In a courageous and candid announcement in October 2018, beloved actress Selma Blair, then 46, revealed her multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis. The diagnosis, which she received in August of the same year, marked the end of a long and often frustrating journey to understand the symptoms she had been experiencing for years. Blair, known for her roles in films like Cruel Intentions and Legally Blonde, shared her story on Instagram, expressing both relief at finally having an answer and determination to live openly with her condition.
Blair credited actress Eliza Berkeley for urging her to seek medical advice from her brother, Dr. Jason Berkeley, who ultimately diagnosed her after identifying lesions on an MRI scan. “I have had symptoms for years but was never taken seriously until I fell down in front of him,” Blair wrote. This highlighted a common challenge for individuals with MS, where early symptoms can be vague or dismissed, leading to delays in diagnosis. For Blair, this delay spanned at least 15 years, underscoring the importance of persistent self-advocacy and thorough medical investigation.
Despite the challenges of living with MS, Blair has continued to work and inspire. She openly discussed the physical difficulties she faced on the set of the Netflix sci-fi series Another Life, where she played Harper Glass in 2019. Blair praised the support she received from the costume designer, Allisa Swanson, who assisted her with everyday tasks like dressing, demonstrating the practical ways in which workplaces can become more inclusive and accommodating for individuals with disabilities.
“I am disabled. I fall sometimes. I drop things. My memory is foggy. And my left side is asking for directions from a broken GPS,” Blair described, offering a raw and honest glimpse into her daily reality with MS. She also mentioned experiencing an exacerbation, or flare-up, of her symptoms. Yet, her message remained one of resilience and gratitude. She expressed thanks to the producers at Netflix for their understanding and for providing her with a “wonderful job” despite her health challenges.
Blair’s openness about her MS diagnosis has not only shed light on the condition but has also contributed to breaking down stigmas associated with disability and chronic illness in Hollywood and beyond. Her willingness to share her vulnerabilities has resonated with many, fostering a sense of community and support for others navigating similar health journeys.
Prior to her MS diagnosis, Blair had also been open about other personal struggles, including her journey to sobriety and her experience with postpartum depression. This pattern of open communication continued when fellow actress Christina Applegate announced her own MS diagnosis in August 2021. Blair immediately offered public support to Applegate via Twitter, demonstrating solidarity and reinforcing the importance of mutual encouragement within the MS community.
Selma Blair’s decision to speak publicly about her “Actress Ms Diagnosis” has transformed her personal experience into a powerful platform for advocacy and awareness. By sharing her story, she has empowered others to feel less alone, encouraged proactive healthcare, and inspired a more compassionate and understanding dialogue around multiple sclerosis. Her journey exemplifies strength, honesty, and the vital role of public figures in raising awareness for important health issues.
