Christina Applegate’s highly anticipated memoir, “You With the Sad Eyes,” is set to be released on March 3. An exclusive excerpt from the memoir is now available to read on Vulture, showcasing the Emmy winner’s candid reflections on her body image struggles during her time filming “Married… with Children.”
Applegate, who portrayed the iconic character Kelly Bundy on the classic Fox sitcom for all 11 seasons, initially turned down the role after finding the script to be lacking in substance. However, after reluctantly watching the pilot with her mother, she found herself unable to resist the comedic charm of the show.
Prior to landing the role of Kelly Bundy, Applegate had already been battling body dysmorphia and anorexia. The character’s emphasis on showcasing a specific body type only exacerbated her struggles with disordered eating habits.
“I had to be skinny to fit into the clothes I envisioned for Kelly,” writes Applegate. “I would often restrict my food intake to extremes, sometimes punishing myself by not eating at all. I was a size 0, with the costume department constantly altering my clothes to fit my shrinking frame.”
The relentless pursuit of perfection through intense workout regimens and restrictive eating habits took a toll on Applegate’s mental and physical well-being. Despite her efforts to sculpt her body to meet societal standards, she found herself trapped in a cycle of self-criticism and dissatisfaction.
As the show progressed, Kelly’s wardrobe became increasingly revealing, with outfits designed to emphasize her bare midriff and accentuate her figure. Applegate reflects on the show’s portrayal of her character and acknowledges the impact it had on perpetuating harmful beauty standards.
While she acknowledges the problematic nature of the show’s portrayal of women, Applegate does not harbor resentment towards her castmates or crew. She recognizes the innocence of her younger self and attributes her struggles with body image to underlying trauma.
In her memoir, Applegate delves into the complexities of her experience portraying Kelly Bundy and the lasting effects it had on her relationship with her body. Readers can explore the full excerpt on Vulture’s website to gain further insight into Applegate’s journey of self-discovery and healing in “You With the Sad Eyes.”
