Patricia Altschul is hiring.
On Sept. 16, the “Southern Charm” star posted a job ad on Instagram to reveal she was seeking help for her Charleston, SC, mansion nearly one year after the death of her beloved longtime butler, Michael Kelcourse.
“Now that Michael is sadly no longer with us, I have decided it’s time to find a new live-in butler,” Altschul wrote. “Duties include: Light cooking, Chauffeuring, Must love animals, Comfortable with filming, Making martinis. References required. Serious applicants only.”
Altschul also included an email address where serious applicants could send their resumes.
Kelcourse worked for Altschul for 18 years and appeared on 21 episodes of Bravo’s “Southern Charm,” according to IMDb. He died in October 2024.
Patricia Altschul’s Biggest Requirement Is Martini Making
As part of her job ad, Altschul posted a throwback video of a candidate named Jesse who came “very highly recommended” for her previous search for a second butler.
“Now, it’s a butler’s job with extended chauffeuring,” she said in the clip. “Polishing silver, dealing with the porcelains.”
She also noted that her many paintings would need to be cleaned with a sable brush.
“And in the morning, I like my breakfast in bed,” she said, explaining that she would call on the intercom when she woke up.
“There is one final consideration and that involves a classic gin martini,” the “Southern Charm” matriarch added, before asking, “Would you mind showing me your talent in that area?”
As the job applicant went off to make the martini, Altschul told her son, Whitney Sudler-Smith, “I don’t care if he’s a serial killer as long as he can make a good martini.”
Altschul’s job ad received comments from fans and friends, including one former “Real Housewives” star.
“Best of luck with your search,” wrote “Real Housewives of New York City” alum Sonja Morgan. “I found the best butlers from England. They are well educated in the field there. Having breakfast in bed isn’t as easy as one thinks. Especially if the lady of the manor has a different waking time each day. And upon waking notice. “
“We need a reality show where butlers compete to work for Pat!” another wrote.
“ And name it after Michael,” another added.
Patricia Altschul Hired Michael Kelcourse Right After His Previous Employer Died
Kelcourse was very devoted to Altschul during the years he worked for her. Speaking with The Daily Dish, Sudler-Smith said Kelcourse was “invaluable” to his mother.
“He knows everything,” Sudler-Smith added. “He knows history of how to serve [like] the correct silverware, décor, decoration. He’s a master of this lost art. There are butler schools and academies, and this and that, but he can teach these academies. He’s a master, essentially.”
In a 2019 interview with the New York Times, Altschul opened up about the day she hired Kelcourse, right after his employer had died—and before she was even laid to rest. “Her body wasn’t cold,” Altschul admitted. “Best decision I ever made.”
In an interview with a Bravo producer, Kelcourse said he received multiple offers for work after his former employer died, but that Altschul gave him the offer he couldn’t refuse.
“Oh, I knew what it would take,” Altschul said in the joint interview. “You probably have more money than I do at this point,” she told Kelcourse at the time.
