Christina Applegate Shares the Personal Nicknames She Uses for Every Part of Her Body
Christina Applegate is finding light and humor in her ongoing health journey, recently revealing the quirky nicknames she has assigned to her limbs while navigating life with multiple sclerosis. During an appearance on Monday’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, the 54-year-old actress explained that these personas help her cope when her body stops cooperating.
She noted that these titles are pretty funny and clarified that they are meant with affection rather than disrespect, even when they involve a certain member of the royal family. The Dead to Me star began her introduction with her right hand, whom she calls Barbara, explaining that she is married to her left hand, Stanley.
In a lighthearted twist, she joked that Barbara is gay and essentially lives with a friend, though Stanley remains devoted to her regardless. When Kimmel inquired about the dynamics of this anatomical marriage, Applegate jokingly assured him that they’re good and that the unconventional arrangement works for them.
The actress then moved on to her lower limbs, revealing that her right knee has been dubbed Meghan Markle. She expressed that the name is a sign of high regard, often telling her knee, Meghan, thank you, when it functions properly.
Her left knee, however, bears a more nostalgic name: Tootie, a tribute to Kim Fields’ famous character from the classic sitcom The Facts of Life. Applegate confirmed that she frequently engages in verbal standoffs with her limbs, especially when her MS symptoms flare up.
She told the host that she will often yell at them and demand they stop it when they begin to act out. Surprisingly, she noted that this psychological tactic actually does help manage the physical sensations, theorizing that because it is a brain disorder, the mental interruption can sometimes reset the response.
When asked if the Duchess of Sussex might take offense to being a knee, Applegate admitted she wasn’t sure and jokingly confessed, I think she’s probably gonna be mad about that. However, she stood by the choice, reiterating that it is a plea for help rather than an insult.
She eventually concluded the topic with her signature wit, stating that she doesn’t really give a crap on a cracker regarding any potential backlash over the humorous monikers. Aside from her late-night appearances, Applegate has remained a powerful voice in the MS community through her podcast, MeSsy, which she co-hosts with friend and fellow actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler.
The show, which recently entered its second season, features candid discussions about the realities of living with an invisible illness and has become a top-rated program for its raw honesty. The duo has been praised for breaking down the stigma associated with disability while maintaining a sense of humor.
In terms of her screen work, while Applegate has largely retired from physically demanding acting roles following her acclaimed turn in Dead to Me, she has stayed active in the industry through voice acting and production.
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