An A-list star has been diagnosed with a “serious” health issue and been urged to “maintain a restful schedule in the next couple of weeks,” meaning he has to put himself over his career
A Hollywood icon is facing a serious health issue.
Billy Porter has been forced to withdraw from his role in Broadway’s Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club due to a potentially severe health scare. The star has been diagnosed with what has been described as a “serious case” of sepsis.
The 55-year-old actor will be unable to participate in the show as he adheres to medical advice, so prioritising his health means he will no longer continue in the role of the Emcee leading to an early end to the show’s run as announced on 7 September.
A statement in The New York Times read: “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.”
Adam Speers, producer for ATG Productions, also took the opportunity to commend the star for his contributions to the production so far. He stated: “It is with a heavy heart that we have made the painful decision to end our Broadway run on September 21.”
“On behalf of all the producers, we’re so honoured to have been able to bring this version of John Kander, Fred Ebb, and Joe Masteroff’s important masterpiece, Cabaret, to New York and to have opened the doors to our own Kit Kat Club for the year and a half we have been here,” reports the Mirror.
“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.”
Billy has previously referred to his role in Cabaret as a “gift and such a blessing”, especially after being rejected when he auditioned for a 1998 revival. Cabaret began its Broadway performances in April 2024.
Porter’s health setback comes just weeks after he withdrew from performing at Manchester Pride mere hours before he was due on stage, illness cited as the reason.
A statement from the organisers read: “We’re sad to share that Billy Porter will no longer be able to perform at Mardi Gras today due to illness. We know many of you were looking forward to their set as we were. Get well soon Billy, love from the Manchester Pride Team.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
