Behind the Scenes: Christina Applegate's Journey on 'Dead to Me'
As the curtain falls on Netflix's beloved dark comedy, Dead to Me, fans are getting a closer look at the challenges faced by series star Christina Applegate while filming the show's final season. It hasn't been an easy road. From the disruptions caused by the pandemic to her own personal health battles, Christina has shown incredible resilience. In 2021, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a progressive autoimmune disease that changed her life forever. Despite these obstacles, she remained committed to delivering a stellar performance for the show's finale.
At 50 years old, Christina took a much-needed five-month break to focus on her treatment. This time away wasn't just about physical recovery—it was also an opportunity for her to process the emotional toll of losing parts of her life she once took for granted. As a breast cancer survivor, Christina knows a thing or two about overcoming adversity, but this new chapter brought its own set of challenges. "I’m never going to accept this," she says, reflecting on her diagnosis. "But I needed to come to terms with it, to process the loss of who I was before all of this."
Why Christina Couldn’t Walk Away from 'Dead to Me'
When asked if she ever considered stepping away from the show, Christina was firm in her response. For her, the bond she shares with co-star Linda Cardellini goes beyond the screen. Their characters, Jen and Judy, are best friends who support each other through thick and thin, and that dynamic translates beautifully into real life. "Linda and Christina, the same thing," Linda adds, highlighting the deep connection they’ve formed over the years.
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But returning to set wasn’t without its adjustments. Christina had to adapt to her new reality. "I put on 40 pounds; I can’t walk without a cane," she explains candidly. To make things work on set, she often relied on a wheelchair to move between scenes and occasionally needed assistance standing for extended periods. It wasn’t easy, but Christina was determined to finish what she started.
A Storyline That Hits Close to Home
In a twist of fate, the storyline for the final season of Dead to Me revolves around illness—a theme written long before Christina’s diagnosis. This added layer of complexity made filming certain scenes particularly emotional for both her and Linda. "When we’d do those scenes, it crushed us sometimes," Christina admits. Yet, despite the heaviness of the material, she’s proud of what they accomplished. "We poured our hearts into it," she says, acknowledging the effort it took to bring the story to life.
Looking ahead, Christina isn’t sure if she’ll ever rewatch the final season. The emotional weight of the experience is too much for her right now. But she hopes viewers will find meaning in the journey. "If people hate it, if people love it, if all they can focus on is, ‘Ooh, look at the cripple,’ that’s not up to me," she says with a mix of humor and vulnerability. "I just hope people can look past that and enjoy the ride, and say goodbye to Jen and Judy properly."
