Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Others Whose Health Struggles Inspired TV Plotlines

There have been multiple occasions when a star’s real-life health challenges influenced their on-screen roles.

Jamie-Lynn Sigler revealed in 2016 that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at the age of 20. MS is an autoimmune illness that affects the nerve cells in both the brain and spinal cord. In January 2026, Sigler portrayed a doctor who is also dealing with this condition on Grey’s Anatomy.

“Before this [role], I was always trying to convey, ‘We can work around [my MS]. Don’t worry, there are ways to conceal it.’ Opportunities would adapt, and I truly appreciated that,” Sigler shared with Us Weekly at that time. “I experienced such compassion and understanding. But now, I had the chance to portray someone living with MS.”

Sigler isn’t alone in this, as Michael J. Fox, Eric Dane, and others have also depicted characters facing similar health challenges.

Continue scrolling to discover which stars’ real-life health experiences have turned into TV narratives: