Image Source: Getty Images | Photo By Joe Scarnici
Christina Applegate, the beloved actress known for her incredible talent, has faced numerous challenges throughout her career, often hidden behind the glamour of Hollywood. Recently, she shared a deeply personal story on the Messy podcast, revealing how a producer’s comment led her to undergo plastic surgery at just 27 years old.
“At 27 years old, I was on a show, and one of the producers, very famous people who did a very famous show as well, said, ‘Hey, we’re having trouble lighting under your eyes. Your bags under your eyes are so big,'” Applegate recalled. The producer’s criticism was sharp, suggesting she get the bags removed, which was particularly hurtful as she explained that the trait was hereditary.
With a touch of humor, she added that her father had “Louis Vuitton luggage” under his eyes. Reflecting on the incident, she admitted, “You know what I did? At 27 years old, I had the only plastic surgery I’ve ever had to remove the bags under my eyes…I went under.” Applegate’s conversation with the podcast host delved into the harsh realities that actresses often face in the entertainment industry, particularly the relentless scrutiny over their appearance.
The Dead to Me star candidly discussed her fears about returning to work, sharing, “We talk a lot about the fear of going back to work, and, you know, I’m having, like, this idea of, like, I might want to. And now I’m like, ‘Oh, s—, we’re being so honest about this. Are they gonna think that I’m not gonna be able to do it?'”
Applegate has never shied away from being open about her struggles. In a May 2024 podcast, she and Jamie-Lynn Sigler bravely discussed their battles with eating disorders. “I just deprived myself of food for years and years and years. It was f—ing torture,” Applegate confessed, as reported by People magazine. This was just one of the many challenges she has faced, including her multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis in 2021.
Despite these challenges, Applegate’s career has been a source of immense pride. During her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2022, she reflected on her journey: “I’ve had a really interesting life. My life started as being a little girl, waiting in line to see the first Star Wars on this very street, at that very theater, looking at these [stars on the street] going, ‘Who are these people? What did they do? Did they do something right? Did they do something wrong? Whatever it is, I want one.”
Applegate’s resilience shines through even in her social media posts. In one poignant message, she wrote, “It’s been a tough road. But as we all know, the road keeps going. Unless some asshole blocks it.” Her determination is further highlighted by her battle with breast cancer in 2008, an experience she discussed with Oprah Winfrey, saying, “I cry at least once a day about it because it’s hard to overlook it when you’re standing there in the mirror, as reported by CNN.
When you look down, it’s the first thing you see…So you’re reminded constantly of this thing—this cancer thing that you had. This is my opportunity now to go out and fight as hard as I can for early detection.” Christina Applegate’s journey is a testament to her strength and courage, both in facing the pressures of Hollywood and in battling personal health challenges. Her story continues to inspire and resonate with many.
