Christina Applegate ‘Still Gives So Much’ Amid MS, Says Her Hairstylist: Emmys Appearance Was ‘Iconic’ (Exclusive)

Christina Applegate delivered one of the most touching moments at the 2023 Emmy Awards, and she did it in stunning style.

The 52-year-old star, who is nominated for lead actress in a comedy series for her role in Dead to meshe wore a custom cranberry velvet design by Christian Siriano, along with a cane she carries due to a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, which can affect balance.

Taking to the stage to a standing ovation, she declared: “Oh my God, you’re totally embarrassing my disability by standing up. It is OK . . . The body isn’t from Ozempic!” If her mood seemed good, it’s because she’d been prepping well ahead of the ceremony with a full support team, including Siran, hairstylist Adir Abgergel, makeup artist Simone Siegl and stylist Lindsay Flores.

“Preparations for big events can be overwhelming. I focused on being present and enjoying every moment together,” Abergel, who groomed the star in her home as well as backstage at the Emmys, tells PEOPLE exclusively. “We had fun! Christina and I have been friends for a long time and she is someone I love deeply.” He adds, “Showing up for her that night was very important to me.”

Inspired by Applegate’s velvet ensemble, Abergel gave the star “sleek and glossy Veronica Lake-inspired hair” with a deep side part and high shine using his celeb-loved Virtue line, including Volumizing Primer, Texture Spray and Healing Oil.

But it wasn’t all business for the stylist and his client. “We chatted, laughed and watched The Real Housewives of New York,” he says. “It was like catching up with my best friend.”

Christina Applegate bravely returns to the Emmys (in Velvet!) amid MS diagnosis: ‘The body is not from Ozempic’

Like many people, Abergel says he’s in awe of the actress, whose appearance at the Emmys he calls “iconic: I just think about the tremendous contributions she’s made to us over the years and how she’s still giving so much! Her career, her work ethic inspires me deeply. ” Designer Christian Siriano shared his love for the star on Instagram, writing: “This amazing woman #christinaapplegate tonight in Siriano silk velvet to the #emmys. I’ll tell you MS is a nasty disease and this beauty is so strong and inspiring. Tonight she’s nominated and deserves this. I love you! Styled by @iamlindsayflores Photo by @johnshearer.” In another post, Siriano wrote: “Oh Christina you are divine and I will wear you any day of the week! What a woman. #christinaapplegate #emmys”

Applegate was diagnosed with MS in August 2021, while filming the movie Dead to methe third and final season.

Her last red carpet appearance was at the 2023 SAG Awards in February.

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The star was joined by her favorite plus one, teenage daughter Sadie Grace LeNoble, and the duo wore a mother-daughter combo: Applegate in a floor-length velvet tuxedo with large lapels, and LeNoble in a classic black double-breasted suit. Both mother and daughter twinned in the shoes of Dr. Martens.

Christina Applegate and daughter Sadie Grace LeNoble at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in February 2023.

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

Applegate completed her elegant look with a cane that was decorated with stickers that included the letters “FU MS.”

LeNoble also joined Applegate at the Emmys, again wearing a chic black suit and matching her mom’s shoes again with her own pair of Dr. Martensica.

Christina Applegate and daughter Sadie ahead of the Emmy Awards on January 15.

John Shearer/Getty

In an interview with vanity fair last may Married with children The alum shared that she has no plans to return to the screen, noting that her physical capabilities have become increasingly limiting.

Christina Applegate says showering is ‘terrifying’ with MS: ‘I took certain things for granted’

“I probably won’t work in front of the camera again,” Applegate said while talking about his experience working with Linda Cardellini on Netflix Dead to mewhose third and final season debuted in November 2022.

“Ping-pong is a lot more fun when the other person is as good as you,” she noted. “I’m so glad I went out with someone who is by far the best actress I’ve worked with in my entire life, if not the greatest man I’ve ever known.”

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Source: HIS Education