Billy Porter shared an update on his health after being hospitalized with a “serious case of sepsis” in September. The performer said he was “on the road to a full recovery” in a video posted on Instagram on Monday.

Billy Porter is recovering from sepsis

Porter shared he is on the road to recovery after having gone through a challenging past few months since being hospitalized.

“I’m here, first and foremost, to say happy holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah, and everything in between,” Porter said, according to People. “Some of you may or may not know that I was in the hospital very ill this fall with urosepsis. It was not easy. It’s been a very, very challenging four months. And I want everybody to know that I am on the road to a full recovery. I’m not there yet but I’m on the road to that.”

“And I wanted to thank everybody for your prayers and your love and sending me all the vibes. I felt every single one of them,” he added. “And I know that I’m alive today because of my fans.”

Urosepsis is a type of sepsis, a condition in which the body does not respond properly to an infection. Urosepsis specifically is a complication of a urinary tract infection that spreads to the bloodstream and kidneys, according to Mayo Clinic. It can lead to a medical emergency and is often treated using antibiotics, IV fluid and other medications, per Cleveland Clinic.

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Billy Porter withdrew from the Broadway show ‘Cabaret’ due to sepsis

In September 2024, after being hospitalized, Porter was forced to withdraw from the Broadway show Cabaret, in which he was starring. Following his withdrawal, the show ended its run at the Kit Kat Club in New York City. Producers said it was a “painful decision” that was made with “a heavy heart” at the time.

“[Porter’s] doctors are confident that he will make a full recovery but have advised him to maintain a restful schedule these next couple of weeks,” a Sept. 7 press release read, according to People.

Porter also received words of support from producer Adam Speers, who, at the time, wrote, “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.”

Porter is set to star in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, which hits theaters on Nov. 20, 2026.

Billy Porter

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