Christina Applegate Struggling with Breast Cancer

By: Shannon Gossage

Applegate, 36, was recently diagnosed with the disease. Her rep, Ame Van Iden, released a statement on Saturday that read, "Christina Applegate was diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer. Benefiting from early detection through a doctor ordered MRI, the cancer is not life threatening. Christina is following the recommended treatment of her doctors and will have a full recovery. No further statement will be issued at this time." When Applegate was only 7-years old her mother, Priddy, battled breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.

Applegate is currently starring on the hit ABC comedy "Samantha Who?" as a woman who awakens after being in a coma for eight days and does not remember anything about her life. The show debuted last October and has gotten excellent ratings. Applegate earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her portrayal of amnesiac Samantha Newly. Applegate spent 11 seasons portraying ditzy Kelly Bundy in "Married with Children." The show went off the air in 1998 and has been in syndication ever since. She also won an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series in 2003 for her role as Jennifer Aniston’s sister on "Friends."

Applegate was married to actor Jonathan Schaech in October 2001. He filed for divorce in November 2005 citing irreconcilable differences and the couple was officially divorced in August 2007. They reportedly remain on somewhat friendly terms. It has been a tough couple of months for Applegate. On July 1, 2008 it was reported that Applegate’s ex-boyfriend and close friend Lee Grivas was found dead of an apparent overdose. Applegate said at the time, "I am profoundly saddened. Lee was an incredible human being who was an extremely important and beautiful part of my life."