Stars Who Fought Sepsis: A Closer Look

Sepsis is a serious condition where the body overreacts to an infection, causing organs to malfunction. It's a life-threatening situation that can happen to anyone, even celebrities. Let's take a closer look at some stars who have battled this condition. In August 2025, Erin Bates, known for her role in Bringing Up Bates, faced a severe health scare. After giving birth to her seventh child, she developed a serious UTI and kidney infection, leading to septic shock. Her husband, Chad Paine, shared the news on Instagram, asking for prayers. Bates suffered a seizure but is now on the road to recovery. Madonna, the pop icon, also had a close call with sepsis. In 2023, she was hospitalized while rehearsing for a tour. She described waking up from being unconscious for four days and struggling with the aftermath of sepsis. Madonna shared her journey on a podcast, emphasizing the importance of acceptance in healing. Billy Porter, the Broadway star, had to end his run in a show due to sepsis. In September 2025, he was advised to rest and recover. His doctors were confident in his full recovery, showing that with proper care, sepsis can be beaten. Amelia Gray Hamlin, daughter of Lisa Rinna, had a scary experience with sepsis after a nipple piercing. At a party, she fell and punctured her breast, leading to a severe infection. She had to undergo IV antibiotics for a week, highlighting the dangers of infections that can turn into sepsis. Vicki Gunvalson, from The Real Housewives of Orange County, had a narrow escape from sepsis. In August 2024, she was misdiagnosed with a sinus infection but later found out she had pneumonia and sepsis. She was given a low chance of survival but made it through, showing the importance of early and accurate diagnosis. John Daly, the pro golfer, had a unique encounter with sepsis. In 2023, he was bitten by a brown recluse spider while vacationing in England. The bite led to sepsis, and he had to undergo emergency surgery. This incident happened a year before he was diagnosed with bladder cancer, showing how health issues can sometimes be interconnected. Mikkey Dee, the Scorpions drummer, had a close call with sepsis in January 2025. After spraining his foot, he developed a severe infection that led to sepsis. He had to undergo multiple surgeries, emphasizing the seriousness of infections that can escalate quickly. Abby Lee Miller, from Dance Moms, had a health scare in the summer of 2024. A UTI led to sepsis, and she had to spend four days in the ICU. Her experience shows how even routine medical procedures can sometimes go wrong and lead to serious complications. Jamie-Lynn Sigler shared her battle with sepsis in June 2024. She had a bad reaction to surgery and developed sepsis, leading to a year of grieving. Her story highlights the emotional impact that serious health scares can have on a person. Ashley Park, known for her role in Emily in Paris, had a severe case of tonsillitis that turned into septic shock. In January 2024, she shared her journey on Instagram, showing the importance of having a support system during such times. Whoopi Goldberg battled pneumonia and sepsis in 2019. She shared her experience on The View, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment. Her story shows how quickly health can deteriorate if infections are not treated promptly. Larry King, the famous talk show host, passed away in January 2021. His wife later shared that he died from a sepsis infection unrelated to COVID-19. His story highlights the seriousness of sepsis and the importance of seeking medical help early. Joshua Bassett, the singer, thought he had food poisoning but ended up in septic shock. In June 2021, he shared his experience, emphasizing the importance of seeking medical help when something feels off. Tyler James Williams, from Abbott Elementary, revealed his battle with Crohn's disease and septic shock in January 2023. His story shows how chronic illnesses can sometimes lead to serious complications. Patty Duke, the Oscar-winning actress, passed away in March 2016 from sepsis caused by a ruptured intestine. Her story highlights the importance of regular health check-ups and early intervention. These stories show that sepsis is a serious condition that can affect anyone. It's important to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical help promptly. Early detection and treatment can make a significant difference in the outcome.