Penn Badgley‘s You co-star Steven Bailey took to X to deliver some upsetting news about his battle with a rare disorder: Congenital Myasthenia Syndrome, or CMS. Bailey further elaborated on the X post:
CMS is a genetic disease that disrupts the communication between the brain and the muscle at the “nerve/muscle junction”… or whatever doctors call it…. The point is: my muscles aren’t clearly receiving all my brain’s orders to do all the swell things muscles are meant to do….. The result being that my hands, arms and legs tire quicker than they should, which makes them weaker than, well… anticipated.
Bailey finds sustained and repeated movements to be difficult, as they cause his muscles to shut down. He is grateful that he is able to walk his dog around the block, but even walking is difficult for the actor. The Grey’s Anatomy recurring actor has had to find workarounds to battle the disease.
How Penn Badgley’s Co-Star Is Coping With Rare Disorder
Steven Bailey in You | Credit: Netflix
As his disease has progressed, Bailey has employed the use of a powered wheelchair. In a light-hearted take on the moment, Bailey says:
I am what is referred to as an ambulatory wheelchair user. I ambulate some, then I sit, I “wheelchair” about, ambulate, sit, and then, you know, ambulate. I can ambulate my way through simple “walks and talks” with no problem. I can still rise to my feet to object to the judge, derail a town meeting, or yell at a cop for being a loose cannon.
Despite turning a disease into a moment of hilarity, the truth that the actor confesses is that he is hopeful that he still has a career in the industry. Steven Bailey is completely open to playing roles that “as characters who live their lives with a chair, creating a more representative world in film and television.”
Grey’s Anatomy to You: Steven Bailey, the Reliable TV Guest
Steven Bailey began his career on Television, and his big breakout was as a recurring character as Joe the bartender on Grey’s Anatomy. The star has also starred in films, including Pitch Perfect.
Bailey is a trained actor and has worked with regional companies including American Conservatory Theater, Utah Shakespearean Festival, and California Shakespeare Festival.
Before Joe in Grey’s Anatomy, you might remember him as Steve Williams, the fake groom, on Fox’s My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé, where he plays an over‑the‑top husband‑to‑be in a 2004 hoax reality show.
Here is a list of his most notable works in a table.
Show / MovieRoleYearsBrief character descriptionGrey’s AnatomyJoe; Anesthesiologist Jeremy2005–2010Joe is the friendly owner-bartender of “Joe’s” bar, a social hub for Seattle Grace staff.Seattle Grace: On Call (web series)Joe2009–2010Reprises Joe as the bar owner, offering a character-centric look at doctors’ lives outside the hospital. Private PracticeJoe2007Cross‑over appearance as Joe, continuing his role within the Grey’s Anatomy universe. My Big Fat Obnoxious FiancéSteve Williams2004“Groom” in a hoax reality show, playing an obnoxious fiancé hired to sabotage a fake wedding for prize money. Buffy the Vampire SlayerCave Demon2002Demonic creature appearing in a trio of episodes, part of the supernatural antagonists Buffy encounters. BeckerGuest roleLate 1990s–early 2000sOne‑off supporting part opposite Ted Danson’s misanthropic doctor. Will & GraceGuest roleEarly 2000sBrief comic appearance in the NBC sitcom’s ensemble of guest characters. NCISDexter Murphy2012Suspect or witness tied to a Navy‑related investigation in a procedural episode.NCIS: Los AngelesCam2013Single‑episode character assisting or obstructing the LA NCIS team during a case. BonesGeoffrey Middlebury2013One‑episode figure connected to a murder investigation handled by Booth and Brennan.ScandalNoah Elliot2012–2014Recurring role as a Washington figure drawn into Olivia Pope’s crisis‑management orbit. CommunityGuest role2010sSmall comic role interacting with the Greendale study group. Modern FamilyVic2018One‑episode character entangled with the Pritchett‑Dunphy clan in a situational storyline. ShamelessMr. Feehan2017Brief appearance as a school‑adjacent adult in the Gallaghers’ chaotic world. You (Netflix)Jasper Krenn2019One‑episode supporting character in the psychological thriller’s second season.
We hope that Steven Bailey continues to get roles because we’ve seen our fair share of villains and heroes in wheelchairs, and they still kill it.
What do you think of Steven Bailey’s future? Let us know in the comments.
You is currently streaming on Netflix in the U.S.
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