67-year-old Michael Kelcourse is well known as the Butler on the American reality television show Southern Charm.
Kelcourse has worked for socialite Patricia Altschul for seventeen years, long enough to be called her right-hand man effectively. His effortless charm and capability to provide service have turned him into a fan-favorite character.
Kelcourse has often been called an unofficial member of the cast. Kelcourse built his effortless charm and ability to provide excellent service over a lifetime in his service career.
He started his service career from a young age when we worked as both a mother’s helper and father’s footman in the Nederlander Theatre. Following this, his father arranged an apprenticeship in a gourmet restaurant in Ireland and then further training in Ireland.
Before meeting Patricia Altschul, Kelcurse worked for American socialite Mrs. Lillian Bostwick till her death. His service was so impeccable that Altschul requested his service before Kelcourse completed his contract with the Bostwick household.
What Happened To Michael The Butler On Southern Charm?
In February piece of disheartening news reached fans as the show revealed that Michael Kelcourse suffered an acute spinal cord infarction.
Also called a spinal cord stroke, Patricia Altschul revealed in the season 8 premiere that the disease means Kelcourse is paralyzed from the chest down. The tragedy has caused significant nerve damage and impairment. Still, thankfully because of the help of some outstanding physicians at the Sheperd Center in Atlanta, it is hoped that Kelcourse will recover soon.
Kelcourse currently lives in Florida near his family at an assisted care facility. In the season 8 premiere mentioned above, Altschul discussed what Kelcourse’s absence meant to her.
She noted that her longest marriage had lasted 15 years while Kelcourse has been with her for 17 years. She stressed that Kelcourse was the most stable relationship she had ever had.
His absence is felt deeply on the show, with fans regularly questioning and worrying about the old gentleman. However, neither Altschul, the show, nor the fans have given up hope that Kelcourse will be back and healthy as ever.
Michael Kelcourse Illness and Health Update
Recently, Patricia Altschul has shared some uplifting news about her beloved Butler Michael Kelcourse.
Altschul recently shared a picture of Kelcourse on her Instagram where he was in a wheelchair. She mentioned that Kelcourse was out lunching with his family at his favorite seafood restaurant in Sarasota, Florida.
Kelcourse, too has been active on social media and posting about his stay in Florida. He seems pretty happy in all his posts, and various sources say he is delighted to live close to his family.
Both employee and employer have been staying in touch, and Kelcourse shared a picture of an orchid that Altschul had sent Kelcourse. Altschul has been replying to various comments concerning other aspects of Kelcourse’s life.
One commenter asked if Kelcourse had gotten his cat that Altschul had been caring for the back. Altschul mentioned that she was still taking care of the cat.
Before his stay at the assisted care facility, Altschul shared that Kelcourse had worked hard in the specialized physical therapy program at the Sheperd Center in Atlanta, where he had been treated. Altschul’s son Whitney Sudler-Smith also visited Kelcourse to wish him luck and brought along Ziti, and a dog Kelcourse used to take care of.
Is Michael the Butler Returing To The Show Southern Charm?
No one knows when Michael will get better or if he will return to the show.
However, based on the warm exchanges between Kelcourse and his employer, Altschul, one can well state he is being taken care of properly. Also, after decades of service, Kelcourse could use some rest.
As a spinal cord infarction is a stroke within the spinal cord and the arteries around it, the recovery rate for the disease is possible but in a substantial minority of patients. Even among these patients, the recovery rate is gradual.
Still, it seems that neither Michael Kelcourse, his family, nor Patricia Altschul has given up hope, and that’s all that matters.