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Grey’s Anatomy Alum Steven W. Bailey Discloses Rare CMS Diagnosis, Plans Wheelchair-Inclusive Roles

He says the rare neuromuscular disorder has caused progressive fatigue, leading to greater reliance on a powered wheelchair.

Overview

  • In a Jan. 2–3 open letter on X, the 54-year-old confirmed a diagnosis of congenital myasthenia syndrome, a rare inherited neuromuscular disorder.
  • He said the condition disrupts nerve–muscle communication, leaving his hands, arms and legs prone to rapid fatigue with repetitive movement.
  • Bailey reported increasing reliance on a powered wheelchair while still walking for short tasks as an ambulatory wheelchair user.
  • He stated his future work will focus on characters who use wheelchairs to help broaden representation in film and television.
  • Known for Joe the bartender on Grey’s Anatomy, he has also appeared on Modern Family, Chicago Fire, Shameless, Scandal and other series.