNoble donned a classic black double-breasted suit. Both mother and daughter wore Dr. Martens shoes, and Applegate accessorized her elegant look with a cane adorned with stickers that included the letters “F U MS.”
In an interview with Vanity Fair last May, Applegate shared that she has no plans to return to on-camera work, citing the increasing limitations on her physical capabilities. Despite this, she expressed joy in working on “Dead to Me” and praised her co-star Linda Cardellini, noting, “I’m so glad that I went out with someone who is by far the greatest actress I’ve ever worked with in my entire life, if not the greatest human I’ve ever known.”