Christina Applegate has been a familiar face on screens for most of her life, and honestly, trying to pin down just one role that defines her career is no easy task. Born in Los Angeles, California, back in 1971, Christina Applegate grew up surrounded by the entertainment world—her mom was an actress, and her dad worked as a music producer. Talk about being born into the business! Her very first appearance happened when she was just three months old—yes, really—on an episode of “Days of Our Lives.” Can you imagine? From there, things only picked up. By age nine, Christina Applegate made her film debut in “Jaws of Satan” (1981), and soon after, she started showing up regularly on popular TV shows like “Charles in Charge” and “Silver Spoons.”
But let’s be real—the moment that truly put Christina Applegate on the map was landing the role of Kelly Bundy on the hit sitcom “Married…with Children,” which aired from 1987 to 1997. That show was kind of a game-changer, breaking norms with its raw, unfiltered take on family life. And Christina Applegate? She absolutely shined as the sharp-tongued teen, making audiences laugh week after week. After the show ended, she didn’t slow down. In fact, she took her momentum and ran with it—literally starring in the cult classic “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead” in 1991, a film that still has fans quoting lines today.
Still, Christina Applegate always seemed to focus on one big project at a time. When “Married…with Children” wrapped, she stepped into the spotlight again with her own show, “Jesse,” which aired on NBC from 1998 to 2000. Then came another major highlight: sharing the screen with Will Ferrell in the comedy gem “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” (2004). It was hilarious, quotable, and totally unforgettable—and yes, Christina Applegate played a key part in that magic.
Oh, and did we mention she’s a trained dancer? Because she is! And she proved it by making her Broadway debut in 2005, starring in a revival of “Sweet Charity.” Talk about range. Over the years, Christina Applegate continued to impress, taking on diverse roles—like playing an amnesiac in “Samantha Who?” (2007–2009) and a sleep-deprived working mom in “Up All Night” (2011–2012). And guess what? She reunited with Will Ferrell for the sequel, “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” (2013), because some duos are just meant to be.
Then came the “Bad Moms” era—another win for Christina Applegate. The 2016 film was a massive hit, followed quickly by “A Bad Moms Christmas” in 2017. Audiences loved seeing her juggle motherhood and mayhem with humor and heart. But perhaps one of her most compelling performances yet began in 2019, when Christina Applegate took on a dramatic turn in the dark comedy series “Dead to Me” on Netflix. Playing a recently widowed mother navigating grief and secrets, she showed once again why she’s more than just a comedic talent—she’s a powerhouse.
From child actor to Hollywood staple, Christina Applegate has done it all, and somehow, she keeps reinventing herself. Whether she’s making us laugh or pulling at our heartstrings, one thing’s for sure—Christina Applegate isn’t going anywhere.
When it comes to Christina Applegate’s film career, there are definitely some standout moments—and a few that didn’t quite hit the mark. One of the shining points in her filmography is The Book of Life, released in 2014, which ended up being Christina Applegate’s highest rated movie by both critics and audiences. The animated adventure showcased her voice acting talent and brought warmth to her character, contributing to its positive reception. On the flip side, Christina Applegate also had a film that didn’t resonate as well—Surviving Christmas from 2004. Despite its holiday theme and comedic premise, it turned out to be Christina Applegate’s lowest rated film over the years. So, while Christina Applegate has enjoyed success with projects like The Book of Life, not every role landed perfectly, with Surviving Christmas serving as a reminder that even great actors have their misses. Still, Christina Applegate continues to be a respected figure in Hollywood, navigating both highs and lows with grace.