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. Erin Bates, a star from Bringing Up Bates, had a tough time after giving birth to her seventh child in August 2025. She developed a severe 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. Billy Porter, known for his role in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, had to leave the show in September 2025 due to sepsis. His doctors were optimistic about his full recovery but advised him to rest. Amelia Gray Hamlin, Lisa Rinna's daughter, had a scary experience after getting a nipple piercing. At a party during Coachella, she fell and injured herself, leading to a serious infection and sepsis in her breast. She needed IV antibiotics for a week to recover. Vicki Gunvalson, a star from The Real Housewives of Orange County, had a close call with sepsis in August 2024. She was misdiagnosed with a sinus infection initially but later found out she had pneumonia and sepsis. She had a 10 to 20 percent chance of survival but is now recovering. John Daly, a pro golfer, was bitten by a brown recluse spider in England, leading to sepsis. He had to undergo emergency surgery but is now in remission from his cancer. Mikkey Dee, the drummer for Scorpions, developed sepsis after spraining his foot in January 2025. He had to undergo three surgeries to remove the infected tissue. Abby Lee Miller, from Dance Moms, suffered a UTI that led to sepsis in the summer of 2024. She was in the ICU for four days but is now recovering. Jamie-Lynn Sigler shared in June 2024 that she had a bad reaction to surgery and developed sepsis. She spent a year grieving but is now doing better. Ashley Park, known for Emily in Paris, went into critical septic shock after tonsillitis in December 2023. She is now recovering and grateful for the support. Whoopi Goldberg battled pneumonia and sepsis in 2019, which nearly killed her. She is now doing better and grateful to be alive. Larry King passed away in January 2021 from a sepsis infection unrelated to COVID-19. His wife shared that he fought hard but ultimately succumbed to the infection. Joshua Bassett thought he had food poisoning in June 2021 but ended up in septic shock and heart failure. He had a 30 percent chance of survival but is now doing better. Tyler James Williams, from Abbott Elementary, found out he had Crohn's disease when he was trying to gain muscle. He had to undergo emergency surgery and went into septic shock. He is now stronger and healthier. 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.