“Sopranos” actor Jamie-Lynn Sigler was seen arriving at Los Angeles International Airport this week using a wheelchair as she continues to live with Multiple Sclerosis.
Sigler Spotted Being Wheeled Through Airport Terminal
According to photos published by The Daily Mail, the 44-year-old actress was pushed through the terminal before walking out of the airport on her own. She was then seen getting into a waiting car.
The report also mentioned Sigler’s banter with the photographers. She told them it “feels good” and “necessary” to be working again.
Returning to the Screen With a Role Close to Home
Sigler made headlines when she recently returned to television following a three-year hiatus, appearing in a guest role on “Grey’s Anatomy.”
She portrayed Dr. Laura Kaplan, a physician who also lives with MS.
The role carried deep personal meaning for the actress, who was diagnosed with the chronic autoimmune disease at age 20.
Her return came years after her breakout run on “The Sopranos,” which aired from 1999 to 2007. Sigler said the opportunity allowed her to portray someone “living with [MS] authentically” through a “beautiful” character.
Opening Up After Years of Silence
Earlier this month, Sigler opened up publicly about her diagnosis during an emotional interview on “Good Morning America.”
“To think back 25 years ago, when I was diagnosed and having to keep it a secret, thinking that if anybody knew that I had MS, that meant that I would never work again. And to now be in a position where my having MS inspired a role in a storyline on a show like Grey’s Anatomy, I never would have believed you,” she told GMA.
She also reflected on the powerful moment she first spoke about the condition on screen. “My very first take, where I do say the words that ‘I have MS,’ was very emotional for me,” Sigler admitted.
Living With MS and Hoping to Inspire Others
GettySigler has previously revealed that she kept her diagnosis private for 15 years, fearing it could limit her career opportunities in the industry.
Multiple Sclerosis is a lifelong condition in which the immune system attacks the body, causing nerve damage to the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms vary and can include difficulty walking, weakness, numbness, and vision changes, according to the Mayo Clinic.
GettyReflecting on her experience, Sigler said she hopes her journey can connect with others facing similar challenges.
“We all have things in life that I think we carry with us that we have to push through, persevere through, or we feel shame or guilt around,” she said, as reported by ABC News.
“I hope that my story, through whoever’s lens, they can interpret that and see more possibility and hope for themselves.”
Sigler continues to advocate for MS awareness, joining other public figures who have spoken openly about living with the disease.
Love her in the CHRISTMAS NOTE in Hallmark movie
For the love of everything holy stop posting Instagram links. Because unless you have Instagram it doesn’t even let you see the picture unless you download the app because it immediately sends you to the app/play store and demands you download to see. Stop. Take a screenshot and just credit the poster.