Christina Applegate, the Emmy-winning actress known for her role in Married… With Children, continues to face challenges related to multiple sclerosis (MS), but according to her former co-star David Faustino, her sharp sense of humor remains intact.
Faustino Praises Applegate’s Resilience
David Faustino, who played Bud Bundy opposite Applegate’s Kelly Bundy on the long-running Fox sitcom, recently shared an update on how she is coping with the autoimmune disease she was diagnosed with in 2021. Speaking to Us Weekly, Faustino expressed admiration for her steadfastness despite the difficulties.
“I admire that she is steadfast in the face of this, even though it was a real blow,” Faustino said. He noted that while the illness has been tough, Applegate “keeps her sense of humor.”
Humor as a Coping Mechanism
According to Faustino, Applegate’s trademark dry wit has remained unchanged since they first met. Despite recent health setbacks—including a hospitalization earlier this year—he emphasized that “nothing has changed” when it comes to her sarcastic and dry comedic style.
“She handles it with some humor, and that’s the way she deals with it,” he added. Laughter, he explained, continues to be a central part of their friendship.
Ongoing Support and Advocacy
Faustino, now 52, has remained close to Applegate since she went public with her diagnosis. Their relationship now includes frequent texts, regular visits, and heartfelt check-ins. “I visit a lot. I text a lot, check in a lot,” he said. “A lot of fun shit we talk about. And that’s all I can do, right? Give her my love.”
While their conversations can be intense, Faustino stressed that laughter still plays a vital role in their bond. “When we sit, we have intense conversations. But we also keep the laughter going.”
Beyond personal support, Faustino has been involved in MS advocacy for decades. He has attended “Race to Erase MS” fundraisers since at least 1996—years before Married… With Children ended its 11-season run. Applegate starred alongside Faustino, Ed O’Neill, and Katey Sagal on the hit series from 1987 to 1997.
Applegate’s Health Updates
In April 2026, Applegate was hospitalized in Los Angeles. She later reassured fans on Instagram that she was feeling “better every day” and thanked them for their support. “Health issues are a constant for me, but I am a strong girl and getting stronger and better every day,” she wrote.
Since announcing her MS diagnosis in 2021, Applegate has been candid about the emotional and physical toll of the disease. At the time, she called it a “strange journey” and expressed gratitude for the community of people living with MS. In 2024, during an episode of her podcast MeSsy with fellow MS advocate Jamie-Lynn Sigler, she admitted to struggling with depression and said she no longer enjoys many aspects of life.
Later that year, on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast, Applegate described her MS diagnosis as “the worst thing that has ever happened to me in my entire life.”
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis
According to the Mayo Clinic, multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system. Common symptoms include numbness, weakness, vision problems, and difficulty walking. While there is currently no cure, treatments aim to manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
