Selma Blair Talks Motherhood, Multiple Sclerosis, Alcohol Addiction

Actor Selma Blair sits down for a candid interview with TODAY’s Savannah Guthrie and opens up about starting to drink heavily from a young age. Blair, who recently released a memoir called “Mean Baby,” also discusses the physical pain she experienced since childhood that would become a multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2018.
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#SelmaBlair #MeanBaby #MS

[@MJ18888]

Omg her speech has improved so much! I remember her interviews when she was diagnosed and it felt so painful for her.

[@morganfreeman5972]

She can afford the most advanced treatments.

[@lindafray1398]

Well watched her Interview yesterday on the Views Her speech is still not normal. But better. Seems like racing to get her story told is messing up speech. If she slows down it calms her down. Has so much baggage to deal with she needs hours to tell her story and slow down and she will be fine. I think the View will have her back. Too many questions no time for Complete answers and she is so animated that it takes a toll on her energy field. I never had trouble with speech but hear her struggling-so best advice-Slowdown and not answer so many questions in 5 minutes! the stuttering will happen. I'm glad the Ladies said the Writing is Excellent and now that's the most important thing ! Sell books!

[@veronicaherrera7586]

Like with Michael j fox and his neurological condition, meds help at times more than other times.

[@shernigz]

@@lindafray1398 she had stem cell treatment.

[@pennsyltuckyreb9800]

Such is MS. I have relapsing-remitting MS (there are 4 types of MS and they are all connected over time) and it comes and goes. When there is a "flare-up" I can barely speak straight, have tremors in arms and upper body, etc. It's very embarrassing in public and many people don't know how to treat you because of it. Trying to make a store purchase and they ask for a signature and you can barely write your own name or speak straight. Or you have to make a phone call.....the worst. Many "normies" look at you like you're on drugs or you're a weirdo. I used to make fun of mentally disabled folks in my teens and now I know the pain they felt. Maybe a punishment today for me from God? I'm OK with that. I should have been a better and more compassionate person back then. But that's how my dad raised me to be. Look down on the weak? Stupid. Everyone deserves love and compassion. I only have lesions on my brain, not my spinal cord so my mobility isn't that bad. Though, every day I struggle with muscle stiffness in my legs and other issues. It all depends on WHERE in the brain the lesions develop. And then after a relapse, you go into "recovery" and many symptoms completely go away for awhile but some stay. I have no problem dealing with the pains but what gets me fearful is when I get what's called MS "cog-fog" which can mimic dementia in its worse state. Only lasts for maybe between 10-30 minutes when it happens but it's the worse feeling. Confusion, forgetting where you are and what you're doing, where you are and why, WHO you are sometimes, how to safely drive, etc....it's scary and not fun. You can feel your mind "drift away" and you're just this empty being with no direction...ugh The "relapse" is when the lesions interfere bad enough in your brain where your brain freaks out and attempts to "reroute" the electrical signals around the lesion (which is a permenant scar). This is when everything goes haywire as your brain repairs the blocked connections. Then you go into a period of recovery. Eventually, the lesions interfere to the point where they are too big and too many that you can progress to primary progressive MS where you don't ever get a recovery period. You just get worse and worse. Modern MS medications and surgeries help to slow down that process but it doesn't work for everyone and the meds themselves can have severe side effects. Not fun. But, at the end of the day I'm very happy that it was JUST MS, and not something like ALS where you're usually only given a year or two life left after initial diagnosis. MS sucks, but with today's treatments you can expect to get into your 80's on the best side of things which is nice for sure.

[@lisa.relaxing]

I've been keeping an eye on her since I found out about her diagnosis. my mom also has MS and my mom refuses to disclose her daily struggles - so I follow Selma to understand what could happen to my mother. thank you for being so open and honest ❤

[@lindafray1398]

I relate. It's an everyday thing. After age 59 MS naturally goes into remission with relapsing remitting kind.Really! Something to look forward too! Opening up the jugular veins will give her a new brain. Check it out!!

[@jakethedog4397]

You’ll never know from watching Selma what your mom can expect. It’s a totally different disease between people.

[@JollyGoodJewWitch]

I understand and was diagnosed from high school but I changed my life with how I ate and creating myself like a princess as my neurologist at the time had said. Self care is so important and eating no processed foods no sugar, no daisy, is best. I was in pain and walking with a cane, not able to handle heat of any kind for year's until I made those changes. no new lesions and no symptoms for almost 13 years now. I wish the best for all of you and your families.💕

[@lindafray1398]

@@JollyGoodJewWitch You should be on an MS drug. I went thru 3. at 71 I have no symptoms. The angioplasty treatment opening up jugular veins cured me. It worked for me. Had it done locally. The Italian doctor that developed this was a godsend. I had new oxygen and blood flow right away. No MS after. Good luck! the food and drink each one of us is different. Swinn

[@lindafray1398]

Swimming is the Best if you can find a place outside ! I'm lucky have my own private lake. Keep Cool! Good luck!

[@fayeh4412]

I was very sad when I first saw her interview after her MS diagnosis, she looks a thousand times better in this interview and I am so happy for her! Her recovery is astounding, kudos to the treatment and all the doctors and nurses who have been walking along side of her all these years.

[@christinepizzi6197]

"There's no room for guilt moving forward". What an amazing, mature young woman. I feel.

[@MrGemini8617]

Wow! She's improved so much! Stay strong Selma! 💪

[@sweetluvgurl]

Yeah, I remember her speech was worse before in another interview I saw.

[@misc_channels-po6rh]

Her racism hasn't improved much sadly

[@jillmarsh8256]

What an inspiration. I think she’s a walking miracle. When you’ve seen how she was to now is remarkable. So happy for her to be healthier and being able to live again. Applause 👏

[@lindsaydt66]

LOOK at her now. she looks great!!!! Such an inspiration 🙌

[@heathermetz3974]

3:27 “It’s gone from me! (On conquering alcoholism). I’m not cocky about it, you to always be vigilant!” Selma is truly inspiring!

[@izzydeadyet7336]

I know why she said that, I got clean off opioids a few years back and it was the first time in 15 years I was actually sober, not on methadone or anything.. and it felt like such a miracle to me that I went and told everyone! I called people I hasnt talked to in 10 years and told them I was clean and all this, and I wasnt trying to be cocky but now I realize, after relapsing, I shouldn't have celebrated so hard! So shes probably thinking she doesn't want to sound cocky about sobriety because she knows how fragile it is

[@alyz8376]

She looks so good her speech her movements from the earlier days, she looks so much in control, honestly her journey it is so inspiring, life throws at you all sorts and you either hide and let is be or you can be Selma Blair and fight it

[@donniemoder1466]

Hard to move on from trauma, perhaps doing bad things, or having bad things happen to you. She really is a fighter and is brave, especially through the illness where she did not hide it or herself.

[@angelaholmes8888]

Selma is such a strong woman to go through so much in her life

[@badcuzimpeachey]

I was diagnosed with Ms in 2019 it really took me 😢. Ms is serious we have to live with this for the rest of our life literally. 😢

[@mellymel3245]

Young age symptoms are normal. I had so many doctors appointments and MRI's of everything BUT my brain. It took my foot going paralyzed (drop foot) before I was taken seriously. I had symptoms for 15 years before finally being diagnosed. Family doctors need more education on how to properly refer these symptoms to a neurologist. Every case is different but I went for years having doctors eyeroll me. Getting diagnosed with MS was actually a huge relief for me and finally having the answer I had been seeking since my early 20's. Selma is my hero.

[@passionatesingle]

The same happened to a friend of mine. She had symptoms from her teen years but it wasn't until she was 27 that she was officially diagnosed with MS. She is now 58 and for the last five years spends most of her days in bed no longer able to walk or eat without help. All the best to those living with MS.

[@sureyyaekinci4630]

Thank you for sharing guys , ı was just sitting here feeling bad for being overweight and am counting my blessings

[@lindafray1398]

I agree. The more people talking about it is a miracle! you have to find the right doctor that will do MRI and lumbar puncture right away. Then it is a yes or no. I had vertigo as my first symptom which my first doctor missed. Vertigo can be signs of other illnesses. Keep up the good work!

[@lindafray1398]

@@passionatesingle It sounds like Progressive there is a new med for it which night help always new things coming out for MS!

[@janeca10]

@@passionatesingle I am sorry to hear about your friend's struggle,. I believe the fact that she was diagnosed 30yrs ago and, years after her first symptoms, , made an impact on her chances for better treatments. I hope that she is able to express her feelings and that she has support around her .xxxx

[@KD-gw8yb]

My beautiful daughter was diagnosed with MS After her sister, my oldest daughter passed away. She has been fighting addiction ever since. I’m praying 🙏🏼 for all the MS WARRIORS 🧡out there.

[@JT-gy6bl]

So sad for you and your family. Stay strong warrior. There are lots of us out here to support and inspire 🦋🧡🦋🦋

[@KD-gw8yb]

@@JT-gy6bl Thank you for your kind words 🧡

[@livingwithms]

Selma is an icon for us MS Warriors. Great video! Glad I found the channel 😊 thanks for sharing!

[@Fiawordweaver]

She’s a thriver, I haven’t healed yet from my family abuse. I’m a survivor but I don’t thrive. What an amazing young woman. I’m 69 and had brain surgery in 2018 and all the suppressed memories came like the floods in China ripping my heart apart. I applaud Miss Selma!

[@VC-mo5yg]

Warrior you..thriving, living and sharing your power here. Blessings and peace from our higher being, Thank you greatly, really.

[@monistefy]

You might not feel like you are thriving but I hope you know how strong and brave you are by the simple fact that you have kept going. I'm sorry for the struggles you have endured

[@catsmith233]

Bless you

[@allisonyager]

I’ve had MS FOR 12 years. I could not watch her documentary. Scared me to death to watch the trailer. I think her MS is extreme. Her treatment was extreme. Most of us don’t have access to that type of treatment. I wish her well.

[@taran2762]

I have suspected ms, my mri is booked for next week. I opened up one of her earlier interviews and had to close it immediately. It’s so sad

[@yvette3795]

Beautiful fellow MS Warrior! Thank you 🙏🏻 for putting MS out there! Praying for a cure. 🧡🤗

[@modocchic]

You and me both! I was diagnosed at the age of 32. I’m 51 now. I have relapse remitting MS, with degenerative disc and bone disease. The pain sometimes is too much, but I can walk with a cane.

[@gloriamariadc7757]

I listened to her audiobook.. OMG!! It is so so good! A massive new level of respect for her!!

[@williesullivan3985]

Selma is beautiful inside and OUT! She looks absolutely RADIANT here. I am so happy she is back in the spotlight because she is a brave and beautiful soul.

[@robinsnestmarket8509]

The more I learn about her the more I see the connections and similarities in my own story and diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. I can look back to my teens and see symptoms. But I ignored them for years or was blown off by doctors and felt like I was crazy. Hindsight is 20/20 but it’s still unfortunate that I wasn’t supported. I don’t think she will ever realize how much she helps me to keep going but I adore and appreciate her ♥️

[@SieMarie]

She’s had such a great progression since she first showed us she had the diagnosis. Very happy for her getting her life back & learning to cope.

[@sklingen21]

She's an amazing person. Beautiful soul. Her strength is immensely bright. Keep fighting. She's gone through so much with MS and in her life in general. She's progressed so much it's a blessing to see her being better. Keep going forward Selma. You give inspiration to us all.

[@livingwithms]

We’re all here with you Selma 🙌🏻 🧡

[@Jennine2589]

Wow she has been through so many things and I'm grateful to see her and more women speaking out about things now days and hope we see more of it! Speaking your truth is important 💓

[@bradforddrake8633]

Tremendous!!She has IMPROVED SOOOOOOO much! More power to her!!

[@lindamclaughlin2274]

Selma Blair is beautiful, just beautiful! My son was diagnosed with MS at 23, he had just graduated from university. My son will be 39 this year and the struggle he faces everyday is very real. I think, when I took him to the doctor as a teenager, it’s was not growing pains that he had in his legs, it was the MS.

[@richardcoronado4081]

This brought me to tears!! I actually want to read her book which I never really pay attention when celebrities write books but this really broke my heart. And I have a feeling that it will also rebuild it. You go Selma!

[@robinsiciliano8923]

Sending Selma love, light and all the positive vibes. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@starp1640]

She is soooo amazing I’m so proud how far she has come!!! She looks beautiful all the time!!

[@madonnahagedorn5649]

She's lovely and a very strong lady to go through this hardship and come through it looking and sounding stronger than ever. Wow.

[@musicfanhawk4523]

She is more beautiful than ever and looks fantastic!! I'm so happy to see her doing well. She is a great actress and inspirational!

[@jeannieloveandlight3105]

LOVE Selma she’s truly an inspiration to many of us.

[@moonpie-eg7uu]

It is so awesome to see her back as herself. Life changes you and she doing it with courage.

[@lamya9168]

I am happy to see her health case improved, I also have MS, and Salma is such an inspiration to me!

[@kristianelix1632]

I get so weepy when I see Selma Blair. She is such a beautiful person. I’m so happy for her. I’m loving her book. It’s so good.

[@cathy1520]

A beautiful person. I hope she continues on her path and stays strong. Inspirational ❤️

[@sunsetkizz1]

She’s one of my fav actors!! I’m so happy that she’s got MS at bay now. Such a strong woman. 🤩

[@mariamawits3689]

Thank God she's getting better and great to see her being strong and optimistic!

[@coreysettlessr9158]

I really commend Selma of how she fought through her life struggles and pain she endured not easy. Keep your head and keep fighting ❤

[@Naomi-wm3ft]

She’s such a bright light for us dealing with chronic illness.

[@rmmattos819]

I have always loved her and have been following her journey…medical science is amazing…I’m so happy to see her doing well❤️

[@aubeaumilieudunreve]

The progress is astonishing, I hope she’ll keep moving forward and get all the necessary treatment. Love you Sel♥️

[@user-wn8mg2jh1d]

My Sons best friend and a girl I knew since Kindergarten called me and said that I was her father figure and she wanted me to know that if not for me she would not have known that what she went thru was wrong. I told her that we needed to contact her Mother. and she needed to tell her. She was afraid her Mother would not believe her. But I told her I would be there for her NO matter how it Played out.. She was always very comfortable around me. and always spoke her mind. I did have to explain that it did not look good just coming into my bedroom dressed like a 16 yr old very skimpy outfits and at the same time I UNDERSTAND she felt SAFE, but my Sons and Daughters said I know you are helping her, but she acts like she is your daughter and has NO filters . and dress inappropriately and Talks as if she is your daughter, I taught all my kids from an early age to speak openly and frank with me. I felt KIDS are going too be Kids and make mistakes and hopefully they learn from their Mistakes. I did not know I had made such an impact in her life because at 18 she went thru a terrible time and disappeared from our lives.. Until 5 yrs when she contacted me and my Son. And is back in our lives again. 2 kids later they call me PaPA MY WIFE asked me why I didn't tell her about what she went thru, I said it wasn't my story to share. It was hers and her Mothers to share. She no longer has contact with her father nor do her kids

[@i_love_rescue_animals]

I've been following Selma a bit on IG as I enjoyed a couple of her movies and was very sad to hear she had developed MS. Then I discovered (through her IG posts) what a brilliant woman she is (unless she's having someone else write for her, which I DOUBT). HOW does someone look THAT GOOD after having been an alcoholic for most of her life?! That's insane. I also didn't know she has been through terrible abuse. Anyway, I'm also really glad to see she is able to speak much better than I have seen in years past (when her MS was really affecting her). Glad to see she's doing much better. I wish the best for her.

[@KyleKleef]

Will definitely be reading this. What a triumph of a person! So happy for her, she has come out of true darkness. ❤

[@Sunflowers_and_sunshine]

Ms has been her saving grace in a way. I pray for healing and strength she's courageous

[@ambermorales4525]

Sisters in pain!!! And recovering!! My journey just started.. but selma is an inspiration!!! I hope to have this much recovery.. love my family for standing by m3 ❤

[@donnasings0911]

Wow! A stem cell transplant for MS!! Girl, I KNOW first hand what that was like as I had one for my MM diagnosis. Talk about rough stuff.. you are a warrior and am so happy you are doing well

[@shaunaleessnackidies]

So thankful for her testimony. Thank you for this. I’m so happy for her.

[@isabellavalencia8026]

Im so happy she is doing so well and in remission from ms that had been so cruel to her.

[@collegeguy799]

Wow she’s made amazing recovery in terms of her speech. That is amazing! Go Selma!!

[@Hello_Pri]

What an incredibly strong, brave, and beautiful person ❤️

[@stacythompson4739]

Mean Baby is an amazing book! So relatable. Selma you are so real and so beautiful!❤️ I enjoyed your book so much and appreciate your honesty through your experiences in life.

[@angelahonea6943]

Almost finished with her book! It is sooooo good. Love her honesty ❤️

[@rachelhope3161]

Sending blessings and love to Selma and excited to read her memoir💕💕💕💕

[@livesmart9481]

Wow! She's much better!!! she's a hero!

[@DavidNeumeier-wp2oc]

Selma your my Hero I was Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 7years Ago for the longest Time and even Today It's hard to Deal with the Diagnosis my way of Dealinwith Multiple sclerosis Has been to Ignore It until my M.S. flare-up Accures and the Symptoms hit me like a ton of bricks and I'm forced to Deal with Treating my Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Head On. Selma you are a True Inspiration for People Dealing with Multiple Sclerosis.Thank you, Selma.

[@rmes6]

Selma SO thrilled to see your on QVC and helping all of us Can't wait to watch you and what can help us

[@charleneelovitz3738]

WHAT a survivor, good for you Selma and wishes for everything to keep getting better!! :-)

[@erict.gordonsr.7399]

I was diagnosis in 2000 it didn't hit as hard, I thought it was the end, but I have a wonderful family and the support me &I'm so proud of you keep going & remember you are in control & I love you I'm praying for you

[@shannonconklin725]

Truly an inspiration to me💙. I’ve watched her documentary more times than I can count. I have a different autoimmune disease, which is rare, dermatomyositis & she truly inspired me to keep going and not feel so alone as well as all she went thru during her life. My copy of “Mean Baby” just arrived & looking forward to reading it & maybe someday I’ll be lucky enough to meet her and have her sign it

[@Dzanarika1]

Shannon, we are all walking each other home. We are all in this together, just keep that in mind ♥️♥️♥️

[@jessicadubois9945]

So much respect for her. 💛

[@kookysalsa]

Selma is so brave and strong!!! I am happy she is doing fabulous!

[@tsilva2183]

We love you Selma. May God watch over you and help you through these times ❤

[@eanna1232]

So glad she is in remission and feeling better!

[@mariafe6771]

SUCH A BRAVE, COURAGEOUS AND SUPER DUPER STRONG WOMAN!!! HATS OFF ALL GOES TO HER❤❤❤❤❤GOD ALMIGHTY LOVE YOU SO MUCH SELMA BLAIR❤

[@elvia3068]

Thankyou for this interview me and a friend where just talking about her, performance in movies The Sweetest thing, Cruel Intentions, and Legally Blonde.

[@DivineMizE]

Lord, what a brave, brutally honest conversation. For all that drinking so young, it's amazing that she's alive and so healthy! Glad she is doing so well. My brother got me drunk at 8 years old. I started to drink, pretty steadily when I was 16. Now 66 yrs old, 21 years sober. Grateful.

[@tylerbrown4171]

I haven't read her book, yet, but when I was on Instagram, her posts were always so beautifully written, so I can only imagine how lovely the books reads too.

[@EmteeTeee]

She looks GORGEOUS!!!! And wow!!! her speech is beautiful!!!! So happy for her!!! XO

[@user-fd1er1le1p]

God bless your and inspiration to me .. I’m currently going through lots of symptoms of MS and as you mentioned and others getting the run around from DOCTORS/SPECIALIST … I’m exhausted.. ty for sharing your story.. 🙏🙏

[@TheXxjackchopxX]

I'm so happy to see her feeling so well

[@21bebaescandon]

I love you Selma. You are so brave and strong! You have my admiration and respect. 🙌🏻💚🤟🏻💕

[@anabelpulido-perez1144]

I'm so happy to see you riding, I can barely walk but am so hopeful watching you both ride and walk on the sidewalk💞

[@progressnotperfection1839]

I’m so incredibly happy for her!

[@kellybeardsvideovault8711]

Selma, I love you so much. Thank you for being all that you are. You are so amazing. When I need strength I think of you because you work through everything life gives you. Thank you thank you thank you.

[@francesoreb1978]

Absolutely love this! Amazing Selma!

[@lindafray1398]

I relate. Had horses too. Riding, drawing, dancing - a so so celebrity-am Ok Now! Go forward ! Will buy book and see what's up. Remember Teri Garr? Remembeing Annette Been on their journeys too. Selma is a New FACE - you go girl! Good interview-from Columbia MO. MS Guthrie got her start! Look where you are today! Congratulations ♡

[@lindafray1398]

any Ms people get jugular vein angioplasty it works cured ME!

[@veronicajohnson1409]

I have such love for this woman she is fire 🔥 she's courageous she is so freakin strong.

[@Moonstone115]

Inspirational lady ❤

[@vaseemhadi8870]

Amazing how much better she's doing here as compared to the last interview I saw her in.

[@heater9124]

I am so happy for her. ❤️

[@2mUch4yEw]

Love Selma!!!❤️❤️god bless her !

[@kimht90]

Her improvement is astonishing. She’s an inspiration

[@ExKUKicker]

Such an incredibly strong and beautiful woman! Keep Keepin On, Selma!

[@lillianjoseph193]

Wow, she looks great and her speech is great. Happy for her.🙏❤️🙏❤️

[@Belfastboi]

Oh my god I’m so happy to see her she’s incredible. Oh this is great news ♥️

[@tinahall2512]

Oh how I LOVE seeing her ride Nibbles again! Horse therapy is the BEST therapy. Wishing her nothing but love and happiness ❤️❤️❤️

[@MyUnfilteredDiary]

What a strong and beautiful human she is. Selma Blair, I salute you and proud of you 👏 🙌

[@kauigirl808]

Wow. She looks great!! So happy for her!!!

[@northerngirl4924]

Selma is so incredibly strong and beautiful!!

[@jamielauro2623]

She looks absolutely beautiful and It seems her symptoms are gone … looks like she’s doing very well and I am happy for that!!!

[@madeleinevisser2072]

She is awesome. God bless her.

[@amgirl4286]

She has always been so beautiful! Even now she's gorgeous

[@nancydugancabrera1672]

So brave.. So beautiful!! God bless u!

[@ForeverSunnyy]

She looks so much better!! Wow!! What a warrior!!

[@apotheticallyautistic73]

Such an inspiration love her xxx

[@dc4092]

❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏 I wish all the best to her & her child & family she’s a strong woman

[@juliefisher5377]

So courageous ❤️ and honest