Tony Award winner Billy Porter has stepped away from Broadway’s Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club after being diagnosed with what producers described as a ‘serious case’ of sepsis.
The announcement was made on Sunday, with producers confirming that the 55-year-old actor’s doctors advised him to prioritize rest while he recovers.
Although he is expected to make a full recovery, the star will no longer continue in the role of the Emcee.
‘His doctors are confident that he will make a full recovery but have advised him to maintain a restful schedule these next couple of weeks,’ read a statement, obtained by The New York Times.
Producer Adam Speers of ATG Productions praised Porter’s contribution to the production, saying: ‘Billy was an extraordinary Emcee, bringing his signature passion and remarkable talent. We wish Billy a speedy recovery and I look forward to working with him again in the very near future.’
Tony Award winner Billy Porter has stepped away from Broadway’s Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club after being diagnosed with what producers described as a ‘serious case’ of sepsis
Porter had been scheduled to perform through October 19, but his early departure means the Tony-winning revival will now close ahead of schedule.
Its final performance at the August Wilson Theatre will take place on Sunday, September 21, concluding a run of 18 previews and 592 regular performances.
For the last shows, the Emcee role will be shared by longtime alternates Marty Lauter and David Merino.
Marisha Wallace, who joined the Broadway cast alongside Porter in July after performing with him in the London staging, will remain with the production until closing.
Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body’s immune system has an extreme reaction to an infection, leading to widespread inflammation and possible organ failure.
According to the CDC, sepsis requires immediate treatment with antibiotics, IV fluids and hospital monitoring.
Early signs of sepsis can include fever, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing or confusion.
Severe cases may escalate into septic shock, which can be fatal without urgent intervention.
The announcement was made on Sunday, with producers confirming that the 55-year-old actor’s doctors advised him to prioritize rest while he recovers; seen in 2023
Although he is expected to make a full recovery, the star will no longer continue in the role of the Emcee (pictured in 2022)
‘His doctors are confident that he will make a full recovery but have advised him to maintain a restful schedule these next couple of weeks,’ read a statement (pictured in 2023)
While it can affect anyone, people with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions are at higher risk.
In 2021, Porter revealed he has been living with HIV since 2007.
‘I was the generation that was supposed to know better, and it happened anyway. It was 2007, the worst year of my life,’ he said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. ‘By February, I had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. By March, I signed bankruptcy papers. And by June, I was diagnosed HIV-positive.’
He continued: ‘The shame of that time compounded with the shame that had already [accumulated] in my life silenced me, and I have lived with that shame in silence for 14 years. HIV-positive, where I come from, growing up in the Pentecostal church with a very religious family, is God’s punishment.’
After years of hiding his condition, the performer, best known for his role in the hit TV series Pose, explained speaking ‘the truth’ was ‘healing.’
Over his career, Porter has earned an Emmy, Grammy, Tony and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
