LGBTQ icon Billy Porter, 55, was recently diagnosed with a “serious” case of sepsis. His illness forced “Cabaret” to close its Broadway run earlier than anticipated on September 21. The Tony Award-winning musical was expected to run through October 19.
The Broadway show’s producers announced Porter’s serious illness on Sunday.
“It is with a heavy heart that we have made the painful decision to end our Broadway run on September 21,” the statement from producer Adam Speers reads. “Billy was an extraordinary Emcee, bringing his signature passion and remarkable talent,” Speers continued.
“We wish Billy a speedy recovery and I look forward to working with him again in the very near future. I personally invite audiences to return to the Kit Kat Club one last time to see the incandescent Marisha Wallace as Sally Bowles, alongside the remarkably talented Marty and David, two actors who have been giving soul-stirring performances as Emcee since we first opened last April.”
Sepsis is the body’s severe response to an infection. The body’s immune system, which normally fights infection, begins to attack the body’s tissues causing rapid spread of toxins in the blood and inflammation. Sepsis can lead to tissue/organ damage, organ failure and death.
Inflammation, toxins and dangerously low blood pressure can send patients into “septic shock.” People who are sickened with sepsis are usually admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).
The condition is particularly life-threatening for people with weakened immunity such as those diagnosed with cancer, lupus or HIV.
