Southern Charm viewers are mourning the loss of Patricia Altschul’s beloved butler, Michael Kelcourse.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Michael, who left us yesterday morning in Sarasota. More than just a devoted butler, he was a trusted friend, confidant, and member of our family for over 20 years,”Altschul, 83, captioned an Instagram post on Wednesday, October 23. “Michael’s time on Southern Charm endeared him to many, as his humor and kindness quickly made him a fan favorite. Over the past two weeks, he was deeply touched by the incredible number of cards and well-wishes from fans. I’ve been told there were hundreds, and they brought him immense joy during his final days.”
She concluded: “I will be devoting this week to remembering Michael. I know he meant so much to so many of you, as he did to us. He will be greatly missed.”
Kelcourse was a permanent fixture in Altschul’s life, working as her butler for years and becoming a fan-favorite guest star on Southern Charm following the Bravo show’s 2014 premiere. He would often been seen making Altschul’s martinis and pouring glasses of champagne in the socialite’s Charleston mansion during parties that featured other cast members, including Craig Conover and Shep Rose, among others.
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After suffering an acute spinal stroke in February 2021, Kelcourse was paralyzed from the chest down. While he stopped working for Altschul because of his health, she continued to take care of him.
“I sent him to the Shepherd Center, which is the foremost center for spinal cord strokes,” the Southern Charm star said at BravoCon in 2022. “They rehabilitated him to the point where he can drive a van. He’s living in an assisted living care facility with nurses, which he requires. He’s in Sarasota, Florida, close with family, so they’re there to take care of him on a daily basis.”
Altschul — the mother of Southern Charm star and producer Whitney Sudler-Smith — told Bravo fans that Kelcourse loved the Southern Charm fans, especially the ones who would go to Charleston and visit her home.
“He used to stand out in the front of my house making up chores to do because I have fans around my house all the time,” she recalled. “He loved to give garden tours and take pictures — so send him a message, that would be really nice.”
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Weeks before news of Kelcourse’s death broke, Altschul revealed that he had suffered another stroke.
“I am very sad to share that Michael has had another stroke,” she captioned an Instagram post on October 7. “I am told that while he cannot read messages on his phone or Instagram, he can receive cards. His birthday is October 13th and it would be so nice if his fans would send him a card.”
Altschul shared his address with her followers as well.
“We are sure he would love to receive your birthday and well wishes,” she added. “I know he means so much to so many of you.”
