Actor Steven W. Bailey Reveals Rare Genetic Disorder Accelerating Mobility Decline

Steven W. Bailey, 54, an actor known for his recurring role on “Grey’s Anatomy,” has disclosed he has been diagnosed with congenital myasthenia syndrome (CMS), a rare genetic neuromuscular disorder that is increasingly impacting his mobility and career.

In a detailed thread published on social media platform X, Bailey revealed Friday that CMS disrupts communication between nerves and muscles, causing progressive muscle weakness. He stated he had kept the condition private for years due to concerns about his career but decided to speak out after gaining clarity on its progression.

Bailey described how the disorder causes his limbs to fatigue more rapidly than expected, leading to temporary muscle shutdowns during sustained movements. As CMS advances, he has increasingly relied on a powered wheelchair for mobility, which is affecting his professional opportunities.

“Professionally, this is changing me,” Bailey wrote in an open letter. “It’s time for my work to start skewing more toward characters who use wheelchairs.”

The actor, who appeared in over 30 episodes of “Grey’s Anatomy” as Joe from Seasons 1 through 7, has expressed his commitment to pursuing roles that authentically represent disability in film and television. He emphasized that the diagnosis has not diminished his artistic dedication but rather redirected it toward inclusive storytelling.

Bailey’s television credits include appearances on “NCIS,” “Angel,” “Modern Family,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” and “Scandal.”