Christina Applegate is reportedly set to star in the live table read— an organized read-through of a movie script by actors — of It’s a Wonderful Life, for which she would play the character of Mary Bailey. Although the actress said Dead to Me might be her last on-screen appearance as she was dealing with multiple sclerosis, we look forward to seeing her act again at the Ed Asner Family Center next month.
According to Entertainment Tonight, the production will feature many celebrities alongside Applegate, like Seth Rogen, Fred Armisen, JK Simmons, Jean Smart, Ken Jeong, and Brendan Fraser, who plays the lead role of George Bailey.
Applegate And Fraser Playing “The Baileys”
The 1946 Oscar-nominated Frank Capra film focused on Mary and George Bailey, played by James Stewart and Donna Reed. This time, as noted, Applegate plays Mary opposite Fraser’s George, who plans to commit suicide until his guardian angel gives him reasons not to — by showing him the lives he has touched and the impact he has had on the people of Bedford Falls.
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Brendan Fraser attending a Roadside Attractions & Day 28 Films with The Cinema Society screening of “Gimme Shelter” at Museum of Modern Art on January 22, 2014 in New York City.
Proceeds from the tickets for It’s a Wonderful Life will benefit the Ed Asner Family Center. According to the center’s website, they provide “a safe and transformative environment for families with special needs children.” The table read will go live on December 11 at 5 pm EST.
Her struggle with Multiple Sclerosis
While shooting the final season of the Netflix series Dead to Me, Applegate was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis shortly after her 50th birthday. Since then, she’s been battling many symptoms, including shaking, tingling sensations, numbness, balance difficulties, and trouble sleeping. Recently, she has resorted to walking sticks to move around, and on some days, getting out of bed has been a challenge.
However, we are glad that a 51-year-old longtime actress will again be gracing our TV screens in the upcoming table read!