Jamie-Lynn Sigler talks ’emotional’ portrayal of doctor with MS on Grey’s Anatomy… 25 years after diagnosis with the disease

Jamie-Lynn Sigler got emotionally candid about her portrayal of a doctor with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) during a recent episode of Grey’s Anatomy. 

The 44-year-old actress – who was first diagnosed with the chronic autoimmune disease at age 20 – opened up about topic during an interview with Good Morning America. 

Sigler took on the guest role of Dr. Laura Kaplan in an episode that aired on Thursday, and had the chance to show someone ‘living with [MS] authentically’ through a ‘beautiful’ character. 

The Sopranos alum additionally reflected on concealing her diagnosis for years due to being afraid of not getting work – and the full circle moment of her now playing an individual with the disorder. 

‘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,’ Sigler expressed on GMA on Friday. 

She then recalled the very first scene she shot on set of Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Kaplan – a urologist visiting Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. 

‘My very first take, where I do say the words that “I have MS,” was very emotional for me,’ the star admitted. 

She explained the importance of wanting to portray a character on the screen ‘that is living with [MS] authentically.’

Sigler also expressed her hopes of playing a role that can help and inspire those also battling the disease – which has no cure. 

‘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.’ 

The actress continued, ‘I hope that my story, through whoever’s lens, they can interpret that and see more possibility and hope for themselves.’ 

MS is ‘a disease that causes breakdown of the protective covering of nerves’ and ‘can cause numbness, weakness, trouble walking, vision changes and other symptoms,’ per Mayo Clinic. 

Sigler has been vocal about her advocacy and battle with MS – with other celebrities having been diagnosed with the disease such as Christina Applegate and Selma Blair. 

The star also had the chance to offer her own input in regards to her character and storyline in the episode – with writers collaborating with her during the process. 

She talked about how her character closely identified with someone battling with the disorder – such as Dr. Kaplan not being vocal about having MS during a portion of the episode. 

‘I think that’s very important representation. It’s not something that defines who you are. It’s not something that has to come up in every conversation,’ she told People in an article published on Friday.

Sigler added that she wanted to ‘show someone in their power’ when she was first asked to be a part of the hit medical drama series. 

‘And they really delivered,’ the Entourage actress gushed. ‘The character is such a beautiful representation for the MS community.’ 

The mom-of-two explained to the outlet that playing a character not hiding their battle with MS allowed her to do her ‘best work.’

She said that she is now very open with directors with her struggles with MS, candidly sharing that she is ‘done hiding or trying to change who I am.’ 

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 mirrors his own health battle, with Pickens Jr. announcing late last year that he is battling the same disease. 

Sigler jumped to her main Instagram page this week to share a behind-the-scenes snap she took with her co-star on set of the show. 

She wrote that being a part of the Grey’s Anatomy ‘was a dream realized for myself and for so many others like me.

‘I mean first of all, I got to work with the legendary @therealjamespickens, and I was able to live out a story very parallel to my own.’

The star added, ‘I represent MS any time I’m on screen, but to play a Dr who speaks about her journey with honesty and hope, is the road I try to walk myself each and every day. 

‘Having a disability of any kind doesn’t mean you are weak or incapable.. it just means you may have to find a new way… and that new way usually opens doors to some pretty beautiful things. See you tonight !!’

Last month in December, it was revealed that Sigler would be taking on a guest role in season 22 of Grey’s Anatomy. 

She played Dr. Kaplan in the episode titled Heavy On Me and was her first TV appearance in three years since starring in Big Sky. 

Despite being diagnosed with MS at the age of 20 when she was working on The Sopranos, she kept the disease hidden for 15 years for fear of losing out on jobs in the industry. 

And then in 2016 she went public with her diagnosis. 

Sigler told People at the time, ‘I wasn’t ready until now. You’d think that after all these years, somebody would be settled with something like this, but it’s still hard to accept.’

Her initial symptoms had been tingling and heaviness in her legs and after seeing a doctor, she was told she had MS. 

She later gave an update to the outlet, saying that the disease ‘gave me my superpower, which is vulnerability.’ 

Sigler is known for her role as Meadow on The Sopranos and has starred in other shows such as How I Met Your Mother and Entourage. 

The actress tied the knot with Cutter Dykstra in 2016 and the couple share children Beau, 12, and Adam, seven.