Christina Applegate Reveals Impact of Fame on Body Image and Eating Disorders

Christina Applegate Reflects on Pressures of Being a Sex Symbol

In a candid discussion this week, Christina Applegate, the beloved star of the groundbreaking sitcom “Married … with Children”, shed light on the intense pressures she faced as a young actress. These pressures ultimately contributed to her struggles with an eating disorder.

During an episode of her podcast titled “MeSsy”, Applegate, now 53, revealed to her former co-star Katey Sagal that playing her character had deep psychological effects. “Playing that character kind of did things to me in my psyche that were no bueno – like anorexia,” Applegate stated. Her admission serves as a poignant reminder of the often-unspoken challenges faced by actors in the public eye.

Understanding the Hidden Struggles

Applegate disclosed that her eating disorder began while she was still filming the series, which aired from 1987 to 1997. She remarked, “Yeah, a pretty bad eating disorder started when I was doing that show that lasted for a really long time.” This struggle was deeply private for her; she refrained from discussing her condition with anyone.

She recalled moments of eating in secrecy, saying, “I would hide in bathrooms to eat, because I had so much shame around eating that I would hide on the airplanes, like when we went to London.” The discomfort of eating in public stemmed from her fear that others would judge her and assume she was trying to gain weight.

Revelations from the Past

During the podcast, Sagal shared her surprise at Applegate’s struggles, noting that she was unaware of the extent of her co-star’s difficulties. Applegate affirmed this, explaining, “There’s a lot of stuff that happened in the wings of my life that you guys didn’t know about.” Sagal emphasized how Applegate, as a young actress, was under intense scrutiny because of her status as a sex symbol. Sagal remarked, “Being a sex symbol at 17 would f— with anyone’s head.” She highlighted the misogyny embedded in the show’s humor and environment.

Despite the challenges, Sagal remarked that she felt secure in her role and the comedic context. She explained her perspective, stating, “I was just playing my character, Peggy Bundy.” However, she recognized the additional pressures Applegate faced due to the way her character was portrayed.

The Evolution of Kelly Bundy’s Character

Applegate took ownership of the character development for Kelly Bundy, noting that she influenced the portrayal intentionally. Her character evolved from a tough biker girl to embodying the contemporary style of a rock and roll video vixen, a transition she felt represented broader cultural trends. She recalled, “I went to the wardrobe department and I said, ‘We gotta represent the zeitgeist of this rock, slutty video vixen thing that’s going on.”

However, Applegate soon recognized the ramifications of her creative choices. She admitted, “I may have shot myself in the foot” by suggesting a sexier representation, which came with the societal expectation to stay thin.

The Weight of Appearance

Reflecting on her experiences, Applegate discussed how shows often prioritize appearance over talent. In a 2023 interview, she expressed dismay at the obsession with her looks during her teenage years. “I was never on the receiving end of any kind of lasciviousness from anyone before ‘Married … with Children’,” she explained, sharing a sense of discomfort with how her image was marketed.

She previously opened up about her battle with anorexia during her podcast back in May. Applegate described the intense pain she inflicted on herself through deprivation, stating, “I just deprived myself of food for years and years and years. It was f—ing torture.” This condition did not go unnoticed by her colleagues, who expressed concern about her well-being on set.

Concerns from Colleagues and Changes in Wardrobe

On set, people began to notice Applegate’s eating habits, prompting discussions among the crew. She remembered them saying, “Christina never eats,” reflecting their worry over her health. Similarly, she revealed that the costume department often altered her outfits to fit a size smaller than zero. Yet, for Applegate, her self-image presented a stark contrast. “To me, I was enormous,” she confessed.

In the latest podcast session, Sagal discussed how her character also wore revealing clothing, admitting it stemmed from her own decisions at the audition. She felt an obligation to represent Peggy Bundy in a certain glamorous light. The actresses agreed that over time, their characters became less intelligent, emphasizing how their initially strong portrayals diminished.

A Desire for Normalcy

As the conversation evolved, Sagal reminisced about Applegate’s teenage years on set. Applegate voiced her desire for a more conventional life, reflecting on how her childhood experience as an actress diverged from the typical high school experience. “I just wanted to be normal, man,” Applegate shared, noting that growing up as a child actress was not devoid of its struggles.

Sagal acknowledged the unique challenges faced by child stars and praised Applegate for her ability to transition to adulthood effectively. Reflecting on their journey, Sagal remarked, “Christina is one of the few that’s made it through. You just made the transition seamlessly, which is not the experience of a lot of people.”

Lessons from the Past

As Applegate revisits her journey through stardom, she reflects on the lack of special treatment received within the show’s crew. She illustrates how humility permeated the environment, recalling a moment when she was unwell and asked for help, only to receive a blunt reminder to take care of herself. This experience reinforced her independence and self-reliance, values that have remained with her throughout her career.

The reflections shared on this podcast serve not only to unveil Applegate’s personal struggles but also to highlight the broader narratives surrounding women in entertainment. As she continues to navigate her journey in the public eye, her honesty paves the way for meaningful conversations about body image, fame, and mental health.