Vaccinated HBO star Bill Maher tests positive for virus, cancels this week's show

The 65-year-old is asymptomatic in what appears to be a vaccine 'breakthrough' case.

Published: May 14, 2021 10:57am

Updated: May 14, 2021 12:43pm

Friday's taping of the HBO talk show "Real Time with Bill Maher" has been canceled after the vaccinated host's PCR weekly test came back with positive results.

The 65-year-old entertainer, who is asymptomatic, tweeted Thursday that since 1993 he has never missed an episode of earlier show "Politically Incorrect" or this one, and lamented that his streak would be ending.

"The Friday, May 14th taping of Real Time with Bill Maher has been cancelled. Bill tested positive during weekly staff PCR testing for COVID. He is fully vaccinated and as a result is asymptomatic and feels fine. Real Time production has taken every precaution following COVID CDC guidelines," an HBO spokeswoman told Deadline.

Maher's show is currently on its 19th season and was the first major show to restart live audiences in September. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Maher's vaccine breakthrough is and expected in some vaccinated individuals. Other high-profile vaccinated people also have recently tested positive including eight New York Yankees baseball team members who were fully vaccinated.

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