Podcasts > Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade > Christina Applegate | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

Christina Applegate | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

By Dana Carvey, David Spade

Dive into an intimate conversation with Christina Applegate as she opens up on "Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade" about her personal and professional life, including her ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis. While discussing her podcast "Messy" co-hosted with Jamie Lynn Sigler, Christina reveals how the platform serves as a therapeutic space to explore the challenges of living with MS. She conveys her daily struggles, particularly with fatigue, and her hope to once again play tennis, touching upon the frustrations of the disease's uncertain causation and longing for a cure over mere management.

Christina's storytelling then journeys back to her acting origins, becoming a SAG member in 1974 and her rise to fame as Kelly Bundy in "Married... with Children." She discusses the steps she took to avoid typecasting, exploring a variety of roles that showcase her versatility. From the cult favorites "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead" to "Anchorman," she reflects on initial audience reactions and their evolutions over time. The episode delves into her treasured friendships in the industry, including her connection with Ed O'Neill and nostalgic memories from her time on "Saturday Night Live" with Spade and the late Chris Farley, underscoring the importance of her enduring professional relationships and support systems.

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Christina Applegate | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

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Christina Applegate | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

1-Page Summary

Christina's Ongoing Struggles with MS and How She Copes

Christina Applegate continues to bravely face the myriad of challenges brought on by multiple sclerosis. She finds solace and a sense of mission through her podcast "Messy," which she co-hosts with Jamie Lynn Sigler. The show offers a therapeutic outlet for her to share the "messy" parts of her life candidly and with humor, which is crucial for her coping strategy. Christina also speaks about the daily battles with her symptoms, particularly fatigue, and her hopes of returning to play tennis once again. She expresses frustration with the lack of definitive answers regarding MS causation and effective treatments, longing for a cure rather than just management of the disease. Her discussions about the complexity of MS with friends like David Spade highlight the general misunderstandings and variety of experiences among those affected by the disease.

Christina's Early Acting Days

Christina Applegate's journey as an actress began early, with her becoming a SAG member in 1974 and appearing in TV shows like "Silver Spoons" and "Family Ties." Her break came from the sitcom "Married... with Children" where she played Kelly Bundy starting at age 15. Despite becoming a sex symbol from the show, Christina was determined not to be pigeonholed, choosing unexpected roles to diversify her career. She took roles that contrasted sharply with Kelly Bundy, such as in Gregg Araki's "Nowhere." Her film career includes cult classics like "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead" and "Anchorman," both of which received lukewarm responses initially but grew to become beloved over time.

Christina's Friendships and Connections

Christina Applegate places great value on the relationships she has formed throughout her career, particularly with co-stars like Ed O'Neill, with whom she shares a deep bond and frequent conversations. Her early days on "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) fostered lasting connections with the likes of David Spade and the late Chris Farley. Applegate recalls the unforgettable "Van Down By the River" sketch with Farley, and how the SNL cast, including Spade, welcomed her into their circle with open arms. Christina's friendship with David Spade is characterized by a shared sense of humor and kinship, which Dana Carvey observes and highlights. Her bonds formed in the entertainment industry continue to be a significant part of her life, providing support and joy amidst her professional and personal challenges.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves. The exact cause of MS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. Currently, there is no known cure for MS, but various treatments aim to manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and modify the immune response. Treatment options include medications to reduce relapses, manage symptoms like fatigue, and physical therapy to improve mobility and quality of life.
  • The "Van Down By the River" sketch on SNL is a famous comedy sketch featuring Chris Farley as a motivational speaker named Matt Foley. In the sketch, Matt Foley lives in a van down by the river and delivers humorous, over-the-top speeches to troubled youths. The character became iconic for Farley's physical comedy and energetic performance, making it one of the most memorable sketches in SNL history. The sketch is known for its absurdity and Farley's comedic talent, showcasing his ability to captivate audiences with his larger-than-life persona.

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Christina Applegate | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

Christina's Ongoing Struggles with MS and How She Copes

Christina Applegate candidly opens up about her personal battle with multiple sclerosis (MS), the emotional toll it takes on her, and the ways she finds solace and purpose despite the challenges.

Her podcast "Messy" as therapy and giving her life purpose

Christina has launched a new podcast titled "Messy," co-hosted with Jamie Lynn Sigler. In "Messy," she finds therapy and a sense of purpose, providing a platform to discuss not only her experiences with MS but also other messy aspects of life. The podcast is described as a therapeutic space for Christina where she can talk about issues in her life in a raw and honest manner, suggesting that it serves as a form of coping and healing, not just for her but also for anyone going through difficult times.

Guests on "Messy" are often friends or loved ones, and the conversations balance humor with deeper subjects. Christina emphasizes how important laughter is as a coping mechanism for her. Since her diagnosis, the podcast has become her new job now, serving as a means to cope and bringing her life a sense of purpose.

Ups and downs with symptoms and energy

Christina discusses the physical and mental preparation required to face each day due to the fatigue associated with MS. She admits that after any activity, she experiences exhaustion and needs recovery time, using terms like "busted" to describe her state post-exertion. Despite the challenges, she holds onto hope that she'll be able to play tennis again, keeping her club membership in the hopes of returning to the sport she loves.

Lack of clarity on cause and future treatments

Applegate delves into the lack of clarity around the causation of MS, acknowledging various theories but no definitive answers. She year ...

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Christina's Ongoing Struggles with MS and How She Copes

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Christina Applegate has been open about her struggles with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. She discusses the emotional toll, fatigue, and unpredictability of the disease, highlighting the challenges she faces in managing symptoms and maintaining her quality of life. Applegate's podcast "Messy" serves as a therapeutic outlet for her to share her experiences with MS and other life struggles, providing a platform for candid discussions and coping mechanisms. Despite the difficulties, she remains hopeful for advancements in MS treatments and a potential cure in the future.
  • The podcast "Messy" is hosted by Christina Applegate and Jamie Lynn Sigler. It serves as a therapeutic platform for Christina to discuss her experiences with MS and other life challenges in a candid and honest manner. The podcast features guests who are often friends or loved ones, and the conversations blend humor with deeper topics. Through "Messy," Christina finds solace, coping mechanisms, and a renewed sense of purpose amidst her ongoing struggles with multiple sclerosis.
  • Christina Applegate faces challenges in her daily life due to the fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), often feeling exhausted and needing recovery time after activities. Despite these struggles, she remains hopeful about returning to playing tennis, a sport she loves. The unpredictability of MS impacts her physical and mental preparation each day. Christina's coping mechanisms include humor and finding purpose through her podcast "Messy," where she discusses her experiences with MS and other aspects of life.
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment is complex due to the unpredictable nature of the disease and the varying symptoms it presents in individuals. Current treatments focus on managing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and improving quality of life. However, there is a significant need for more effective treatments that aim for a cure rather than just sympto ...

Counterarguments

  • While Christina finds therapy and purpose in her podcast, not everyone with MS may have the means or platform to create such a project, and other forms of therapy and support should be recognized and made accessible.
  • The therapeutic value of a podcast may not be equivalent to professional mental health support, and listeners should be encouraged to seek additional help if needed.
  • Laughter and humor can be powerful coping mechanisms, but they may not be sufficient for everyone, and some individuals with MS might require more comprehensive mental health strategies.
  • The podcast being Christina's new job is a positive outlet for her, but it's important to acknowledge that many individuals with MS might struggle to find work that accommodates their condition.
  • Holding onto hope to return to activities like tennis is admirable, but it's also important to address the need for adaptive sports and activities that are accessible to people with varying levels of physical ability.
  • While Christina is skeptical of simplistic solutions like lion's mane mushrooms, it's worth noting that complementary therapies can sometimes offer benefits when used in conjunction with conventional treatments, though they should be approach ...

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Christina Applegate | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

Christina's Early Acting Days

Christina Applegate's journey from child actor to esteemed actress encompasses a series of defining roles and career decisions that diverged from the typical Hollywood path.

Getting her start as a child actor in commercials and TV shows

Christina Applegate joined the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) in 1974, and had been working in the entertainment industry for some time before her major breakthrough. She appeared in various series, making guest appearances on shows like "Silver Spoons" and "Family Ties."

Landing her breakout role on Married... with Children

During a conversation with David Spade, Applegate recalled her time on the iconic sitcom "Married... with Children," which served as her breakthrough role. She started on the show at the tender age of 15, playing the role of Kelly Bundy alongside co-stars Katie Sagal and Ed O'Neill, whom she affectionately referred to as Katie and Ed.

Becoming a "sex symbol" but not seeing herself that way

Spade addresses how Applegate became a sex symbol by the end of her tenure on "Married... with Children," a transition that seemed odd considering her age during the show. Applegate made clear decisions about her roles post-sitcom, choosing not to be typecast as the "sexy blonde." Instead, she took a drastically different role in Gregg Araki's "Nowhere," where her character featured a unique look complete with purple and black hair, braces, a lisp, and a limp.

Discussing some of her hit movies over the years

Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead

Spade brings up "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead," a film that has turned into something of a phenomenon over the years, to Christina's surprise. While the movie initially did not perform well, catchphrases from the film are still brought up to her today. She recalls the movie's success as unexpected, growing over time, even joking that they had to pay people to see it at first. Applegate revealed that her own resentful and snar ...

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Christina's Early Acting Days

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Christina Applegate began her acting career as a child, appearing in commercials and guest roles on TV shows like "Silver Spoons" and "Family Ties." Her breakout role came when she was 15 on the sitcom "Married... with Children," where she played the character Kelly Bundy. Despite being labeled a sex symbol during her time on the show, Applegate made deliberate choices to avoid being typecast in similar roles post-sitcom.
  • "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead" initially had a lukewarm reception but gained a cult following over time due to its memorable catchphrases and unique charm. Despite its modest beginnings, the film's quirky humor and relatable themes resonated with audiences, leading to a resurgence in popularity. The movie's unexpected journey from underappreciated to cult classic status showcases how certain films can find a dedicated fan base long after their initial release.
  • "Anchorman" initially had a disappointing box ...

Counterarguments

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Christina Applegate | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

Christina's Friendships and Connections

Christina Applegate has nurtured lasting friendships and connections throughout her career, sharing special bonds with co-stars from her early days in television and her time on "Saturday Night Live."

Special bond with former co-star Ed O'Neill

Christina Applegate's relationship with Ed O'Neill encompasses frequent heartfelt conversations and mutual affection, stemming from their history on "Married...with Children." She and Ed O'Neill maintain a close relationship, talking on the phone at least three times a week. Applegate reflects on how her relationship with O'Neill has evolved since they were treated as "second-class citizens" as the kids on "Married...with Children." Now that she’s an adult, their dynamic has evolved into one of mutual respect and friendship.

Early days with SNL crew like David Spade and Chris Farley

Iconic "Van Down By the River" sketch

Christina Applegate fondly remembers her time with the SNL crew, particularly Chris Farley and David Spade. She shares an anecdote about her first meeting with Farley, where his vibrant personality and giggling left a lasting impression. Notably, Applegate participated in the iconic "Van Down By the River" sketch with Farley, where she struggled to maintain composure due to Farley's intense energy. This sketch remains a cherished memory as she and others on set were unable to hold back their laughter, adding to its memorable status. Applegate's gravitational pull toward Spade, Adam Sandler, and Farley showcases the camaraderie they shared, extending beyond the sets of SNL.

The conversation between Applegate and David Spade brings her early days on SNL back into focus, where a sense of camaraderie amidst the cast is evident. Applegate mentions that Spade and othe ...

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Christina's Friendships and Connections

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • "Married... with Children" was a popular American sitcom that aired from 1987 to 1997. The show focused on the dysfunctional Bundy family, led by Al Bundy, a disgruntled shoe salesman, and his wife Peggy. Christina Applegate played the role of their daughter, Kelly Bundy, known for her ditzy and promiscuous character traits. The dynamics on the show often revolved around the family's sarcastic and contentious interactions, with humor derived from their dysfunctional relationships and everyday struggles. The Bundy family was portrayed as a lower-middle-class family dealing with various comedic misadventures in a satirical manner.
  • The "Van Down By the River" sketch on SNL is a famous skit featuring Chris Farley as a motivational speaker named Matt Foley. In the sketch, Farley's character tries to scare a family's children straight by describing his own life failures, living in a van down by the river. The sketch is known for its humor, Farley's energetic performance, and the way it often caused the cast members to break character and laugh on set. It has become one of the most iconic and beloved sketches in SNL hist ...

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