Emma Caulfield was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2010 – sharing her story for the first time.
The “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” alum told Vanity Fair in an interview published Tuesday that she’s “so tired of not being honest” about her illness.
“In addition, my daughter has changed my perspective,” the actress added to Knightley, explaining that the 6-year-old has “a 30 percent greater chance of contracting the disease herself.”
“I don’t really do anything for her, because I have my mouth shut,” Caulfield continued. “If I already have a platform, I should use it.
“Even if it affects my ability to get work. It’s better for me to at least talk about this.”
However, the “WandaVision” star clarified that after her announcement, she is not seeking “special treatment” from anyone in the industry.
“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] when I talk about it, offer comfort or encouragement to someone who has it, it’s so wonderful.”
The “Beverly Hills, 90210” alum went on to say, “My attitude doesn’t crumble under the fear of ‘what if’ or ‘what can’ or ‘what has’ for other people. I just have to keep doing it.”
After calling Selma Blair “inspiring” for revealing her own diagnosis in 2018, Caulfield concluded by saying she was “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 she sees that I did my best and when it comes down to it, I showed up. I hope she’s just proud in the end.”
The actress shares her daughter with husband Mark Ford, whom she married in November 2017.
The actor has spent the past decade helping Caulfield keep her diagnosis “silent” from family members, friends and loved ones.
Caulfield called Ford her “best man” in a June 2021 Instagram tribute for their sixth wedding anniversary.
“I honestly don’t know what I’ve done to deserve your endless patience, support and unconditional love,” she moaned at the time.