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Christina Applegate (born November 25, 1971[1]) is a retired American actress. She gained recognition in the late 1980s for playing Kelly Bundy in the Fox sitcom Married... with Children (1987–1997). Her titular role in the sitcom Jesse (1998–2000), earned her first nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy. For her guest role in the NBC sitcom Friends (2002–2003), she won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series. She received additional Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her roles in the television sitcom Samantha Who? (2007–2009), starred in a short-lived sitcom Up All Night (2011–2012), and the dark tragicomedy series Dead to Me (2019–2022). Applegate served as a producer of all three aforementioned projects.
Applegate has achieved success in films of varying genres, particularly in comedies such as Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead (1991), The Big Hit (1998), The Sweetest Thing (2002), Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) and Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013), Hall Pass (2011), Vacation (2015), Bad Moms (2016), and Crash Pad (2017). On stage, Applegate received a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her debut performance as the title character in the Broadway musical revival Sweet Charity (2005).
After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in August 2021, Applegate announced she would step away from appearing on-screen, but would continue doing voice work.
She published a memoir in 2026, an instant New York Times Best Seller, where she focused on resilience and self-acceptance.[2]
Early and family life
Applegate was born on November 25, 1971, in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. Her father, Robert William "Bobby" Applegate (1942–2025), was a staff producer at Dot Records;[3] her mother, Nancy Priddy, is a singer and actress. She was named after the Andrew Wyeth painting Christina's World, for which her mother also named a song on her album You've Come This Way Before.[4] Her parents separated shortly after her birth and Christina was raised by her mother. She has two half-siblings, Alisa and Kyle, from her father's second marriage. As a child, Applegate trained as a dancer in various styles, including jazz and ballet.[5]
Career
1972–1986: Early projects
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Applegate made her television debut in 1972 alongside her mother in the soap opera Days of Our Lives and starred in a commercial for Playtex baby bottles at 3 months old.[6] She made her film debut in the 1981 horror film Jaws of Satan (or King Cobra) and appeared in the 1981 movie Beatlemania. She debuted as a young Grace Kelly in the television biopic Grace Kelly (1983) and appeared in her first television series in Showtime's political comedy Washingtoon (1985), in which she played a congressman's daughter.
Applegate was a guest in the series Father Murphy (1981), Charles in Charge (1984–1985), and Silver Spoons (1986). In 1986, she won the role of Robin Kennedy, a policeman's daughter, in the police drama series Heart of the City (1986–1987). For her performance, she received a Young Artist Award. She guest-starred in several television series, including All Is Forgiven, Still the Beaver, Amazing Stories, and Family Ties.
1987–2001: Breakthrough and Married... with Children
From 1987 to 1997, Applegate played the ditzy, sexually promiscuous daughter, Kelly Bundy, on Fox's first sitcom, Married... with Children. While working on the series, Applegate was seen in Dance 'til Dawn (1988) and Streets (1990), in which a teenage drug addict is stalked by a psychotic police officer. She guest-starred in 21 Jump Street (1988) and Top of the Heap (1991) and hosted Saturday Night Live (1993) and MADtv (1996). The character of Sue Ellen Crandell in the black comedy feature Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead (1991) was Applegate's first starring role in a mainstream film, playing a rebellious teenager who is forced to take care of siblings after their summer babysitter dies. She had roles in films such as Vibrations (1995), Across the Moon (1995), Wild Bill (1995), Tim Burton's Mars Attacks! (1996), and Gregg Araki's Nowhere (1997). Contrary to reports, she did not audition for Titanic, as she told Vanity Fair in their May 2023 edition: "No. Who said that?…That would not have come across my desk, if I had a desk." [Shaw, Vanity Fair, May 4, 2023.] When Married... with Children was cancelled in 1997, producers pitched a spinoff centered on Kelly Bundy, but Applegate declined.[7]
In 1998, Applegate starred as Claudine Van Doozen in the independent feature Claudine's Return (or Kiss of Fire), appeared in the action-comedy The Big Hit and played the fiancée of a mob boss in the Mafia satire Jane Austen's Mafia.
Applegate was one of the founding members of The Pussycat Dolls that debuted at Johnny Depp's Viper Room on the Sunset Strip in 1995.[8][9] She emceed for the group when they moved to The Roxy Theatre in 2002.[10]
2002–2009: Anchorman, stage, and television
Applegate played the dual role of a 12th-century noblewoman, Princess Rosalind, and her 21st-century descendant, Julia Malfete, in the time-travel comedy Just Visiting (2001). She was Princess Gwendolyn and Kate in the movie Prince Charming (2001). After playing Cameron Diaz's level-headed best friend, Courtney Rockcliffe, in The Sweetest Thing (2002), she appeared in Heroes (2002), the romantic airplane comedy View from the Top (2003), the true-crime film Wonderland (2003) based on the Wonderland murders, and the Gram Parsons biopic Grand Theft Parsons (2003). In 2004, she starred with Ben Affleck in the holiday comedy Surviving Christmas and with Matt Dillon in Employee of the Month. She was the executive producer of Comforters, Miserable (2001).
Applegate guest-starred on Friends in the ninth (2002) and tenth (2003) seasons in episodes titled "The One with Rachel's Other Sister" and "The One Where Rachel's Sister Babysits" as Amy Green, Rachel Green's (Jennifer Aniston) sister. She won the Primetime Emmy Award from two nominations for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series[11] for her performance in "The One with Rachel's Other Sister."
Applegate received recognition for her portrayal of anchorwoman Veronica Corningstone in the 2004 comedy films Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy and Wake Up, Ron Burgundy: The Lost Movie, an alternative film comprising alternate takes and deleted scenes and story elements.
Applegate has performed on stage in The Axeman's Jazz, Nobody Leaves Empty Handed, The Runthrough, and John Cassavetes' The Third Day (co-starring Gena Rowlands). In 2004, she debuted on Broadway as Charity Hope Valentine in a revival of the 1966 musical Sweet Charity. In late April 2005, she took part in the annual Broadway Cares' Easter Bonnet Competition, being sawed in half by a magician in their Clearly Impossible sawing illusion. Sweet Charity ended its Broadway run on December 31, 2005.[12] Applegate won the 2005 Theatre World Award and was nominated for a 2005 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in the musical.
While appearing in Sweet Charity, Applegate broke her foot and it was announced that the musical would close during previews. She persuaded the producers to change their minds.[12] Because of her injury, she had to wear special shoes to prevent another accident. In a 2013 interview, she said that because of what happened, she "actually can't dance anymore. And that is sad for me because I always wanted to go back. But I probably won't be able to."[13] She does dance whenever the opportunity presents, but cannot perform in strenuous roles.[13]
In 2006, Applegate appeared in Jessica Simpson's music video for "A Public Affair" with Eva Longoria, Ryan Seacrest, and Christina Milian. She starred in the ABC comedy Samantha Who? from October 15, 2007, until it was cancelled on May 18, 2009; the finale aired on July 23, 2009. The series co-starred Jean Smart, Jennifer Esposito, and Melissa McCarthy and focused on a 30-year-old who, after a hit-and-run accident, develops amnesia and has to rediscover her life, her relationships, and herself.[14] She received two nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and two nominations for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy. Shortly after the cancellation was announced, she began a campaign to get the show back into production,[15] which failed. She topped the list of People's Most Beautiful People in 2009.[16] She appeared with her Married... with Children co-star David Faustino in an episode of Faustino's comedy series Star-ving.[17]
2010–present: Dead to Me and further acclaim
Applegate voiced Catherine the Cat in the three-dimensional talking animal sequel Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore (2010). She said her mother wanted her to be involved in the film. Prior to Cats & Dogs 2, she voiced Brittany, one of the Chipettes, in Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (2009), Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (2011), and Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (2015).
In 2011, Applegate starred in the Farrelly brothers comedy Hall Pass. Applegate also starred in the NBC sitcom Up All Night with Maya Rudolph and Will Arnett, which debuted on September 14, 2011.[18] On February 8, 2013, she left the series after its second-season hiatus, which was leading into a planned format change. The series was ultimately cancelled.[19]
On July 31, 2013, Applegate was featured on the second episode of the fourth season of the revived American version of the TLC series Who Do You Think You Are?. The episode centered on Applegate trying to find information about her paternal grandmother, Lavina Applegate Walton, who was absent for most of Applegate's father's life and died when he was young. Applegate learned that Walton died in 1955 from tuberculosis and alcohol-related cirrhosis.[20]
In 2013, Applegate reprised her role as Veronica Corningstone in the comedy sequel film Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues. The film received positive reviews from critics and was a box office success. In 2014, she had a starring voice role as Mary Beth in the animated musical fantasy film The Book of Life. In 2015, she starred with Ed Helms in the National Lampoon sequel Vacation, the fifth full-length movie episode of the road-trip comedies. They played Rusty Griswold and his wife, Debbie, who with their two sons take a trip to Walley World, just as Rusty did with his parents in the 1983 original film, National Lampoon's Vacation. The film was poorly reviewed, but was a box office success. In 2016, she starred as Gwendolyn James in the comedy film Bad Moms with Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, and Kathryn Hahn. The film earned mixed reviews from critics and was a box office success.[21]
In July 2018, Applegate co-starred with Linda Cardellini in the Netflix dark comedy series Dead to Me[22] and executive produced the series with Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, and Jessica Elbaum.[23] The series received critical acclaim. Applegate received two nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her performance in seasons one and two.[24][25]
On November 14, 2022, she received a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame.[26] She was accompanied by her Married... with Children co-stars Katey Sagal and David Faustino. Her star was placed adjacent to Sagal and Ed O'Neill's stars.[26]
In 2024, Applegate began a podcast with fellow actress with multiple sclerosis Jamie-Lynn Sigler called MeSsy about their friendship based on the condition.[27] In January 2026, Sigler credited Applegate with inspiring her to be more public about her own MS condition.[28]
Applegate released her memoir, You with the Sad Eyes, in March 2026,[29] topping The New York Times Best Seller list in its first week of sales.[30]
Personal life
Applegate married actor Johnathon Schaech in Palm Springs, on October 20, 2001.[31] Schaech filed for divorce in December 2005, citing irreconcilable differences,[31] and the divorce was finalized in August 2007.[32] She began dating Dutch musician Martyn LeNoble in 2009. The couple became engaged on Valentine's Day 2010[33] and married on February 23, 2013, at their Los Angeles home.[34] It was the second marriage for both.[35] They have one daughter, Sadie, born in January 2011.[36]
Health
People reported on August 3, 2008 that Applegate had been diagnosed with breast cancer. A representative stated, "Christina Applegate was diagnosed with an early stage of breast cancer. Detected early through doctor-ordered MRI, the cancer was not life-threatening. Christina is following the recommended treatment of her doctors and will have a full recovery."[37] It was announced that she was cancer-free after a double mastectomy, although cancer had been found in only one breast.[38] She inherited a genetic trait, BRCA1,[39] which can trigger breast and ovarian cancer. Her mother is also a breast cancer survivor. Applegate said when she was diagnosed, "I was just shaking and then also immediately, I had to go into 'take care of business mode'."[39]
Applegate announced on August 10, 2021 that she had received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis a few months before.[40] The disease significantly affected her ability to perform in the final season of Dead to Me, for whose success she credits her co-star Linda Cardellini and showrunner Liz Feldman's support and openness in making reasonable adjustments to her filming schedule.[41]
Applegate said in February 2023 that, because of her illness, she would probably no longer act on camera, but would be open to voice-over work, such as a planned animated revival of Married... with Children, as well as working behind the scenes.[42][43]
During an appearance on GMA in March 2024, Applegate acknowledged now having "a tremor" from her MS condition.[44]
In March 2026, The New York Times reported that Applegate had retired.[45] On an episode of Wild Card with Rachel Martin the same month, Applegate informed NPR journalist Rachel Martin that her death was "looming" and that she had bought a burial plot.[46][47]
Philanthropy
Applegate has supported EIF, Adopt-A-Classroom, MPTF, WSPA, and the Trevor Project.[48] In 2003, she was the spokesman for the Lee National Denim Day, which raises millions of dollars for breast cancer education and research.[49] Following her breast cancer diagnosis, she appeared on a TV special, Stand Up to Cancer, designed to raise funds for breast cancer research. The one-hour special was broadcast on CBS, NBC, and ABC on September 5, 2008.[50]
In 2009, Applegate announced plans to return as the ambassador for Lee National Denim Day.[51] Also in 2009, she founded Right Action for Women, a charitable foundation dedicated to breast-cancer screening for women and focused on the type of MRI scan that saved her life.[52] In February 2015, she was awarded the Saint Vintage Love Cures Award at the 2nd annual unite4:humanity event hosted by Variety magazine for her dedication to and work with Right Action for Women.[53]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Jaws of Satan | Kim Perry | |
| Beatlemania | Dancer | ||
| 1990 | Streets | Dawn | |
| 1991 | Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead | Sue Ellen Crandell | |
| 1995 | Across the Moon | Kathy | |
| 1995 | Vibrations | Anamika | |
| Wild Bill | Lurline Newcomb | ||
| 1996 | Mars Attacks! | Sharona | |
| 1997 | Nowhere | Dingbat | |
| 1998 | Jane Austen's Mafia! | Diane Steen | |
| The Big Hit | Pam Schulman | ||
| Claudine's Return | Claudine Van Doozen | ||
| 1999 | Out in Fifty | Lilah | |
| 2000 | The Brutal Truth | Emily | |
| 2001 | Just Visiting | Princess Rosaline / Julia Malfete | |
| Sol Goode | Girl at the Bar | Uncredited | |
| 2002 | The Sweetest Thing | Courtney Rockcliffe | |
| Heroes | Wife | Short film | |
| 2003 | Grand Theft Parsons | Barbara | |
| Wonderland | Susan Launius | ||
| View from the Top | Christine Montgomery | ||
| 2004 | Surviving Christmas | Alicia Valco | |
| Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy | Veronica Corningstone | ||
| Wake Up, Ron Burgundy: The Lost Movie | |||
| Employee of the Month | Sara Goodwin | ||
| 2005 | Tilt-A-Whirl | Customer #1 | Short film |
| 2007 | Farce of the Penguins | Melissa | Voice role |
| 2008 | The Rocker | Kim Powell | |
| 2009 | Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel | Brittany Miller | Voice role |
| 2010 | Going the Distance | Corinne | |
| Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore | Catherine | Voice role | |
| 2011 | Hall Pass | Grace | |
| Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked | Brittany Miller | Voice role | |
| 2013 | Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues | Veronica Corningstone-Burgundy | |
| 2014 | The Book of Life | Mary Beth | Voice role |
| 2015 | Vacation | Debbie Fletcher Griswold | |
| Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip | Brittany Miller | Voice role | |
| 2016 | Youth in Oregon | Kate Gleason | |
| Bad Moms | Gwendolyn James | ||
| 2017 | Crash Pad | Morgan Dott | |
| A Bad Moms Christmas | Gwendolyn James | Cameo |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Days of Our Lives | Baby Burt Grizzell | 3 months old |
| 1981 | Father Murphy | Ada | Episode: "A Horse from Heaven" |
| 1983 | Grace Kelly | Young Grace Kelly | Television film |
| 1984–1985 | Charles in Charge | Stacy | 2 episodes |
| 1985 | Washingtoon | Sally Forehead | 10 episodes |
| 1986 | Silver Spoons | Jeannie Bolens | Episode: "A Family Affair" |
| All Is Forgiven | Simone | Episode: "Mother's Day" | |
| Still the Beaver | Mandy / Wendy | 2 episodes | |
| Amazing Stories | Holly | Episode: "Welcome to My Nightmare" | |
| 1986–1987 | Heart of the City | Robin Kennedy | 13 episodes |
| 1987 | Family Ties | Kitten | Episode: "Band on the Run" |
| 1987–1997 | Married... with Children | Kelly Bundy | Main role; 256 episodes[54] |
| 1988 | Dance 'til Dawn | Patrice Johnson | Television film |
| 21 Jump Street | Tina | Episode: "I'm Okay, You Need Work" | |
| 1990 | The Earth Day Special | Kelly Bundy | Television special |
| 1991 | Top of the Heap | Kelly Bundy | 2 episodes |
| 1993 | Saturday Night Live | Herself / Host | Episode: "Christina Applegate/Midnight Oil" |
| 1996 | Mad TV | Herself /Host | Episode: "#201" |
| 1997 | Pauly | Mariah | Episode: "Through the Ringers" |
| 1998–2000 | Jesse | Jesse Warner | 42 episodes; also co-producer |
| 2001 | Prince Charming | Kate / Princess Gwendolyn | Television film |
| 2002–2003 | Friends | Amy Green | 2 episodes |
| 2004 | King of the Hill | Colette / Attorney (voice) | Episode: "My Hair Lady" |
| Father of the Pride | Candy (voice) | Episode: "One Man's Meat Is Another Man's Girlfriend" | |
| 2005 | Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas | Dr. Suzanne Bedford | Television film |
| 2007–2009 | Samantha Who? | Samantha "Sam" Newly | 35 episodes; also producer |
| 2008 | Reno 911! | Seemji | Episode: "Did Garcia Steal Dangle's Husband?" |
| 2009 | Star-ving | Herself | Episode: "Married with Children...The Movie" |
| 2011–2012 | Up All Night | Reagan Brinkley | 35 episodes; also producer |
| 2011–2014 | So You Think You Can Dance | Herself / Guest Judge | 8 episodes |
| 2012 | Saturday Night Live | Herself / Host | Episode: "Christina Applegate/Passion Pit" |
| 2015 | Web Therapy | Jenny Bologna | 2 episodes |
| The Muppets | Herself | Episode: "Bear Left Then Bear Write" | |
| The Grinder | Gail Budnick | Episode: "A Bittersweet Grind (Une Mouture Amer)" | |
| 2018 | Ask the Storybots | The Baker | Episode: "Why Can't I Eat Dessert All the Time?" |
| 2019–2022 | Dead to Me | Jen Harding | 30 episodes; also executive producer |
Theatre
| Year | Title | Role | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Sweet Charity | Charity Hope Valentine[55] | Al Hirschfeld Theatre |
Music videos
| Year | Title | Role | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | "Rattlesnake Kisses" | Girl | Electric Angels |
| 2006 | "A Public Affair"[56] | Herself | Jessica Simpson |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Association | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Young Artist Awards | Exceptional Performance By a Young Actress in a New Television Series | Heart of the City | Won | [57] |
| 1988 | Young Artist Awards | Best Young Actress Starring in a New Television Comedy Series | Married... with Children | Nominated | [58] |
| 1989 | Young Artist Awards | Best Young Actress Starring in a Television Comedy Series | Won | [59] | |
| 1992 | Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards | Favorite TV Actress | Nominated | [60] | |
| MTV Movie Awards | Most Desirable Female | Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead | [61] | ||
| Young Artist Awards | Outstanding Young Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture | [62] | |||
| 1999 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Actress - Television Series Musical or Comedy | Jesse | [63] | |
| People's Choice Awards | Favorite Female Performer in a New Television Series | Won | [64] | ||
| TV Guide Awards | Favorite Star in a New Series | [65] | |||
| 2003 | Teen Choice Awards | Choice Movie Villain | View from the Top | Nominated | [66] |
| Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series | Friends | Won | [67] | |
| 2004 | Primetime Emmy Awards | Nominated | |||
| 2005 | Tony Awards | Best Actress in a Musical | Sweet Charity | [68] | |
| Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Actress in a Musical | [69] | |||
| Theatre World Awards | Theatre World Award | Won | [70] | ||
| 2008 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy | Samantha Who? | Nominated | [63] |
| Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series | [71] | |||
| Teen Choice Awards | Choice Comedy TV Actress | [72] | |||
| Television Critics Association Awards | Individual Achievement in Comedy | [73] | |||
| Satellite Awards | Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy | [74] | |||
| Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series | [67] | |||
| 2009 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy | [63] | ||
| Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series | [67] | |||
| Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series | [75] | |||
| TV Land Awards | Innovator Award | Married... with Children | Won | [76] | |
| People's Choice Awards | Favorite Female TV Star | Samantha Who? | [77] | ||
| 2010 | Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series | Nominated | [78] | |
| 2012 | Satellite Awards | Best Actress — Television Series Musical or Comedy | Up All Night | [79] | |
| 2014 | Teen Choice Awards | Choice Movie Actress – Comedy | Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues | [80] | |
| 2019 | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series | Dead to Me | [67] | |
| 2020 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy | [63] | ||
| Critics' Choice Television Awards | Best Actress in a Comedy Series | [81] | |||
| Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series | [82] | |||
| Satellite Awards | Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy Series | [83] | |||
| Television Critics Association Awards | Individual Achievement in Comedy | [84] | |||
| Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Comedy Series | [67] | |||
| Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series | |||||
| 2021 | Critics' Choice Television Awards | Best Actress in a Comedy Series | [85] | ||
| Satellite Awards | Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy Series | [86] | |||
| Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series | [87] | |||
| Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series | |||||
| 2023 | Critics’ Choice Television Awards | Best Actress in a Comedy Series | [88] | ||
| AARP Movies for Grownups Awards | Best Actress (TV) | [89] | |||
| Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series | [90] | |||
| Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series | [91] |
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