Stars Who Fought Sepsis: Their Stories and Lessons

Sepsis is a serious condition where the body overreacts to an infection, causing organ damage. It's a life-threatening issue that many celebrities have faced.

Notable Cases

Erin Bates

Background: Star from Bringing Up Bates
Incident: Developed severe UTI and kidney infection leading to septic shock after giving birth to her seventh child in August 2025.
Status: Suffered a seizure but is now on the road to recovery.

Billy Porter

Background: Known for his role in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club
Incident: Had to leave the show in September 2025 due to sepsis.
Status: Doctors are optimistic about his full recovery but advised rest.

Amelia Gray Hamlin

Background: Lisa Rinna's daughter
Incident: Got a nipple piercing, fell at a party during Coachella, leading to a serious infection and sepsis in her breast.
Status: Needed IV antibiotics for a week to recover.

Vicki Gunvalson

Background: Star from The Real Housewives of Orange County
Incident: Had a close call with sepsis in August 2024. Initially misdiagnosed with a sinus infection but later found out she had pneumonia and sepsis.
Status: Had a 10 to 20 percent chance of survival but is now recovering.

John Daly

Background: Pro golfer
Incident: Bitten by a brown recluse spider in England, leading to sepsis.
Status: Underwent emergency surgery and is now in remission from his cancer.

Mikkey Dee

Background: Drummer for Scorpions
Incident: Developed sepsis after spraining his foot in January 2025.
Status: Had to undergo three surgeries to remove the infected tissue.

Abby Lee Miller

Background: From Dance Moms
Incident: Suffered a UTI that led to sepsis in the summer of 2024.
Status: Was in the ICU for four days but is now recovering.

Jamie-Lynn Sigler

Background: Actress
Incident: Had a bad reaction to surgery and developed sepsis in June 2024.
Status: Spent a year grieving but is now doing better.

Ashley Park

Background: Known for Emily in Paris
Incident: Went into critical septic shock after tonsillitis in December 2023.
Status: Is now recovering and grateful for the support.

Whoopi Goldberg

Background: Actress and talk show host
Incident: Battled pneumonia and sepsis in 2019, which nearly killed her.
Status: Is now doing better and grateful to be alive.

Larry King

Background: Renowned TV host
Incident: Passed away in January 2021 from a sepsis infection unrelated to COVID-19.
Status: His wife shared that he fought hard but ultimately succumbed to the infection.

Joshua Bassett

Background: Singer and actor
Incident: Thought he had food poisoning in June 2021 but ended up in septic shock and heart failure.
Status: Had a 30 percent chance of survival but is now doing better.

Tyler James Williams

Background: Known for Abbott Elementary
Incident: Found out he had Crohn's disease when he was trying to gain muscle. Had to undergo emergency surgery and went into septic shock.
Status: Is now stronger and healthier.

Conclusion

These stories show how serious sepsis can be and the importance of seeking medical help early. It's a reminder to take care of our health and listen to our bodies.