Broadway and screen star Billy Porter has opened up about his difficult health battle, revealing he is on the path to a full recovery after a severe case of sepsis hospitalised him earlier this year.
A 'Proof of Life' Message After Hospitalisation
In a candid video shared on his social media, the acclaimed actor and singer addressed his fans directly. Porter confirmed he had been treated for urosepsis, a dangerous condition where a urinary tract infection spreads into the bloodstream. He emotionally described the past four months as "very, very challenging."
"Hey everybody, Billy Porter here," he began, offering holiday greetings before discussing his health. "Some of you may or may not know that I was in the hospital very ill this fall with urosepsis." He signed off the heartfelt message with a declaration of "proof of life," assuring everyone of his ongoing recovery.
Broadway Departure and Medical Advice
The illness had significant professional consequences. In early September, Porter was forced to withdraw from the Broadway production of 'Cabaret' at the Kit Kat Club, where he had been starring in the pivotal role of the Emcee.
A statement from the production at the time explained that while his doctors were confident of a full recovery, they had advised him to maintain a restful schedule. As a result, the production's run ended earlier than planned on 19 September, instead of continuing for another month.
Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires rapid treatment. It can cause rapid deterioration, leading to tissue damage, organ failure, and even death.
Gratitude and a New Festive Role
In his update, Porter expressed profound thanks for the support he received. "I know that I’m alive today because of my family, extended family, friends, communities, strangers. I’m very, very grateful to all of you," he wrote. He added that he would discuss the experience in more detail on his own terms in the future.
The star also took the opportunity to discuss his latest project, the holiday film 'Christmas Karma'. The movie is a contemporary musical retelling of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol', directed by Gurinder Chadha.
Porter plays the Ghost of Christmas Present. The film stars The Big Bang Theory's Kunal Nayyar as a modern Scrooge figure named Mr Sood, who is visited by three spirits. The ghosts are portrayed by Eva Longoria (Christmas Past), Porter (Christmas Present), and Boy George (Christmas Future).
The ensemble cast also features former EastEnders actor Danny Dyer, singer Pixie Lott, Bridgerton star Charithra Chandran, Downton Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville and Sanditon’s Leo Suter. 'Christmas Karma' is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime.
Concluding his video message, Porter encouraged viewers to watch the film: "So maybe when you're around with your family this Christmas, you can sit down and get your blessing. It’s a very good movie."
