Emma Caulfield was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2010 — and is sharing her story for the first time.
The “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” alum told Vanity Fair in an interview published Tuesday that she is “so tired of not being honest” about her illness.
“Beyond that, my daughter has changed my perspective,” the actress added of Knightley, explaining that the 6-year-old has “a 30 percent greater chance of coming down with” the disease herself.
“I’m not actually doing everything I can for her because I have my mouth shut,” Caulfield continued. “If I have a platform at all, I should be using it.
“Even if it affects my ability to get work. It’s better for me to at least be vocal about this.”
The “WandaVision” star, however, clarified that she isn’t looking for “special treatment” from anyone in the industry after her announcement.
“I never asked for it,” Caulfield, whose late father suffered from the same chronic illness, told the magazine. “I don’t expect it. … Oh, God, please don’t make me a role model. [But] if me talking about this offers some solace or encouragement to somebody who has it, that’s so great.”
The “Beverly Hills, 90210” alum went on to say, “My attitude is not crumbling under the fear of ‘what if’ or ‘what can’ or ‘what has’ for other people. I just have to keep doing.”
After calling Selma Blair “inspiring” for revealing her own diagnosis in 2018, Caulfield concluded by saying she’s “just fine” with her child’s minimal understanding of MS.
“I hope she just sees me as someone she can look up to,” Caulfield said of Knightley. “I hope that she sees that I’ve done my best and when push comes to shove, I showed up. I hope she’s just ultimately proud.”
The actress shares her daughter with husband Mark Ford, whom she wed in November 2017.
©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett C
©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett C
©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett C
The actor has helped Caulfield keep her diagnosis “quiet” from family members, friends and loved ones alike over the last decade.
Caulfield called Ford her “best guy” in a June 2021 Instagram tribute for their sixth wedding anniversary.
“I honestly don’t know what I did to deserve to your endless patience, support and unconditional love,” she gushed at the time.
