Actress Jamie Lynn Sigler is opening up about taking on a meaningful new role nearly 25 years after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Sigler is portraying Dr. Kaplan, a physician living with MS, on the long-running drama series “Grey’s Anatomy” — a role that was created for her and with her in mind.
“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 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,” Sigler told ABC News’ Kelley Carter.
Multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, is a condition where the immune system attacks healthy cells. It is an autoimmune and chronic neurological disorder, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
MS can affect people differently, according to the NINDS, and some people have mild symptoms while others may experience severe symptoms that can range from having vision problems, muscle weakness, clumsiness, bladder control problems, dizziness, mental or physical fatigue, and mood changes to cognitive changes.
Sigler, now in her 40s, learned she had MS when she was 20. She was starring at the time on the hit drama “The Sopranos.”
Sigler said she waited 15 years before going public about having MS because she feared MS would prevent her from booking more acting roles.
But now, as Dr. Kaplan on “Grey’s Anatomy,” Sigler can be open about living with MS and her character even says the line, “I have MS, so standing for long periods in the [operating room] just isn’t an option.”
“My very first take, where I do say the words that ‘I have MS,’ was very emotional for me,” Sigler recalled.
As Kaplan, Sigler aims to “to show someone in their power” and “show somebody that is living with [MS] authentically.”
The actress and mom of two said today she would want to tell her younger self the words, “You’re going to be OK. … And it’ll be better than you imagine.”
“I think it’s like … just sometimes, we don’t allow and open up for the compassion and love that we deserve. And I’m just sending that to that version of me,” said Sigler.
Sigler also talks openly about life with MS on her “MeSsy” podcast, which she co-hosts with fellow actress Christina Applegate, who also has MS.
Sigler said she hopes her portrayal of Kaplan and the podcast can inspire viewers experiencing major challenges.
“We all have things in life that I think we carry with us that we have to push through, persevere through, or we feel shame or guilt around,” Sigler said. “I hope that my story, through whoever’s lens, they can interpret that and see more possibility and hope for themselves.”
The episode of “Grey’s Anatomy” featuring Sigler as Dr. Kaplan is streaming now on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+. “Grey’s Anatomy” airs on Thursdays on ABC.
