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Celebrities with Multiple Sclerosis

Updated:
October 2024
by
David Harris

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and often unpredictable disease that affects the central nervous system, causing symptoms ranging from mild numbness to severe physical disability. Over the years, several celebrities have opened up about their diagnosis with MS, sharing their personal struggles and triumphs as they navigate life with this condition. These public figures have used their platforms to raise awareness about MS and other related neuroimmune disorders, offering inspiration and hope to the millions of people living with similar health challenges. Below, we take a look at a few well-known celebrities who have been diagnosed with MS, as well as the neuroimmune conditions affecting some of their family members.

Christina Applegate Was Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2021

Christina Applegate, famous for her roles in Married... with Children and Dead to Me, shared in August 2021 that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). The actress noticed her symptoms while filming the final season of Dead to Me, including trouble with balance and mobility. Despite the challenges of MS, Applegate has maintained her humor and resilience, which she credits as key to managing the condition.

In a side note, Applegate’s daughter, Sadie, was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) in 2024. POTS causes dizziness and fainting, making daily activities challenging, but Sadie’s diagnosis has helped her understand her mother’s experience with a chronic neuroimmune condition.

Learn more here about Sadie Applegate's POTS diagnosis here:
https://www.eds.clinic/articles/celebrities-with-pots-dysautonomia

Selma Blair Was Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2018

Actress Selma Blair, known for Legally Blonde and Cruel Intentions, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2018. After years of undiagnosed symptoms, Blair has been open about her battle with the disease, undergoing chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant as part of her treatment. She has become a vocal advocate for MS awareness and continues to share her experiences with the public.

In addition to MS, Blair was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) in 2024, a connective tissue disorder that adds complexity to her health journey. EDS can cause hypermobility and chronic pain, further complicating her daily life.

Learn more about Selma Blair's EDS diagnosis and the link between MS and EDS here:
https://www.eds.clinic/articles/the-link-between-multiple-sclerosis-and-ehlers-danlos-syndrome

Read about other celebrities with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome here: 
https://www.eds.clinic/articles/famous-celebrities-with-hypermobility-and-ehlers-danlos-syndrome-eds

Jack Osbourne Was Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2012

Jack Osbourne, the son of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, was diagnosed with MS in 2012, just weeks after the birth of his first child. Since then, he has been open about his experiences living with the condition, managing it through medication and lifestyle changes. His honesty about MS has helped raise awareness about the disease and its impact.

Jack’s family also deals with other health challenges. Jack Osbourne's sister has demonstrated her hypermobility on Televlsion and Jack's father, Ozzy Osbourne, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019. These diagnoses have further bonded the Osbourne family as they navigate their respective health conditions.

Emma Caulfield Ford Was Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2010

Emma Caulfield Ford, best known for her role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, revealed in 2022 that she had been diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS back in 2010. For many years, she kept her diagnosis private, telling only her husband and close family members. After deciding to speak out about her condition, Caulfield Ford has raised awareness about the challenges of living with MS in an industry that demands physical endurance.

Her story underscores the difficulties of managing a chronic illness in silence and highlights the importance of sharing experiences to foster greater understanding of MS and its often invisible symptoms.


FAQ

Does Ozzy Osbourne have Parkinson’s or MS?
Ozzy Osbourne was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, not MS.

How long has Ozzy had Parkinson’s?
Ozzy was diagnosed in 2019, though he has faced various health challenges for years.

What autoimmune disease does Jack Osbourne have?
Jack Osbourne was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2012.

Does Ozzy Osbourne have a spinal tumor?
Yes, Ozzy has a spinal tumor in addition to Parkinson’s disease and other health complications, including spinal surgeries.

How is MS different from Parkinson’s?
MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, while Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder that impacts movement.

How did Jack Osbourne know he had MS?
Jack Osbourne experienced vision loss in one eye, which led to further testing and a diagnosis of MS.

Who is the most famous person with multiple sclerosis?
Several famous figures have MS, including Christina Applegate, Selma Blair, and Jack Osbourne.

What is the life expectancy of someone with multiple sclerosis?
The life expectancy of someone with MS is generally near-normal, although it can vary depending on the severity of the disease and the treatments available.

Does Ozzy Osbourne have any other medical conditions?
In addition to Parkinson’s, Ozzy has dealt with a spinal tumor, respiratory issues, and multiple surgeries.

What happened to Emma Caulfield?
Emma Caulfield Ford was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2010 but kept it private for over a decade. She publicly shared her diagnosis in 2022, explaining that she initially hid her symptoms because they would come and go.

When was Emma Caulfield diagnosed with MS?
Emma Caulfield was diagnosed with MS in 2010 but revealed her condition publicly for the first time in 2022.

What actress just found out she has MS?
Recently, Emma Caulfield revealed her MS diagnosis, which she had kept private since 2010.

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