Actress Selma Blair has delivered an encouraging update regarding her long-standing battle with multiple sclerosis, sharing positive news about her current health status seven years after her initial diagnosis.
A Milestone in Her Health Journey
The 53-year-old Cruel Intentions star, who first experienced symptoms as early as seven years old, revealed during an ELLE event on Monday that she has reached a significant milestone in managing the autoimmune condition. "I'm relapse-free for a couple of years now," Blair confidently told People magazine.
She elaborated on her improving condition, noting "I'm getting my stamina back all the time and traveling around and doing collaborations." This represents remarkable progress for the performer, who underwent intensive chemotherapy and a hematopoietic stem cell transplant at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago back in 2019.
Family Support and Career Resurgence
Blair, who was nominated for a Grammy, credits much of her strength to her 14-year-old son, Arthur Saint Bleick. She affectionately stated that her "joy is always gonna be from" her only child, while humorously adding, "I wish he felt the same way."
In a previous September interview with the same publication, the actress expressed admiration for her son's maturity, noting she's "really in awe of how brave" Arthur has been throughout her health challenges. She revealed he "takes great care of me, too, when at times I need it." Blair welcomed Arthur during her two-year relationship with brand architect Jason Bleick, which concluded in 2012.
Professional Recognition and Comeback
The Michigan native's health improvements have enabled a professional resurgence. She has recently returned to acting, portraying an American hostage inspired by Amit Soussana in Doron Eran's upcoming Israel-Hamas war drama Stay Forte, scheduled for US theatrical release next March.
Blair described the project to Variety in January, stating "This film is not just a narrative; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the bonds that unite us against unimaginable tragedy." She added, "I am honored to be part of this journey, which truly reflects the diverse fabric of Israeli society—people of many religions caught in the crossfire of conflict."
Her remarkable health journey was documented in her Discovery+ documentary Introducing, Selma Blair, which captured her treatment process. The recognition of her advocacy work came in September when she received dual honors: a Lifetime Achievement Award from the CineHealth Film Festival and an Advocate Award from the American Brain Foundation.
The University of Michigan graduate's other forthcoming projects include Doron Eran and Yoaz Paz's supernatural thriller Silent and the Polish Brothers twin drama There There. Her most recent acting role before her health-focused hiatus was playing Tessa Young's mother Carol in the 2020 romantic drama After We Collided.
Beyond acting, Blair maintains influence through brand partnerships with companies including Calamigos Guest Ranch & Beach Club, Mavenclad Cladribine Tablets, ESK Evidence Skincare, and Benny's Eyewear.
The actress faced controversy last year when she received substantial backlash for comments calling for the deportation of Democratic congresswomen Rashida Tlaib and Cori Bush, whom she labeled "terrorist supporting goons" for their support of Palestinian people. In a since-deleted Instagram comment, she wrote "Islam has destroyed Muslim countries and then they come here and destroyed minds."
Eleven days later, the Jewish star issued a public apology for "mistakenly and inadvertently conflating Muslims with radical Islamists and fundamentalists," expressing that she "deeply regrets" hurting "countless people."
