Jamie-Lynn Sigler Hid MS Diagnosis for 25 Years to Protect Her Career

Jamie-Lynn Sigler got emotional during a recent interview with ABC, as quoted by Variety, in which she discussed her recent guest spot on 'Grey's Anatomy' as a doctor with multiple sclerosis.

She said the role was extremely personal, given that she was diagnosed with the condition 25 years ago and felt she needed to "keep it a secret" out of fear of losing work.

"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," said Jamie Lyn Singler in an interview with ABC as quoted by Variety.

According to Variety, Sigler, who was working on the legendary HBO drama 'The Sopranos' at the time, was 20 years old when she was diagnosed with MS. She didn't go public with the news until 2017, when she sat down with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

On January 15, Sigler appeared on 'Grey's Anatomy' as Dr. Laura Kaplan, a urologist with MS. In one of the recent episodes, she gives Dr. Richard Webber, played by James Pickens Jr., advice on how to best treat his prostate cancer, according to Variety.

"My very first take, where I do say the words that 'I have MS,' was very emotional for me," she said as quoted by Variety.

Sigler said her goal with the part was to "show someone in their power" and give an authentic depiction of someone living and thriving with MS.

- ANI