The charismatic host of El Gordo y La Flaca, Raúl "El Gordo" de Molina,, returned to work this week after being absent from the Univision network for over three weeks. The host and photographer revealed on-air that he was on the brink of death after being diagnosed with blood sepsis—an infection that has claimed the lives of celebrities like Christopher Reeve, Muppets creator Jim Henson, and Playboy icon Hugh Hefner.
Sepsis is a silent, deadly infection that can cause multiple organ failure within hours. While it typically develops through several pathways, De Molina's case of blood sepsis occurred after he underwent an intensive surgery to remove 15 pounds of fat and skin—part of his most recent weight-loss effort.
"I was miraculously saved," he said on the show, visibly emotional. He explained that what began as a seemingly minor infection quickly escalated into full-blown sepsis. Thanks to swift medical intervention, Raúl survived the life-threatening ordeal—but many others haven't been as fortunate. Blood sepsis has taken the lives of several high-profile figures, proving that not even the stars are immune.
Celebrities who died from sepsis
One of the most shocking cases was that of Christopher Reeve , the unforgettable Superman. After the accident that left him quadriplegic, he developed a pressure ulcer that became infected and led to sepsis. The actor died in 2004 at the age of 52.
Another name that shook the world was Jim Henson , the genius creator of The Muppets . In 1990, at just 53 years old, Henson died suddenly after a bacterial infection that turned into sepsis in a matter of days . His loss left an irreparable void in the entertainment industry.
Oscar-winning actress Patty Duke also died in 2016 from sepsis resulting from a perforated bowel. Her death came as a shock to her fans, who remembered her as a film and television icon.
Even legends like Hugh Hefner , founder of Playboy, did not escape this threat. Hefner died in 2017 at the age of 91 due to sepsis caused by a urinary tract infection with the E. coli bacteria.
More recently, in 2022, South African actress Charlbi Dean , star of the acclaimed film Triangle of Sadness , died at age 32 from bacterial sepsis, aggravated by a pre-existing condition affecting her immune system.
Also impactful was the death of former NFL player Mike Williams , who died in 2023 at age 36 after an untreated dental infection led to sepsis.
And how can we forget the case of Mariana Bridi Costa , the Brazilian model who, at just 20 years old, died in 2009 from a urinary tract infection that became rapidly complicated.
A silent threat
What Raúl "El Gordo" de Molina experienced serves as a reminder that sepsis can strike anyone, at any time, from seemingly simple infections: a wound, a urinary tract infection, a dental problem, or poorly treated pneumonia.
The key is early detection. High fever, chills, rapid breathing, confusion, low blood pressure, and cold or blotchy skin are some of the symptoms that can warn that something is wrong.Raúl was lucky. The cameras of El Gordo y La Flaca still capture his smile today, but his story and that of these stars remind us that, when it comes to sepsis, every minute counts.
