“Grey’s Anatomy” actor Steven W. Bailey revealed on Friday, Jan. 2, that he was diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular disorder known as congenital myasthenia syndrome, or CMS.
According to Mayo Clinic, CMS causes muscle weakness and worsens with physical activity. While there is no exact cure, medication often works for some variations of the condition depending on which gene has been identified as the root cause.
The star opened up in a lengthy X thread about his silent battle, explaining how his diagnosis has changed the state of his physical mobility and will continue to do so. Nevertheless, he reassured his fans that he will always be the “same guy” they’ve grown to admire.
Steven W. Bailey Explains Why He Kept His CMS Diagnosis Private
“I’ve spent years being cautious, private, and quiet about something that has been shaping my life and my work. That time is over,” the 54-year-old penned.
Bailey elaborated on why he refrained from revealing his condition sooner, writing, “Out of career caution, diagnostic uncertainty, and being private about such things in general, I have been hiding my battle with this disease for over five years. Time to stop.”
The actor explained which parts of his body have been most affected, saying that his “hands, arms and legs tire quicker than they should, which makes them weaker than, well… anticipated.” Bailey added how “sustained repetitive movements are particularly difficult and can cause my muscles to temporarily tighten and shut down.”
Steven W. Bailey Alternates From Using a Wheelchair to Walking
While he joked about how his CMS gets him out of household chores such as “doing the dishes and folding laundry,” he admitted that the “downsides” of his condition have interfered greatly with his life.
Bailey shared that despite needing to use a wheelchair most of the time, he is still able to enjoy a bit of normalcy. “I am fortunate that I am currently still able to walk the dog around the block, navigate my home, pop into the store for a quick few items, and the like on my feet,” he wrote. “But the truth is, as my disease progresses, I have been using a powered wheelchair more and more to get around.”
Having starred in “Grey’s Anatomy” as Joe, the owner of a bar near the show’s fictional hospital, as well as other hit series, including “Modern Family,” “Chicago Fire,” “NCIS” and more, Bailey said he plans to remain positive about his future as an actor.
“I am hopeful that there is still room for me in this industry that I love,” he explained. “I look forward to performing as characters who live their lives with a chair, creating a more representative world in film and television.”
