Michael Kelcourse was my favorite person on Southern Charm. For years, he doted on Patricia Altschul, this series’ matriarch. Yes, taking care of Ms. Pat was his job since he was her butler, but his love for his boss lady was always apparent. Michael served Patricia for 18 years, but in 2021, he suffered a spinal cord stroke, leaving him no choice but to retire. Sadly, Michael had just passed away in Sarasota, Florida. To honor this beloved real man of genius, let us look back at his most memorable moments on Southern Charm while we do our best to keep our spirits high, as this is what Michael would have wanted.
Who are we kidding? We need martinis, stat, to help us handle our feelings today. To you, Michael, we raise our martinis high. And to your loved ones, our hearts go out.
When the Charmers needed breakfast, advice, or mixed drinks, Michael Kelcourse was always at the ready – Southern Charm Seasons 1-7
Michael was a constant background player during Seasons 1-7 of Southern Charm. Whenever Mrs. Pat needed a dosage of “her medicine,” aka a stiff drink, Michael would instantly appear, holding a freshly mixed cocktail in his white-gloved hands. His Gin martinis were famous amongst the Charmers as well. Whenever one of Peter Pan’s lost boys would pop in for a chat, Michael would also whip them up a strong glass, always eager to help their houseguests unwind.
Patricia’s morning routines involved Michael as well. Each morning, Patricia used her landline phone to call Michael, who lived in a cottage on her property. Once she relayed her breakfast order, typically a hard-boiled egg and a slice of toast, Michael promptly set to work, fulfilling his boss’s desires. Michael would then deliver a gorgeous tray to Patricia, who would slowly begin waking up via her newly arrived breakfast in bed.
Michael had a servant’s heart and a saint’s ear. As each cast member faced their struggles, they would confide in Michael. Michael would always take the time to listen to their issues. He would then serve them a drink and help them decide if their choices were slightly sh*t or downright horrid.
He also offered the sweetest soundbites, showing that he genuinely cared for this messy gathering of individuals. Case in point, when Whitney Sudler-Smith, Patricia’s son, was in a relationship that was looking serious, Michael got excited, noting that he couldn’t wait to teach his firstborn child all kinds of things, like how to dye Easter eggs. This man was a constant source of help, love, and wit on Southern Charm, and I think I speak for everyone when I say that his absence following Season 7 left a hole that will never get filled.
When a pregnant Cameran Wimberly needed help, Michael Kelcourse came in clutch (with lotion) – Southern Charm Season 5
Cameran Wimberly was my second favorite character on Southern Charm. She left this series following Season 6, but if she ever wanted to make a cameo, I’m down. During Season 5, her pregnancy played out on Southern Charm, and as she progressed, her life (understandably) began feeling a bit out of sorts and stressful. Cue Michael, stepping in to save her rotund and sassy self.
Patricia loaned Michael to Cameran for an entire day. Cameran did not know what to do with Michael, but he assured her he did not need a laundry list of chores. Instead, Michael could find the things that needed help in her house by himself. He then motioned to her couch, where Cameran immediately laid down to take the pressure off her swollen feet.
Michael noticed her cankles. He gave Cameran a blanket to place underneath her lower half. Michael then pulled out some lotion and massaged her legs, feet, and ankles. He also helped Cameran organize her future little girl’s room, like an excited, helpful, precious grandfather who genuinely cared for Cameran.
Michael Kelcourse serves Patricia Altschoul McDonads in a Bentley – Southern Charm Season 6
One of my favorite moments with Michael was when he drove Patricia to McDonalds for a hamburger. Her son Whitney was on a vegan diet, but Patricia needed meat. Therefore, she turned to Michael, asking him not to tell Whitney about the little drive that she wanted to take.
Michael answered her, joking that Whitney would be the first one he told once they arrived home at her estate. Nevertheless, Michael got Patricia settled into the back seat of her Bentley and aimed her ride towards those beautiful glowing arches of transfat.
Once this affluent carriage arrived in the drive-through lane, Michael ordered a cheeseburger with zero tomatoes for Patricia. He then parked the car and headed for the trunk. Inside the trunk, Michael pulled out fine china, a bottle of red wine, and a crisp white serving linen, which he draped over Patricia’s lap. As Michael served Patricia her meal, set atop a fold-down tray within the vehicle, she chided Michael for handing her one of the restaurant’s paper napkins from inside her bag.
He laughed. Michael was always down to fulfill every demand Patricia had. And she, and we, loved him for it.
Following his stroke, Michael Kelcourse made a tear-jerking cameo – Southern Charm Season 9
In February 2021, Southern Charm Season 8 was gearing up for filming. Sadly, this timeframe is when Michael suffered a spinal cord stroke, leaving him paralyzed from his chest down. Michael received treatments at the Shepard Center in Atlanta, where he relearned how to drive a car. Following this, Michael’s care continued via a nursing facility in Sarasota, Florida, where his family resided.
Season 8 mentioned these facts, making us all sad. But in Season 9, Patricia, aided by Whitney, pulled out her tablet to film a FaceTime call with the man we all missed. It was emotional. By the end, Patricia and Whitney each had tears in their eyes.
In this filmed chat, Michael shared how he was doing. He put a positive spin on his health, stating that he was “doing great” and had “no complaints.” Michael then complimented his former boss, asking, “Is that Dolce and Gabbana you’re wearing? It’s beautiful!”
Patricia joked that she had “put on a little weight, so the cats [on her sweater] are getting fatter and fatter.” But the ever-genteel Michael replied, “You look fabulous as always.”
Michael then revealed that this FaceTime call remarkably transpired on “the second anniversary of [his] incident.” Patricia responded by praising him over how well he was doing. Michael stressed, “I couldn’t have done it without you folks. You gave me such help and were just such an inspiration.”
This moment is when the tears started falling. From everyone. In a confessional, Patricia emotionally pleaded with the viewers to “savor every moment every day because you never know when life is going to change.”
In 2023, Patricia visited Michael in Florida. He showed off his wheelchair and his handicapped-accessible van as Patricia cheered him on. This friendship was precious. And now I am sad.
To end, let us raise our glasses high to Michael Kelcourse, using his exact recipe for martinis
Two weeks ago, Michael suffered a second stroke. Tragically, Michael passed away. He left this world a brighter place simply because he was in it.
Michael was known for his martinis. Each episode that aired his likeness also aired his specialty concoction for this drink. Thankfully, Michael’s recipe lives on via Patricia’s Instagram. To honor Michael, I will share his formula with you now so we can all raise our glasses to the one we will forever miss on Southern Charm.
First, one must grab a Lewis ice bag and a hammer. Then, place “three or four” ice cubes in a bag and “get the ice nice and chopped.” Once done, peel a lemon and “rub the yellow part around the rim of the glass to give [it] a little flavor.” Finally, mix three ounces of Beefeater gin and three “cap fulls” of Boissière or Dolin dry vermouth and pour this over the ice in your lemon-crusted martini glasses.
After this, take your glasses somewhere cozy. Then, take a hot minute to honor the man, the myth, and the martini legend that was Michael.
Relive all of the above moments and more while Southern Charm is streaming on Peacock.
TELL US – WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF MICHAEL KELCOURSE ON SOUTHERN CHARM?
