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Actress Christina Applegate has shared an emotional glimpse into her grieving process following the death of her father, Robert Applegate, who passed away at age 90. The Married with Children star broke down in tears during a heartfelt episode of her MeSsy podcast, where she opened up about the personal struggle of processing loss and the lingering impact of parental absence.
Speaking to guest JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Applegate revealed that she had not allowed herself to cry until that very moment, two weeks after her father's passing. "This is the first time I've really cried," she confessed. "I think I wasn't allowing myself to have that yet."
Applegate, who has faced numerous health challenges in recent years, including a debilitating battle with multiple sclerosis, reflected on how the anticipation of her father's death made it harder for her to confront the reality of loss. "You kind of know someone's going to go, and you've said your goodbyes... but is that an excuse for not feeling?"
Swisher, who has also lost both of her parents, spoke empathetically about the experience of feeling "untethered" after such a loss. For her, the absence of parental guidance left a void that even adulthood could not fill. Applegate, however, shared that her relationship with her father was not defined by traditional lessons or constant presence.
"I didn't grow up with my dad," Applegate explained. "He and my mom separated when I was 5 months old. But he's been in my life ever since." Despite their physical distance, she acknowledged the value of having had him there in some capacity, alongside her two siblings and stepmother.
Applegate also touched on the raw physical pain she endures as a result of her MS diagnosis. She has been hospitalized over 30 times in recent years and described excruciating symptoms including vomiting, pain, and fatigue. "I lay in bed screaming," she shared. "The sharp pains, the ache, the squeezing—it's unimaginable."
Her openness about grief and chronic illness has resonated with listeners, shedding light on the complex and layered nature of emotional pain. Through vulnerability and honesty, Applegate has offered a voice for many who are silently enduring similar struggles.
The actress continues to navigate life with resilience, drawing strength from her experiences, her family, and the candid conversations she shares with her podcast co-hosts and listeners. In a world often dominated by superficial narratives, Applegate's raw honesty is a reminder of the power of truth, even when it hurts.
