Billy Porter is “recovering from a serious case of sepsis”, forcing the early closure of Broadway’s revival of Cabaret in which he played a leading role.
The show’s producers announced on Sunday that Porter “is recovering from a serious case of sepsis” that will prevent him from returning to the stage.
“His doctors are confident that he will make a full recovery,” they added, “but have advised him to maintain a restful schedule these next couple of weeks”.
Porter has yet to issue a statement on his health.
The 55-year-old actor had been playing the role of Emcee since July, when he and Marisha Wallace took over from Orville Peck and Eva Noblezada as Emcee and Sally Bowles respectively. The same production of Cabaret is still being staged in London, where it swept the 2022 Olivier awards with Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley in the leading roles. Porter and Wallace also appeared in the West End production.
Despite acclaim, ticket sales for the Broadway production have declined recently, with the New York Times reporting that the show’s weekly grosses peaked at $2m in May 2024, but dropped to $505,142 by the end of August 2025. The show will now close at a loss on 21 September, rather than 19 October.
Producer Adam Speers said it was a “painful decision” to end the show’s Broadway run.
“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,” he said.
The Broadway production’s two alternates for Emcee, Marty Lauter and David Merino, will share the role for the final performances.
