Selma Blair Details Return to Acting After Thinking Career Was Done

The actress opens up about her multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis and her journey back to the screen.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 2:15pm

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Selma Blair, known for her roles in films like "Cruel Intentions," "Legally Blonde," and the "Hellboy" franchise, has opened up about her return to acting after thinking her career was finished. The 53-year-old actress, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2018, appeared on the "Today" show and discussed her health journey, including being in remission since 2021. Blair revealed that she "absolutely thought" she would never act again, but has been working on new projects and is excited to be back on set, a place she describes as a "very comfortable place" for her.

Why it matters

Selma Blair's return to acting is significant for her fans who grew up watching her iconic performances in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Her openness about her MS diagnosis and the challenges she faced in returning to work sheds light on the realities of living with a chronic illness and the determination required to pursue one's passions.

The details

In the interview, Blair discussed the difficulties she faced in returning to acting, including issues with speech, movement, and energy levels. She spoke about her time on "Dancing with the Stars" in 2022, where she earned a perfect score on her final dance despite withdrawing from the competition due to health issues. Blair has since appeared in the Israeli drama film "Stay Forte" (2025) and will soon star in the supernatural thriller "Silent" and have a supporting role in "There There."

  • Selma Blair was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in August 2018.
  • Blair has been in remission since 2021.
  • Blair appeared on the "Today" show on January 26, 2026.
  • Blair competed on season 31 of "Dancing with the Stars" in the fall of 2022.
  • Blair's recent and upcoming projects include "Stay Forte" (2025), "Silent," and "There There."

The players

Selma Blair

A 53-year-old actress known for her roles in films like "Cruel Intentions," "Legally Blonde," and the "Hellboy" franchise. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2018 but has been in remission since 2021 and is now returning to acting.

Jenna Bush Hager

A co-host of the "Today" show, where she interviewed Selma Blair about her return to acting.

Sheinelle Jones

A co-host of the "Today" show, where she interviewed Selma Blair about her return to acting.

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What they’re saying

“I am doing well. If you give me a chance to complain, that's my love language, but I won't do that.”

— Selma Blair, Actress

“I absolutely thought I would not act again.”

— Selma Blair, Actress

“I have some glitches with speech (and) movement, but that can all be worked out with the character. It's not a big deal. A lot of people have things. But I didn't have the energy.”

— Selma Blair, Actress

What’s next

Selma Blair's fans are eagerly awaiting the release of her upcoming projects, including the supernatural thriller "Silent" and her supporting role in "There There." The actress's journey back to acting after her multiple sclerosis diagnosis has been an inspiration to many, and her continued work in the industry will be closely followed.

The takeaway

Selma Blair's return to acting after thinking her career was done is a testament to her resilience and determination in the face of a chronic illness. Her openness about the challenges she faced and her willingness to persevere have resonated with her fans, who are thrilled to see her back on the screen doing what she loves.