Steven W. Bailey Opens Up About Rare Neurological Condition and Embraces Next Chapter
Grey’s Anatomy veteran Steven W. Bailey has revealed a diagnosis of a rare neurological condition called Congenital Myasthenia Syndrome (CMS).
Bailey, 54, shared via X on Friday, January 2, that he has “spent years being cautious, private, and quiet” regarding something that has been “influencing [his] life and [his] work.”
“That time is over,” he declared. “What follows is an Open Letter to you all.”
Bailey began his letter by expressing hope that his entertainment industry colleagues are “well and not overly burdened by life’s challenges,” before disclosing his own struggle.
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“To be frank, it turns out I have a rather uncommon genetic disorder affecting the nerves and muscles. Quite unusual, isn’t it? It’s called Congenital Myasthenia Syndrome, or CMS,” he announced.
The Cleveland Clinic describes CMS as a group of “illnesses that cause muscle weakness that worsens with physical activity.”
The actor said that he had concealed his condition for five years “due to career concerns, uncertain diagnoses, and a desire for privacy regarding such matters,” though he now felt it was “time to be open” about the truth.
“CMS is a hereditary illness that disrupts communication between the brain and the muscle at the ‘nerve/muscle junction’… or whatever doctors refer to it as,” he explained. “There are countless of these junctions in a body, and an increasing number of mine seem to be malfunctioning. Troublesome, little issues – wouldn’t you agree?”
Bailey clarified the facts about CMS, writing: “The point is: my muscles aren’t consistently receiving all my brain’s instructions to perform all the functions muscles are intended to do. It’s a setback.”
“Consequently, my hands, arms, and legs tire more quickly than they should, which makes them weaker than, well… expected,” he continued. “Sustained repetitive motions are particularly difficult and can cause my muscles to temporarily tighten and shut down.”
Bailey joked that while his diagnosis has helped him avoid “doing the dishes and folding laundry in [his] household,” it has also increasingly limited his ability to walk.
“I am fortunate that I am currently still able to walk the dog around the block, navigate my home, and quickly run into the store for a few items on my feet,” he noted. “However, the reality is, as my disease progresses, I have been relying on a powered wheelchair more and more to get around.”
The Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum confirmed that he can “still perform on [his] feet” to a limited extent for acting roles, including still being able to “stand up to object to the judge, disrupt a town meeting, or scold a police officer for being reckless” when needed.
“Practically speaking, moving forward, it’s time for my work, like in my life, to begin shifting more towards wheelchair use, if you understand. I’ve passed that point, really,” Bailey acknowledged. “But 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.”
Bailey reiterated his belief that there is “still a place for [him] in this industry” as he depends more on the use of a wheelchair.
“I look forward to portraying characters who live their lives with a chair, creating a more inclusive world in film and television,” he added. “And now that I think of it, I don’t need to jump to my feet to object to that judge I mentioned earlier. They’ll hear me. And I can disrupt any town meeting from my chair – no problem. And as far as reckless individuals go – well, you get the idea.”
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Bailey concluded his heartfelt message to fans with a self-affirming description of himself: “Same person. Same actor. Same artist. Now with wheels.”
The star received expressions of support from many of his followers, with one X user replying: “Thank you for sharing your story! I hope to see you again soon on the tv and I hope you continue to find a positive and fulfilling path forward personally and professionally.”
Bailey is perhaps best known for appearing in over 30 episodes of Grey’s Anatomy as Joe, the owner of a fictional bar near the show’s Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, during the first seven seasons. He has also made memorable appearances on NCIS, Angel, Modern Family and Scandal.
More recently, Bailey had a multi-episode arc as union lawyer Mike Knowles on Chicago Fire, in addition to guest starring in You and Swiped.
