Jennifer Esposito, known for her roles in "Blue Bloods" and "Samantha Who?", has recounted a harrowing experience where she spent seven hours in a hospital psychiatric ward while attempting to manage her celiac disease diagnosis. The 53-year-old actor-director shared the ordeal on a recent podcast, detailing how frustration over persistent health issues led to her being admitted under an alias.
Esposito described a period of intense illness where she suffered from hair loss, brittle nails, and even a tooth falling out during a scene. She recalled her health collapsing around 2007, the same year she divorced Bradley Cooper. At the time, she was experiencing symptoms that led her to question if she was suffering from panic disorders, depression, or simply perceived herself as "crazy."
During this period, a doctor misdiagnosed her with various conditions, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In a moment of extreme frustration with a dismissive doctor, Esposito threatened to "jump out the window." This statement prompted the doctor to admit her to a psychiatric ward under the name "Betty Franklin." Esposito and her father attempted to advocate for her sanity during the confinement.
"I remember thinking, 'Jennifer calm down, calm down because this man is not hearing you,'" Esposito told Heal Squad x Maria Menounos. "And I thought, 'If I ever get out of here I have to do something.' And that's when I went. They let me out with my father's, you know, uh, supervision."
Following this experience, a large piece of wood smashing through her windshield on a drive in Los Angeles led her to seek further medical attention. Two days later, she received her official diagnosis of celiac disease. The doctor informed her the autoimmune condition was so severe that her liver was failing, expressing surprise at her survival.
Esposito stated that her celiac disease diagnosis ultimately saved her life, preventing her from reaching a worse state. Celiac disease, which affects approximately one in 100 people globally, can only be managed through a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet.
In recent years, Esposito has also pursued directing projects. In February, she sold a New York home she had mortgaged to finance her directorial debut, "Fresh Kills." Her upcoming acting roles include appearances in "Little Audrey" and "Bullet Catch." She is also crowdfunding for her second directorial effort, "Mary Rides the F Train."