Despite Michael the Butler's Injury, the 'Southern Charm' Star Is Thriving — How Is He Doing?

If there’s one thing we can all agree on when it comes to Southern Charm, it’s that we love Michael the Butler (real name: Michael Kelcourse). Naturally we were all devastated to learn that Michael the Butler had a stroke back in 2021. Thankfully, Patricia Altschul has continued to post updates as often as possible.

Read on to find out more about what happened to Michael the Butler on Southern Charm.

In February 2021, Patricia Altschul’s son, Whitney Sudler-Smith, informed The Daily Dish of what had happened to Michael. “I am sorry to inform you that Michael Kelcourse, affectionately known as 'Michael the Butler,' recently suffered an acute spinal cord infarction, which is often called a 'spinal cord stroke.'"

Whitney continued, “Although this tragedy has caused significant nerve damage and impairment, with the help of the outstanding physicians at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, we are hopeful Michael will soon recover.”

Since then, Patricia has shared updates on Michael’s condition via Twitter and Instagram. In March 2021, Patricia tweeted, “He is working hard at his rehabilitation at the Shepherd Center and is actually teaching other patients how to cook. He suffered a spinal stroke which is actually quite rare but has a positive outlook and is learning how to live with paralysis.”

Although he seems to be on the up and up, it’s clear that our beloved Michael the Butler will not be able to lead the same life he once did. In Patricia’s April 2021 Instagram update, she shared, “Michael has made many good friends while at the amazing Shepherd Center. Tomorrow he will be transferred to an interim place with assisted living in order to continue with his rehabilitation. Everyone loves #michaelthebutler.”

Patricia has also offered up a way for fans to send positive messages to Michael through the Caring Bridge app. On his page, we can see how many fans have sent Michael kind messages and how those messages have been a constant source of inspiration for him to keep improving.

And don't worry about Michael’s sweet 15-year-old cat! Patricia has been taking care of Michael’s furry friend for now, which she shared in a post that read, “I’ve been taking care of Michael’s kitty until he is able to do so. She has settled right in being in the main house and pays no attention to the dogs.”

It's now been over a year since Michael's stroke and Patricia is still supporting him while updating fans about his health journey.

On May 28, 2022, she posted an adorable photo on Instagram of Michael waving from his motorized wheelchair, sporting his signature dog blanket. "Michael is out today lunching at his favorite seafood restaurant in Sarasota, Florida," she wrote. "Besides living in a beautiful assisted-living residence, he is near to his family as well. Follow Michael at @michaelkelcourse and send him a cheerful message. Doesn't he look great?"

He certainly does!