Billy Porter shares health update after being rushed to hospital with ‘serious case’ of urosepsis that left him forced to quit his role in Broadway’s Cabaret

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Billy Porter announced on Monday that he was hospitalized with a severe case of urosepsis, a serious infection.

The 56-year-old Tony Award-winning actor revealed he had a difficult four months, ultimately leading to his departure from the Broadway show Cabaret in September as he dealt with health issues.

Oh my gosh, urosepsis is terrifying. It’s when a simple UTI – you know, a bladder infection – gets completely out of control and spreads into your blood. It’s super serious, like life-or-death serious, and you absolutely have to get to a doctor right away if you think it’s happening. It’s just… awful to even think about!

Billy shared a cheerful Christmas message on Instagram, letting fans know he’s recovering well, though he still has a ways to go.

I wanted to share that my friend recently had a really tough time. He was hospitalized this fall with a serious infection called urosepsis, and honestly, it was a very difficult experience for him. He’s been recovering for the past four months, and he says it’s been incredibly challenging, but he’s getting through it.

I’m happy to share that I’m recovering well, though I’m not completely back to health yet. I’m definitely making progress.

I’m so grateful for all the prayers, love, and positive energy everyone sent my way. I truly felt it all, and I believe it’s what helped me get through this and is why I’m still here today.

He playfully wrote with the post: ‘She’s alive! Here’s proof, thank goodness! Thank you for all your kind thoughts, prayers, and positive energy! Merry Christmas to everyone!’

People who admire the actor, along with many of his celebrity friends, immediately sent him messages of support. Annie Lennox posted, ‘Oh my gosh… I’m so happy to hear you’re almost back to full health, Billy!’

It sounds like you’ve had a really tough time, but you’re incredibly strong and have so much life left to live! You’re not giving up, and a serious infection won’t keep you down!

Saturday Night Live’s Cheri Oteri also chimed in, saying, ‘Billy, you’re a treasure, and I’m so happy to hear you’re doing better.’

Sepsis is a severe medical emergency that happens when your body overreacts to an infection. This can cause dangerous inflammation and potentially lead to organ failure.

The CDC says sepsis needs to be treated right away with antibiotics, fluids given through a vein, and careful observation in a hospital.

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. 

Anyone can be affected, but those with weakened immune systems or existing health problems are more likely to experience issues.

In 2021, Porter revealed he has been living with HIV since 2007.

He reflected that his generation was expected to be more informed, yet he faced a devastating year in 2007. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he explained that he received a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis in February, filed for bankruptcy in March, and learned he was HIV-positive by June.

He explained that the embarrassment from that period, added to the shame he’d already felt throughout his life, left him unable to speak up. He’d carried that shame in silence for 14 years. Growing up in a strict Pentecostal family, he was taught that being HIV-positive was seen as a punishment from God.

The actor, famous for his part in the popular show Pose, recently revealed his medical condition after keeping it private for years, saying that being honest about it has been a positive step for his well-being.

Throughout his career, Porter has achieved significant recognition, including an Emmy, a Grammy, and a Tony Award, as well as a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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2025-12-23 13:49