Michael Kelcourse, Patricia Altschul’s butler on the Bravo reality series “Southern Charm” for nearly two decades, died this Tuesday in Sarasota, Florida. He was 71 years old.
Luzanne Otte, a close friend of Kelcourse, confirmed his death via a statement on his Caring Bridge website. She attributed his death to complications from a spinal cord injury and stroke, as mentioned here.
Following an acute spinal cord stroke in February 2021 that resulted in paralysis from the chest down, Kelcourse retired from the television series. He then relocated to an assisted living facility in Florida.
Earlier this October, Kelcourse suffered a second stroke, which led to partial paralysis on his right side and speech impairment. However, he was still able to think clearly and use his left hand.
Patricia Altschul, Kelcourse’s employer in Charleston, South Carolina, maintained a close connection with him throughout his health related challenges. She visited him in Florida in December of last year, documenting their reunion on social media.
Kelcourse celebrated his 71st birthday on October 13, mere days before his passing. In his last week, he was surrounded by family and friends who read out birthday cards and messages from hundreds of admirers.
Despite his health problems, Kelcourse remained positive, focusing on the positive aspects of life. His mood only declined when he was admitted to hospice care in June.
Altschul, along with other loved ones, plan to honor Kelcourse’s memory by sharing recollections of him on social media in the upcoming weeks. His final Instagram post, dated October 2023, has become a virtual memorial where fans continue to express their condolences.
“Southern Charm”, which debuted on Bravo on March 3, 2014, is an American reality television series. It follows the lives of several socialites in Charleston, South Carolina as they balance their personal and professional lives while striving to uphold their family reputations.
