Billy Porter Withdraws From Cabaret Due to a “Serious Case” of Sepsis
Written by laserteam on September 9, 2025
(ENews) – Billy Porter is bowing out earlier than expected.
Less than two months after the actor took over as Emcee for Broadway’s Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club for its final 13 weeks, he stepped away from the musical amid an ongoing health battle.
“Due to a serious case of sepsis, Billy Porter must also withdraw from the production,” the company shared in a statement on Instagram Sept. 7. “His doctors are confident that he will make a full recovery but have advised him to maintain a restful schedule.”
With Billy’s unexpected departure, the curtain is closing sooner than anticipated for Cabaret, with Marty Lauter and David Merino taking on the charismatic, yet often unsettling role until the final show on Sept. 21.
Before the 55-year-old took the stage in the Broadway production—which was initially set to close on Oct. 19—he and Marisha Wallace as Sally Bowles brought the musical to life on London’s West End from Jan. 28 to May 2
Producer Adam Speers commended Billy’s work while reflecting on the “painful decision” to end Cabaret‘s run earlier.
“Billy was an extraordinary ‘Emcee’ bringing his signature passion and remarkable talent,” he shared in a statement per The Hollywood Reporter. “We wish Billy a speedy recovery and I look forward to working with him again in the very near future.”
The Pose alum’s unique iteration of Emcee—which has been played by Alan Cumming, John Stamos, Neil Patrick Harris, Adam Lambert and more over the years—as he previously explained, came from his own identity as a Black man.
