Christina Applegate

About

Christina Applegate is a well-known American actress and dancer who has been entertaining audiences for more than three decades. She rose to fame with her breakout role as Kelly Bundy in the popular sitcom Married… with Children, and has since established herself as a versatile performer in both comedy and drama. Despite facing personal health challenges, Applegate has continued to shine on screen and off, using her voice to advocate for causes dear to her heart.

In this profile, we will explore the life, career, and philanthropic work of this talented artist.

Early Life and Career of Christina Applegate

Christina Applegate was born on November 25, 1971, in Hollywood, California, to Nancy Priddy, a singer and actress, and Robert Applegate, a record producer and executive. She began acting at a young age and made her TV debut at just three months old in a commercial for Playtex nursers.

Family and Childhood

Growing up, Applegate was exposed to the entertainment industry through her parents. Her mother was part of the folk music scene in the 1960s and appeared on a few TV shows, while her father worked with artists such as Deep Purple and Cheap Trick. However, her parents’ marriage was tumultuous, and they divorced when she was just five years old.

Early Acting Roles

Applegate’s first major acting role came in 1981, when she was cast as a young Grace Kelly in the TV movie “”Grace Kelly.”” She went on to appear in several TV shows, including “”Father Murphy”” and “”Silver Spoons,”” before landing her breakout role in “”Married… with Children”” in 1987.

Breakout Role in Married… with Children

How She Landed the Role of Kelly Bundy

Applegate’s big break came when she was cast as Kelly Bundy, the ditzy daughter of the dysfunctional Bundy family, in the hit sitcom “”Married… with Children.”” She beat out many other actresses for the role, partly due to her ability to play both comedic and dramatic scenes.

Impact of the Show on Her Career

“”Married… with Children”” ran for 11 seasons and was a major success, making Applegate a household name. However, despite the show’s popularity, Applegate grew tired of playing the same character for so many years and opted to leave the show in 1997, stating that she wanted to pursue more challenging roles.

Christina Applegate’s TV and Film Career

Her Success in TV Shows and Movies

After “”Married… with Children,”” Applegate continued to have success in both TV and film. She starred in the NBC sitcom “”Jesse”” from 1998 to 2000 and appeared in films such as “”Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,”” “”Hall Pass,”” and “”Bad Moms.””

Movies and TV Shows She Turned Down

Despite her success, Applegate has turned down several roles throughout her career, including the lead role in “”Legally Blonde,”” which ultimately went to Reese Witherspoon. She also declined a role in “”The Sweetest Thing”” due to the script’s explicit content.

Health Struggles and Advocacy Work

Her Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

In 2008, Applegate was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36. She underwent a double mastectomy and later revealed that she had also removed her ovaries as a preventative measure. She continued to work throughout her treatment, even returning to Broadway in the musical “”Sweet Charity”” in 2005.

Activism for Cancer Awareness

Since her cancer diagnosis, Applegate has been an advocate for breast cancer awareness and regular check-ups. She founded the nonprofit organization Right Action for Women, which provides financial assistance to women at high risk for breast cancer. Applegate has also been involved in various other charities, including No Kid Hungry and Stand Up to Cancer.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Christina Applegate is not only a talented actress but also a dedicated philanthropist. She was born on November 25, 1971, in Hollywood, California, to a record producer and an actress. Applegate began her acting career at a young age and quickly rose to fame with her portrayal of Kelly Bundy on the hit sitcom “”Married…With Children.””

Her Marriage and Children

In 2001, Applegate married actor Johnathon Schaech, but the couple divorced in 2007. In 2013, she married musician and founder of the band Martyn LeNoble, and the couple has one daughter together, Sadie Grace. Applegate has been open about her breast cancer diagnosis in 2008, which led her to have a double mastectomy. She also serves as an advocate for breast cancer awareness and prevention.

Charitable Causes She Supports

Aside from her work in entertainment, Applegate is an active supporter of several charitable organizations. She co-founded the Right Action for Women, a foundation that provides financial assistance to women at high risk of developing breast cancer. Applegate also supports PETA, The Trevor Project, and City of Hope. In 2020, she participated in the “”Celebrity Edition”” of the game show “”Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”” and won $500,000 for her chosen charity, which was Stand Up to Cancer.

Awards and Recognitions

Christina Applegate has received critical acclaim for her work in film and television throughout her career.

Emmy and Golden Globe Nominations

She has been nominated for multiple awards, including Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her role in the television series “”Samantha Who?”” In 2020, she received another Emmy nomination for her outstanding guest actress role in “”Dead to Me.””

Awards She Has Won

Applegate has also won several awards, including a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for “”Friends,”” and two Screen Actors Guild Awards for her performance in “”The Sweetest Thing”” and “”Dead to Me.””

Future Projects and Endeavors

Her Upcoming Movies and TV Shows

Applegate continues to stay busy in the entertainment industry. In 2021, she will star in the Netflix series “”Dead to Me”” for its third and final season. She is also set to star in the upcoming film “”Tall Girl 2″” and the television series “”The Summer of Love.””

Other Ventures She is Pursuing

In addition to acting, Applegate has also worked as a voice actor in several animated shows and films, including “”The Simpsons”” and “”Alvin and the Chipmunks.”” She has also co-founded a production company, known as “”Right On,”” which produces content for various networks and streaming services. Applegate is a multi-talented artist, who has made a significant impact on the world of entertainment and philanthropy.From her early beginnings in Hollywood to her successful film and TV career, Christina Applegate has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her resilience in the face of personal health challenges and advocacy work for breast cancer awareness and other causes is truly admirable. With upcoming projects already in the works, there is no doubt that she will continue to captivate audiences with her talent and passion for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christina Applegate

What is Christina Applegate’s most famous role?

Applegate is best known for her breakout role as Kelly Bundy in the popular sitcom Married… with Children.

What other TV shows and movies has Christina Applegate appeared in?

Applegate has appeared in a variety of TV shows and movies, including Friends, Samantha Who?, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, and Bad Moms, among others.

What health challenges has Christina Applegate faced?

Applegate was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and underwent a double mastectomy to treat the disease. She has since become an advocate for breast cancer awareness and early detection.

What philanthropic causes does Christina Applegate support?

Applegate is involved with a number of charitable organizations, including Right Action for Women, a foundation she founded to provide financial assistance to women at high risk for breast cancer who cannot afford regular screenings.”

Last Updated: 2nd April 2023