Christina Applegate is back on Instagram with a new video, a fresh hair color and a message for the people who have supported her through a difficult stretch. The 54-year-old Dead to Me star shared a video on Instagram on Sept. 21, marking her first new video appearance since a reported hospitalization that lasted nearly four months. In the clip, Applegate revealed freshly colored blonde hair while smiling and posing for the camera.
The update comes more than a month after reports that Applegate had returned home following her extended hospital stay. The actress has been open about living with multiple sclerosis since revealing her diagnosis in 2021, though the specific reason for her recent hospitalization has not been publicly confirmed.
© Christina ApplegateChristina Applegate Debuts Fresh Blonde Hair in New Video
Applegate kept her return to social media simple. Wearing jeans, a black top and a casual zip-up hoodie, the actress showed off her brighter blonde hair as she looked into the camera, smiled and turned her head to reveal the color from different angles.
She credited celebrity hairstylist Dave Stanwell with giving her the refresh and said he had helped brighten what she described as a “cloudy day.” Applegate also jokingly pointed out a new spot on her cheek before sending love to her followers.
The actress later posted a selfie to Instagram Stories that offered another look at the pigmentation on her cheek. She did not explain what caused the mark.
Her post quickly drew supportive reactions from famous friends. Henry Winkler praised Applegate in the comments, while Octavia Spencer and Andy Cohen responded with enthusiastic emojis.
Christina Applegate Was Reportedly Hospitalized for Nearly Four Months
Reports at the time described the stay as lasting nearly four months. However, Applegate and her representatives have not publicly disclosed a specific diagnosis or treatment that led to the hospitalization.
© Variety via Getty ImagesWhen reports about her hospitalization emerged in April, Applegate addressed her health on Instagram without revealing medical details. She thanked people for their support and said health problems remained a constant part of her life, adding that she was getting stronger and planned to focus on her health before saying more publicly.
Her representative similarly declined to confirm details about her hospitalization or medical treatment, noting Applegate's history of discussing complicated health issues through her memoir and podcast.
By early August, reports indicated that Applegate had been discharged and was back home. A source cited by TMZ said at the time that “she was doing well.”
Christina Applegate Has Been Open About Living With MS
Applegate revealed in August 2021 that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a chronic condition affecting the brain and spinal cord.
Since then, the Emmy-winning actress has spoken candidly about how dramatically the disease has changed her daily life, including issues with mobility, fatigue and pain.
© Getty ImagesShe has also discussed her experiences alongside fellow actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler on their MeSsy podcast. Sigler has lived with MS for more than two decades, and the pair have used the show to talk openly about illness, friendship and navigating life with chronic health conditions.
Earlier this year, Applegate released her memoir, You With the Sad Eyes. In the book, she described some of the everyday physical limitations she experiences, including severe exhaustion and difficulty moving her arms after waking up.
