Christina Applegate, born on November 25, 1971, started her career as a child acting in commercials and has since become one of America’s most loved television stars. She became a household name with her role as Kelly Bundy in “Married with Children,” which she played for 10 years. Despite being initially typecast as the “blonde ditz,” she continues to impress audiences and critics with her comedic skill and performing talents. Applegate appeared in various roles on television, acted on stage and in films, and has also voiced characters in animation. Together, let’s celebrate her iconic roles on her birthday.
Fast Facts
Full Name:
Christina Applegate
Birth date:
November 25, 1971
Age:
52
Zodiac Sign:
Sagittarius
Height:
5' 4"
Relationship Status:
Married
Net Worth:
$25 million
Background
Christina Applegate was born on November 25, 1971, in Hollywood, California. Her parents are Robert William Applegate, a record producer, and record company executive, and Nancy Priddy, a singer, and actress. Her parents separated shortly after her birth. She has two half-siblings, Alisa and Kyle, from her father’s second marriage. Applegate appeared in commercials as an infant and trained in various dance styles as a child, including jazz and ballet. She states she was not a rebellious child or teenager and always did well in school. Applegate graduated from Excelsior High School California.
In 1972, Applegate made her television debut alongside her mother in “Days of Our Lives.” Some of her earlier projects include roles on television shows such as “Silver Spoons” and “Still the Beaver” in 1986, and “Family Ties” in 1987. She got her big break when she was cast as Kelly Bundy on Fox’s first sitcom “Married with Children.” Applegate portrayed the role for the entire duration of the show from 1987 to 1997 playing into the blonde ditz stereotype. She then starred in the titular role in “Jesse” (1998-2000), for which she won a People’s Choice Award and T.V. Guide Award.
One of her most memorable roles is her guest appearance on “Friends” (2002 to 2003) as Rachel’s obnoxious younger sister Amy. She received a Primetime Emmy Award for ‘Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series For her brief appearance on the show. Applegate’s popular television roles include “Samantha Who?” (2007 to 2009), “Up All Night” (2011 to 2012), and recently, “Dead to Me” (2019 to present). Applegate made her silver screen debut in 1981 with “Jaws of Satan” and “Beatlemania.”
She starred in various film roles for the next three decades including “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead” (1991), “The Big Hit” (1998), “The Sweetest Thing” (2002), “Hall Pass” (2011), “Vacation” (2015), “Bad Moms” (2016), “Crash Pad” (2017) and the Anchorman franchise films in 2004 and 2013.
Applegate received seven Primetime Emmy Award nominations and four Golden Globe nominations for her work on television. She has also taken on theater roles and projects. In 2005, she earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in the Broadway revival of “Sweet Charity.” She has voiced several animated characters such as Catherine the Cat in the “Cats & Dogs” sequel (2010) and Brittany in three “Alvin and the Chipmunks” films (2009 to 2015).
Applegate was married to actor Johnathon Schaech from 2001 to 2007. She married Dutch musician Martyn LeNoble in 2013 and had a daughter with him, born in 2011. She is a vegetarian and a passionate supporter of PETA. In 2008, she was diagnosed with breast cancer from which she recovered with a double mastectomy. In 2021, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Applegate supports several foundations that collect funding for the entertainment industry, children’s education, animal rights, and breast cancer education and research.
Career timeline
She stars alongside her mother on the soap opera “Days of Our Lives.”
She stars in the horror film “Jaws of Satan,” and the documentary “Beatlemania.”
Applegate stars as Kelly Bundy on the Fox sitcom “Married with Children” for 10 years.
Applegate stars in the first Anchorman film “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.”
She voices Catherine, a Russian Blue cat in “Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore.”
She currently stars in one of the main roles in the Netflix black comedy “Dead to Me.”
Why We Love Christina Applegate
She has a comedic talent
Applegate has been entertaining her fans for almost four decades with her impeccable comedic talent and screen presence. From popularizing the airheaded promiscuous blonde stereotype to iconic guest roles on popular television shows to voicing animated characters, she continues to impress audiences.
She is an animal lover
Applegate is a PETA supporter and advocates for animal rights. In 2007, she appeared in an anti-fur advertisement. She is also a supporter of the World Animal Protection organization that works to end animal cruelty around the world.
She raises awareness about cancer
As a breast cancer survivor, Applegate strives to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and education in a multitude of ways. She was the spokesperson for the Lee National Denim Day in 2003 and appeared on the television special “Stand Up to Cancer.” In 2009, she founded “Right Action for Women” dedicated to breast cancer screening for women.
5 Surprising Facts
She started working at three months old
Applegate starred in a commercial for Playtex baby bottles when she was just three months old.
She has a famous schoolmate
She went to school with fellow actress Milla Jovovich.
She refused a Kelly Bundy spinoff
When the show was canceled in 1997, the producers of “Married with Children” pitched a spinoff centered on Applegate’s character, but she declined.
She was a Pussycat Doll
She was one of the founding members of the Pussycat Dolls, which debuted at Johnny Depp’s Viper Room in 1995.
She auditioned for “Titanic”
She auditioned for the female lead role of Rose in the “Titanic,” but lost to Kate Winslet.
Christina Applegate FAQs
How much was Christina Applegate paid for “Married with Children?”
She was earning over $125,000 per episode.
Why was “Married with Children” canceled?
The popular show was canceled due to decreasing viewership and rising production costs.
Are the “Married with Children” cast still friends?
Applegate and Katey Sagal continue to maintain their friendship since “Married with Children” went off air.
Christina Applegate’s birthday dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2024 | November 25 | Monday |
2025 | November 25 | Tuesday |
2026 | November 25 | Wednesday |
2027 | November 25 | Thursday |
2028 | November 25 | Saturday |