‘Grey’s Anatomy’ actor Steven W. Bailey reveals he was diagnosed with congenital myasthenic syndrome, a rare neuromuscular disorder, over five years ago.
« Grey’s Anatomy » actor Steven W. Bailey revealed that he has been diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular disorder.
In an « open letter » that he posted in a thread on X, the 54-year-old actor, who played Joe, the owner of the fictional Emerald City Bar frequented by the hit show’s main characters during seasons one through seven, shared that he is battling congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) after being diagnosed more than five years ago.
« I’ve spent years being cautious, private, and quiet about something that has been shaping my life and my work », Bailey began. « That time is over. »
He continued, « It’s the darndest thing, but it turns out I have a rather rare genetic neuromuscular disorder. Weird, right? It’s called Congenital Myasthenia Syndrome. »
CMS is a « group of rare hereditary conditions caused by a gene change that results in muscle weakness, which worsens with physical activity », according to the Mayo Clinic.
« Any muscles used for movement can be affected, including muscles that control speaking, chewing and swallowing, seeing and blinking, breathing, and walking », the medical center added.
Bailey went on to share why he chose to keep his condition private after he was first diagnosed.
« 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 », he wrote. « Time to stop. »
« 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 », Bailey explained.
