> At a Glance
> – Steven W. Bailey, 54, who played Joe the bartender on Grey’s Anatomy, has congenital myasthenia syndrome
> – CMS is a rare hereditary neuromuscular disorder causing progressive muscle weakness
> – Bailey now uses a powered wheelchair and aims to portray more wheelchair-using characters
> Why it matters: His openness challenges stigma around disability in Hollywood and pushes for authentic representation on screen
After years of staying quiet, Steven W. Bailey is publicly sharing how a rare genetic condition has reshaped his life and acting career.
The Diagnosis
In a candid post on X, Bailey explained he had “spent years being cautious, private and quiet” about his health. That changed when he revealed he lives with congenital myasthenia syndrome (CMS), a group of rare hereditary conditions triggered by gene differences that disrupt communication between nerves and muscles.
According to the Mayo Clinic, CMS can weaken any movement-related muscles, including those used for:
- Speaking, chewing, and swallowing
- Seeing and blinking
- Breathing and walking
Life with CMS
Bailey first noticed symptoms when routine tasks left his arms and legs fatigued faster than expected. Repetitive movements now cause his muscles to “temporarily tighten and shut down,” he wrote.
As the disease progressed, Bailey began relying on a powered wheelchair for mobility. He quipped that the diagnosis has excused him from household chores, but it has also forced him to rethink how he works.
Career Shift
Bailey emphasized he can “still perform on my feet” in limited spurts, yet he recognizes the need to pivot professionally.
> “Practically speaking, moving forward, it’s time for my work, like in my life, to start skewing more wheelchair, if you will. Passed that time, really.”
He now hopes to play characters “who live their lives with a chair,” helping create a “more representative world in film and television.”
Looking Ahead
The actor-whose credits also include NCIS, Angel, Modern Family, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Scandal-closed his note with determination:
> “Same guy. Same actor. Same artist. Now with wheels.”
Key Takeaways
- Steven W. Bailey publicly revealed his CMS diagnosis after years of privacy
- The disorder causes progressive muscle fatigue, prompting wheelchair use
- Bailey plans to pursue roles that reflect his mobility experience
- His announcement highlights the need for authentic disability representation in media
