Actress opens up about her cancer battle and struggle to recover after surgery

Apr 30, 2009 14:24 GMT  ·  By

There was a time when it was enough to just think of Christina Applegate and all one could imagine was the irresistibly beautiful, yet somewhat slow, Kelly Bundy from the “Married… with Children” show. Yet the Christina of today is incredibly far from Kelly, having been diagnosed with cancer and gone through a very bleak period of her life. She’s still incredibly good looking though, which is why People magazine has just named her the most beautiful celebrity of the year in the Most Beautiful 2009 Issue.

The yearly chart also includes the likes of Christina Aguilera, R&B star Ciara, Channing Tatum, “Twilight” heartthrob Robert Pattinson, Freida Pinto, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Lopez, along with many, many other gorgeous stars, both male and female. However, the latest issue of the mag also comes with an insight into the life of the former Bundy star, which seems to warrant her not only the title of most beautiful, but also that of a determined fighter.

Growing up in the spotlight was not easy, Applegate reveals, especially since she was expected to live up to her man-eater status she earned on the show. Because of this, she often felt bad about her looks, which only came to be accentuated after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “I used to be really shy but I started to come into my own in my late 20s and early 30s. Now I’m not afraid to speak up in a room full of people and be a part of the conversation.” the 37-year-old star reveals.

Following a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, Christina learned to love herself and her body again, she says in the same interview. In this sense, her now-boyfriend, Dutch bass player Martyn Lenoble, has been of great help since it was him who taught her how to appreciate herself again. “You have to get through the physical transformations then buck up, go to work and try to be the normal, happy Christina for everyone around you.” Applegate says of the months right after surgery.

Luckily, Martyn was there for her all along. “He’s been a friend for about 13 years. Our relationship gets stronger and stronger. I’m really lucky. I’m very grateful to Martyn for coming along at a time that he did because he’s been my rock through all of this. He gave me something to really want to live for and something to smile about.” the actress explains, adding that he is the only reason why she feels now that she truly deserves the most beautiful title, because that’s how he always makes her feel.