Christina Applegate has voiced discomfort with the perception of her 'Married… with Children' character, Kelly Bundy, as a figure of overt sexualization, suggesting the character would not find acceptance by today's entertainment metrics. The actress's reflections, drawn from her memoir, 'You with the Sad Eyes,' delve into the lasting impact of the role and its connection to her personal struggles.
The core of Applegate's current disquiet centers on Kelly Bundy's portrayal as a character whose "full rock s—t" status, as she puts it, feels incongruous with contemporary sensibilities. She posits that, under present-day scrutiny, "Wouldn’t have a shot in hell today," implying a significant shift in how female characters are constructed and received by audiences and the industry alike.
Applegate's candid assessment surfaces as her memoir details personal battles, including her struggles with an eating disorder, specifically anorexia, which were exacerbated by the pressures of portraying Kelly Bundy. The show, which ran for 11 seasons and 259 episodes, cemented Kelly Bundy as a recognizable figure, a visibility that Applegate now views with a critical lens.
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While acknowledging the pressure to maintain a certain thinness during the show's run, Applegate has stated she does not attribute blame to anyone involved with the sitcom for her experiences. Her ongoing health challenges, including a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, have necessitated a re-evaluation of her career trajectory in Hollywood.