Jamie-Lynn Sigler recently opened up about playing a doctor with Multiple Sclerosis on an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, sharing how the role affected her emotionally.
The 44-year-old actress, diagnosed with a long-term autoimmune condition when she was 20, recently discussed her experience in an interview with Good Morning America.
Sigler played Dr. Laura Kaplan in a recent TV episode, and was pleased to portray a character who realistically showed what it’s like to live with multiple sclerosis.
The actress, known for her role in The Sopranos, also talked about keeping her health condition a secret for years, fearing it would cost her jobs. She noted the irony of now portraying a character with the same condition.
Honestly, it feels like a lifetime ago, but it was only 25 years ago when I first got the diagnosis. The worst part wasn’t even having MS, it was the fear of what it would mean for my career. I had to keep it completely hidden, because I was terrified that if anyone found out, I’d never work again. It was a really isolating and scary time.
Honestly, it’s still sinking in! As someone living with MS, I never imagined my experience would inspire a storyline on a show like Grey’s Anatomy. It’s incredibly moving and something I truly never expected, as I shared on Good Morning America recently.
She remembered the first scene she filmed on Grey’s Anatomy, where she played Dr. Kaplan, a urologist who was visiting Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.
The star shared that saying the words ‘I have MS’ for the first time was a very emotional experience.
She emphasized the need to accurately and truthfully represent a character who has multiple sclerosis on screen.
Sigler shared her wish to portray a character who could offer support and encouragement to others facing this incurable illness.
Everyone experiences challenges and difficult feelings in life. We all have past issues or regrets that we need to overcome, or else they can cause us to feel ashamed or guilty.
The actress shared that she hopes her life story inspires others to believe in their own potential and find hope, however they choose to understand it.
According to the Mayo Clinic, multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that damages the protective layer around nerve fibers, leading to symptoms like numbness, weakness, difficulty walking, and vision problems.
Sigler has openly discussed her work as an advocate and her personal struggle with multiple sclerosis, a disease also affecting celebrities like Christina Applegate and Selma Blair.
The actress was able to share her ideas about her character and the episode’s story, and the writers worked with her to incorporate them.
Oh my gosh, it was SO amazing hearing her talk about how deeply she connected with the character’s struggles! Like, the little details? Incredible. She explained how it mirrored someone actually living with the condition, and that moment with Dr. Kaplan – not saying anything about her MS for a while – it was so real and heartbreaking, and it just showed how much thought she put into it. It felt so authentic, and I totally got why she made that choice. I’ve been rewatching that scene over and over!
She emphasized the importance of representation, clarifying that it doesn’t define a person and shouldn’t be a constant topic of discussion, as she shared with People magazine on Friday.
Sigler explained that when she was initially offered a role on the popular medical drama, she wanted to portray a character who was strong and capable.
The actress from Entourage was thrilled, saying the character is a wonderful portrayal for people with multiple sclerosis.
The mother of two told the publication that portraying a character who openly dealt with multiple sclerosis enabled her to deliver her most compelling performance.
She explained that she now openly discusses her multiple sclerosis with directors, saying she’s finished trying to conceal her condition or be someone she’s not.
Sigler worked alongside a number of cast members in Thursday’s episode including James Pickens Jr.
The actor plays the role of Dr. Webber who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
It’s just…it’s so personal, you know? When I heard about the storyline, I was floored. It completely reflects what’s happening in Patrick Pickens Jr.’s own life – he revealed late last year that he’s fighting the same illness! It’s like the show is speaking directly to his struggle, and honestly, it’s incredibly moving to see him sharing his experience through his work.
Sigler recently posted a photo on Instagram showing her with a co-star from the show’s set, giving fans a glimpse behind the scenes.
She shared that being on Grey’s Anatomy was a dream come true, both for her and for many others with similar backgrounds.
First of all, working with the incredible James Pickens Jr. was a dream come true. Plus, the storyline really resonated with my own life experiences.
I always aim to embody the spirit of MS in my work, but portraying a doctor who shares her experiences with honesty and optimism feels very personal, as it reflects the way I strive to live my own life every day.
A disability doesn’t make you weak or unable to do things – it simply means you might need to approach them differently. And often, finding that new approach leads to wonderful opportunities. See you tonight!
Last December, it was announced that Josh Sigler would appear in a guest role on season 22 of Grey’s Anatomy.
This marked her return to television after a three-year hiatus following her role in Big Sky, as she appeared as Dr. Kaplan in the episode ‘Heavy On Me’.
She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 20, while working on The Sopranos, but kept it secret for 15 years because she worried it would cost her acting roles.
And then in 2016 she went public with her diagnosis.
Sigler explained to People that he hadn’t felt prepared to deal with this until recently. He admitted that even after many years, it was still difficult to come to terms with the situation, despite what one might expect.
She first noticed a tingling and heavy feeling in her legs. After visiting a doctor, she received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS).
She later told the publication that going through the illness actually made her stronger, teaching her the power of being open and honest about her feelings.
Jamie-Lynn Sigler is famous for playing Meadow in The Sopranos, and she’s also appeared in popular series like How I Met Your Mother and Entourage.
The actress married Cutter Dykstra in 2016, and they have two children: Beau, who is 12, and Adam, who is 7.
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2026-01-16 23:05