Former “Grey’s Anatomy” star Steven W. Bailey revealed he’s been diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular disorder.
The 54-year-old actor, who played bar owner Joe in the first seven seasons of the ABC medical drama, told fans in a lengthy X thread on Friday that he has congenital myasthenia syndrome, or CMS.
“I’ve spent years being cautious, private, and quiet about something that has been shaping my life and my work,” Bailey wrote. “That time is over.”
In his “open letter,” Bailey said, “Turns out I have a rather rare genetic neuromuscular disorder. Weird, right? It’s called Congenital Myasthenia Syndrome, or CMS. Out of career caution, diagnostic uncertainty, and being private about such things in general, I have been hiding my battle with this disease for over five years. Time to stop.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, CMS is a group of rare hereditary conditions caused by a gene change that results in muscle weakness, which worsens with physical activity.
Bailey explained that his “hands, arms and legs tire quicker than they should, which makes them weaker than, well … anticipated.” He added, “Sustained repetitive movements are particularly difficult and can cause my muscles to temporarily tighten and shut down.”
“The truth is, as my disease progresses, I have been using a powered wheelchair more and more to get around,” Bailey continued, “Professionally, this is changing me as an actor.”
The “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star said that he can “still perform on my feet, limitedly,” but overall his career has to shift to roles in a wheelchair.
“Now I am here — done hiding — with a clear understanding of my disease, wheels firmly beneath me, ready for the next chapter in my life and career,” he shared. “I am hopeful that there is still room for me in this industry that I love. I look forward to performing as characters who live their lives with a chair, creating a more representative world in film and television.”
“Same guy. Same actor. Same artist. Now with wheels,” Bailey concluded his message.
From 2005 to 2010, Bailey appeared in over 30 episodes of “Grey’s Anatomy” as Joe, who owns the bar near the hospital that the characters frequent.
In 2002, he played a cave demon in three episodes of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” and appeared in one episode of the show’s spinoff, “Angel.”
Bailey also had roles in “Will & Grace,” “All That,” “Burn Notice,” “Community,” “NCIS,” “Shameless,” “Modern Family” and “Chicago Fire.”
