Emmy Award-winning actress Christina Applegate made a surprise appearance at the 2024 Emmy Awards on Monday evening, showcasing her strength and resilience amid her battle with multiple sclerosis (MS). The 52-year-old actress, known for her roles in "Dead to Me" and "Married... with Children," received a heartwarming standing ovation from the crowd as she joined host Anthony Anderson on stage.

Applegate, who revealed her MS diagnosis in 2021 while filming "Dead to Me," paired her cane with a stunning red velvet gown by Christian Siriano. She presented the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series to Ayo Edebiri for her role in "The Bear." As she walked up to the stage, Applegate humorously remarked that her body was "not by Ozempic," a reference to her MS battle.

After Edebiri accepted her award and left the stage, Applegate introduced comedy legend Carol Burnett, who presented the accolade for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series to Quinta Brunson from "Abbott Elementary." Applegate's presence at the awards ceremony was a testament to her resilience and determination to continue her career despite the challenges posed by MS.

In a 2022 interview with Variety, Applegate opened up about her diagnosis and the impact it had on her life. She described experiencing numbness in her toes and the balls of her feet, leading to difficulties with balance and mobility. Applegate shared that she had to be transported to the set in a wheelchair and experienced excessive fatigue, resulting in a significant weight gain.

Applegate's appearance at the Emmy Awards was particularly significant as she had previously stated that it would likely be her last awards show as an actor. In February 2023, she told the Los Angeles Times, "It's my last awards show as an actor probably, so it's kind of a big deal." However, her presence and the overwhelming support she received from the audience demonstrated her unwavering spirit and determination to continue her acting career.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that affects women more commonly than men. While there is currently no cure for MS, treatments are available to manage symptoms and slow disease progression. These treatments include anti-inflammatory drugs, plasma treatments, and disease-modifying therapies, although they can come with additional health risks.

Applegate's bravery and resilience in the face of MS have been widely recognized and celebrated. Fashion designer Christian Siriano, who dressed Applegate for the Emmy Awards, shared a behind-the-scenes video clip of her modeling his creation on Instagram. He praised her as an incredible woman and expressed his admiration for her.

Christina Applegate's appearance at the Emmy Awards not only showcased her talent as an actress but also served as a powerful reminder of the strength and determination individuals can possess in the face of adversity. Her standing ovation and the support she received from the audience highlighted the importance of raising awareness about multiple sclerosis and the need for continued research and treatment options.