Happy Birthday to “Sweetest Thing” Christina Applegate!

Playtex Commercial, 1972

Applegate wasted no time getting into the business, making her small-screen debut with her actress/singer mother Nancy Priddy in this 1972 commercial for Playtex. Little did mother or daughter know what a career this ad would launch! Playtex wasn't the only commercial she starred in, though.... Here's a YouTube clip of Christina in an '80s Mattel Barbie commercial.

Find out what Christina is up to now in Snakkle's gallery on fall TV!

Christina Applegate Young Photo Jaws of Satan Movie 1981

Jaws of Satan, 1981

Applegate and her mother shared the screen again in this 1981 horror move that centered around a preacher battling Satan, who has taken the form of a huge snake.

Barbie Commercial

Obviously a natural in front of the camera, a young Applegate enthusiastically played with the Pose Me Pretty Barbie in this commercial from the 1980s. Take a look at that smile!

Christina Applegate Young Photo Charles in Charge 1984

Charles in Charge, 1984

After small roles in television movies and series, Applegate nabbed her first recurring TV role opposite Scott Baio on this popular '80s sitcom.

Christina Applegate Young Photo Heart City 1986

Heart of the City, 1986-1987

Although this drama lasted only one season, it was Applegate’s first starring role on a television series. She played the daughter of a cop who worked long hours on the night shift so he could spend time with his teenagers during the day.

Christina Applegate Young Photo Married with Children 1988

Married with Children, 1988

Most of America got to know Applegate when she starred as Kelly Bundy on Married with Children. Kelly had big hair and an even bigger attitude. Although she often clashed with her family members, she was fiercely loyal to them—even little brother Bud.

Christina Applegate Emmy Awards Photo Johnathon Schaech 2001

Emmy Awards, 1999

Applegate wed fellow actor and longtime boyfriend Johnathon Schaech in 2001; they divorced in 2007.

Christina Applegate Cameron Diaz Sweetest Thing photo 2002

The Sweetest Thing, 2002

Long before Bridesmaids, Applegate, Selma Blair, and Cameron Diaz gave us this raunchy female-driven comedy about three best friends navigating their complicated love and sex lives in San Francisco.

Christina Applegate Jennifer Anison Photo Friends 2002

Friends, 2002-2003

Applegate twice guest-starred as Amy Green, one of Rachel’s two self-absorbed sisters. She won an Emmy for her hilarious performance in “The One with Rachel’s Other Sister.”

Christina Applegate Sweet Charity photo broadway 2005

Sweet Charity, New York City, 2005

Although Applegate had made no secret of her love of singing and dancing, she put both of these talents on display in the starring role of Charity Hope Valentine in the Broadway revival of Sweet Charity. The Great White Way took notice, and Applegate was nominated for a 2005 Tony for Best Actress in a Musical.

Christina Applegate samantha who photo 2007

Samantha Who?, 2007

Capitalizing on her turn as Veronica Corningstone in the blockbuster comedy Anchorman, Applegate returned to network TV in the title role on Samantha Who? The sitcom, which also featured 2011 Emmy winner Melissa McCarthy, focused on a 30-something amnesiac who is trying to rediscover who, exactly, she is (or was).

Christina Applegate Martyn LeNoble premiere photo going the distance 2010

L.A. Premiere for Going the Distance, 2010

Applegate put a young and very public face on breast cancer when she was diagnosed with the disease in 2008. Musician Martyn LeNoble stood by her side while she underwent a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction. The two were engaged in February 2010 and welcomed their first child—daughter Sadie Grace—in January 2011.

Christina Applegate will arnett up all night photo 2011

Up All Night, 2011

Real-life parents Applegate, Will Arnett, and Maya Rudolph were fantastic in the comedy that centered around Chris (Arnett) and Reagan (Applegate) as they navigated the stressful, exhausting, and often hilarious trials of new parents. After going on a hiatus in its second season to switch from a single to multiple camera set up, series creator Emily Spivey and Applegate decided to leave the show. It was officially canceled in May 2013. Find out what Christina is up to now in Snakkle's gallery on fall TV!

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3rd Annual Celebration of Dance Gala, 2013

Christina Applegate, post-Up All Night, still looks fabulous attending the 3rd Annual Celebration of Dance Gala presented by the Dizzy Feet Foundation. She appeared on TLC's Who Do You Think You Are? in July 2013 trying to find out more information on her father's birth mother. Applegate will reprised her role as Veronica Corningstone in Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues. She's currently filming Vacation a Griswold family reboot alongside Chevy Chase and Ed Helms.