Actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler was photographed using a wheelchair at Los Angeles International Airport this week, providing a visible reminder of her ongoing battle with Multiple Sclerosis. The 44-year-old star, best known for her role as Meadow Soprano in the iconic television series The Sopranos, appeared frail as she was assisted through the terminal by an aide.
A Lifelong Condition Revealed
Sigler was first diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at just 20 years old while working on The Sopranos, but kept her condition hidden from the public for 15 years due to fears about her career prospects in the entertainment industry. Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body's own nervous system, causing damage to the brain and spinal cord.
The condition affects approximately 2.3 million people worldwide, including around one million in the United States and 100,000 in the United Kingdom. MS is more than twice as common in women than men, with most diagnoses occurring when patients are in their 20s and 30s. While symptoms can range from mild to severely disabling, there is currently no cure for this lifelong condition.
Return to Television After Three-Year Hiatus
Sigler's appearance at LAX comes shortly after her return to television following a three-year absence from screens. The actress recently portrayed Dr. Laura Kaplan, a urologist with Multiple Sclerosis, in an episode of the long-running medical drama Grey's Anatomy. Speaking to photographers at the airport, Sigler expressed that it "feels good" to be working again after her extended break from acting.
In an emotional interview with Good Morning America earlier this month, Sigler reflected on the significance of her Grey's Anatomy role. "To think back 25 years ago, when I was diagnosed and having to keep it a secret, thinking that if anybody knew that I had MS, that meant that I would never work again," she shared. "And to now be in a position where my having MS inspired a role in a storyline on a show like Grey's Anatomy, I never would have believed you."
Authentic Representation on Screen
The actress described her first scene on the Grey's Anatomy set as particularly emotional, especially when she had to deliver the line "I have MS." Sigler emphasized the importance of portraying a character "living with MS authentically" and worked closely with the show's writers to ensure accurate representation of the condition.
"I think that's very important representation," Sigler told People magazine in a recent interview. "It's not something that defines who you are. It's not something that has to come up in every conversation." She added that she wanted to "show someone in their power" when first approached about the role, and praised the show for creating "a beautiful representation for the MS community."
From Secrecy to Advocacy
Sigler kept her diagnosis private until 2016, when she finally went public with her condition. She explained to People at the time, "I wasn't ready until now. You'd think that after all these years, somebody would be settled with something like this, but it's still hard to accept." Her initial symptoms included tingling and heaviness in her legs before she received her diagnosis.
Now, the actress has become increasingly vocal about her advocacy work and personal journey with MS. She joins other celebrities who have publicly discussed their battles with the condition, including Christina Applegate and Selma Blair. Sigler has described how her perspective has shifted over time, telling People that MS "gave me my superpower, which is vulnerability."
A New Approach to Her Career
The mother of two explained that playing a character who doesn't hide their MS battle allowed her to do her "best work." She has adopted a new approach to her career, being open with directors about her struggles with the condition. "I'm done hiding or trying to change who I am," Sigler candidly shared.
On Instagram this week, Sigler posted about her Grey's Anatomy experience, writing that being part of the show "was a dream realized for myself and for so many others like me." She continued, "I represent MS any time I'm on screen, but to play a Dr who speaks about her journey with honesty and hope, is the road I try to walk myself each and every day."
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis is described by medical experts as a disease that causes breakdown of the protective covering of nerves, potentially leading to numbness, weakness, trouble walking, vision changes and other symptoms. The condition typically shortens life expectancy by approximately five to ten years, though symptoms can be managed with medication and various therapies.
While the exact cause of MS remains unclear, research suggests genetic factors may play a role, though the condition is not directly hereditary. Environmental factors such as smoking and low vitamin D levels have also been linked to increased risk. The condition is more commonly diagnosed in people of European ancestry.
Sigler's recent television appearance marks her first role since starring in Big Sky three years ago. Beyond her iconic Sopranos role, she has appeared in numerous television shows including How I Met Your Mother and Entourage. The actress married baseball player Cutter Dykstra in 2016, and the couple have two children together.
