Emma Caulfield, often known for her iconic role as Anya in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, told Vanity Fair she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2010 and only now felt confident enough to share that information with the larger public.
She says she was worried about not landing jobs in the cutthroat entertainment industry.
However, talking with her 6-year-old daughter changed her mind.
“My daughter has changed my perspective, as I think anybody who is a parent can attest."
"I know that she has a 30% greater chance of coming down with this, just the luck of the draw for her....She’s just started first grade … It got me thinking about her and how full of joy and active she is, and she’s just such a remarkable little creature."
"I’m not actually doing everything I can for her because I have my mouth shut. If I had a platform at all, I should be using it.”
\u201cEmma Caulfield Ford Is Fighting MS, but \u201cNot Crumbling\u201d in Fear https://t.co/S0Ke6oQgQo via @VanityFair\u201d— emmacaulfieldofficial (@emmacaulfieldofficial) 1664898534
Reactions and well-wishes came pouring in.
Including from fellow actor and MS diagnosee Selma Blair.
\u201c@emmacaulfield @VanityFair The strongest people I know live with MS. And living is what we do. I\u2019m here. And proud of your fortitude and spirit. \ud83d\udc9b\ud83d\udc9b\ud83d\udc9b\u201d— emmacaulfieldofficial (@emmacaulfieldofficial) 1664898534
People wished her the best and sent their support.
\u201c@emmacaulfield @VanityFair sending so much love your way \u2764\ufe0f can\u2019t wait to see future projects you work on!\u201d— emmacaulfieldofficial (@emmacaulfieldofficial) 1664898534
\u201c@emmacaulfield @VanityFair Chronic illness sucks beyond...sorry that you have to deal with it too :(\u201d— emmacaulfieldofficial (@emmacaulfieldofficial) 1664898534
Others commented about how they or loved ones were living with MS and offered messages of support as well.
\u201c@emmacaulfield @VanityFair Emma love you!! My youngest has MS and is doing.okay. She calls herself an MS warrior. She just had her infusion today. Just know you are in my prayers as well as all those battling MS..\u201d— emmacaulfieldofficial (@emmacaulfieldofficial) 1664898534
\u201c@emmacaulfield @VanityFair Amazing article thank you for speaking out and telling your story. We need to talk more about MS. I was diagnosed 15 years ago this year. Today I work for a UK MS charity and make an it our business to talk all about MS on our podcast and videos.\u201d— emmacaulfieldofficial (@emmacaulfieldofficial) 1664898534
\u201c@emmacaulfield @VanityFair Hang in there, Emma! I've had it almost 20 years. There are many great treatments now. You have to find the one that works for you. But I've been in remission 8 years. Stay hopeful! (And it won't hurt to double up on your Vitamin D....)\u201d— emmacaulfieldofficial (@emmacaulfieldofficial) 1664898534
\u201c@emmacaulfield @VanityFair Keep fighting! I got diagnosed in January. Probably had it since 2012, my doctor said. We\u2019re stronger together!\u2764\ufe0f\u2764\ufe0f\u2764\ufe0f\u201d— emmacaulfieldofficial (@emmacaulfieldofficial) 1664898534
\u201c@emmacaulfield @VanityFair Best wishes with your treatment and whatever you choose to do in the future. I live with someone with MS, and it can certainly have it's challenges. Good luck!\u201d— emmacaulfieldofficial (@emmacaulfieldofficial) 1664898534
Lastly were those who told Caulfield she was inspiring.
\u201c@SelmaBlair @VanityFair You are an inspiration to me and to millions.xxxxx\u201d— emmacaulfieldofficial (@emmacaulfieldofficial) 1664898534
\u201c@emmacaulfield @SelmaBlair @VanityFair Thank you for sharing your stories you inspire people living with the same illness\u201d— emmacaulfieldofficial (@emmacaulfieldofficial) 1664898534
\u201c@emmacaulfield @VanityFair So much love to you Emma \ud83d\udc96 you\u2019ve been an inspiration to me for so long now, I admire your bravery for coming out about your diagnosis and I\u2019m sending you all the love and good vibes in the world \ud83d\udc96 you\u2019re amazing!\u201d— emmacaulfieldofficial (@emmacaulfieldofficial) 1664898534
Best wishes to Caulfield as she goes forward with her illness and her career.
@billieeilish/Instagram
@GovPressOffice/X
@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social