'Grey's Anatomy' star Steven W. Bailey reveals rare genetic disorder, now using wheelchair

Entertainment Weekly•January 4, 2026•entertainment

Key Points:

Steven W. Bailey, known for his role as Joe on Grey's Anatomy, has revealed he has been privately battling Congenital Myasthenia Syndrome (CMS), a rare genetic neuromuscular disorder, for over five years.
CMS disrupts communication between the brain and muscles, causing muscle weakness and fatigue, which has led Bailey to become an ambulatory wheelchair user.
Despite the challenges posed by his condition, Bailey remains committed to acting and hopes to portray characters who use wheelchairs, advocating for more representation in film and television.
He emphasized that while his mobility is limited, he can still perform many tasks and scenes, and is ready to embrace roles that reflect his current physical reality.
Bailey expressed