William Ellis Porter II (born September 21, 1969) is an American actor and singer. Porter gained notice performing on Broadway before starting a solo career as a singer and actor. Porter won the 2013 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his role as Lola in '' Kinky Boots''. He credits the part for "cracking open" his feminine side to confront toxic masculinity. For the role, Porter also won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical and

Outer Critics Circle Award The Outer Critics Circle Awards are presented annually for theatrical achievements both on Broadway and Off-Broadway. They are presented by the Outer Critics Circle (OCC), the official organization of New York theater writers for out-of-town newspa ...

for Outstanding Actor in a Musical. In 2014 Porter won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album for ''Kinky Boots''. Porter starred in all three seasons of the television series ''

Pose Human positions refer to the different physical configurations that the human body can take. There are several synonyms that refer to human positioning, often used interchangeably, but having specific nuances of meaning. *''Position'' is a gen ...

'', for which he was nominated for three

Golden Globe Award The Golden Globe Awards are accolades bestowed by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association beginning in January 1944, recognizing excellence in both American and international film and television. Beginning in 2022, there are 105 members of t ...

s and won the 2019

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series This is a list of winners and nominees of the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Beginning with the 18th Primetime Emmy Awards, leading actors in drama have competed alone. However, these dramatic performances inc ...

, becoming the first gay black man to be nominated and win in any lead acting category at the Primetime Emmys. In 2020, he was included on '' Time''s list of the 100 most influential people in the world. In 2022, he won another Tony Award for Best Musical as a producer for the musical '' A Strange Loop''. He made his directorial debut in 2022 with the romantic comedy film '' Anything's Possible''.

Early life

Porter was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to William Ellis Porter and Cloerinda Jean Johnson Porter Ford. His sister is Mary Martha E. Ford. He grew up in a "very religious" Pentecostal family and has described being sexually abused by his stepfather between the ages of 7 and 12. He attended Reizenstein Middle School, before graduating from Allderdice High School and Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts School in 1987. He graduated from the College of Fine Arts at

Carnegie Mellon University Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a private research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. One of its predecessors was established in 1900 by Andrew Carnegie as the Carnegie Technical Schools; it became the Carnegie Institute of Technology ...

with a

Bachelor of Fine Arts A Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is a standard undergraduate degree for students for pursuing a professional education in the visual, fine or performing arts. It is also called Bachelor of Visual Arts (BVA) in some cases. Background The Bachelor ...

in Drama and earned a certification from the graduate-level Professional Program in Screenwriting at UCLA. During the summers of 1985 through 1987, Porter was a member of entertainment groups "Spirit" and "Flash", which performed daily at Kennywood, a Pittsburgh-area amusement park.

Career

Porter appeared on American Talent Show '' Star Search'' in 1992 and won $100,000. He appeared on the same show as other future stars, such as a young

Britney Spears Britney Jean Spears (born December 2, 1981) is an American singer. Often referred to as the " Princess of Pop", she is credited with influencing the revival of teen pop during the late 1990s and early 2000s. After appearing in stage productio ...

. Porter played Teen Angel in the 1994 Broadway revival of '' Grease''. Other shows he has been in include '' Topdog/Underdog'' at

City Theatre City Theatre may refer to: * City Theatre (Detroit), Detroit, Michigan, United States * City Theatre (Pittsburgh), Pittsburgh, Michigan, United States * City Theatre, Sydney (1843–1845), Australia * Altona City Theatre, Altona, Victoria, Australi ...

(2004), ''

Jesus Christ Superstar ''Jesus Christ Superstar'' is a sung-through rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. Loosely based on the Gospels' accounts of the Passion, the work interprets the psychology of Jesus and other characters, with ...

'' and '' Dreamgirls'' at Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera (2004), and the song cycles '' Myths and Hymns'' and '' Songs for a New World'' (Off-Broadway, 1995).. Retrieved August 7, 2015. Porter wrote and performed in his one-person autobiographical show, ''Ghetto Superstar (The Man That I Am)'' at Joe's Pub in New York City in February and March 2005. He was nominated for "Outstanding New York Theater: Broadway & Off Broadway Award" at the

17th GLAAD Media Awards 17th Annual GLAAD Media Awards (2006) were presented at four separate ceremonies: March 27 in New York City; April 8 at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles; May 25 in Miami; and June 10 in San Francisco. The awards honor films, television shows, musici ...

. In September 2010, Porter appeared as Belize in Signature Theatre Company's 20th Anniversary production of Tony Kushner's '' Angels in America''. Porter originated the role of "Lola" in '' Kinky Boots'' on Broadway in 2013, with songs by Cyndi Lauper, book by Harvey Fierstein and directed/choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. Porter won both the 2013 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical and Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for this role. Porter has also appeared in many films. He played a major role as Shiniqua, a drag queen who befriends Angel ( David Norona) and Lee (Keivyn McNeill Graves) in

Seth Michael Donsky Seth Michael Donsky is an American filmmaker, producer/screenwriter and former journalist. Biography As of 2023 Mr. Donsky's feature screenplay ''Stardusk'', about the life of transgender Andy Warhol Superstar Candy Darling is in pre-productio ...

's ''

Twisted Twisted may refer to: Film and television * ''Twisted'' (1986 film), a horror film by Adam Holender starring Christian Slater * ''Twisted'' (1996 film), a modern retelling of ''Oliver Twist'' * ''Twisted'', a 2011 Singapore Chinese film directed ...

'' (1997), an adaptation of ''

Oliver Twist ''Oliver Twist; or, The Parish Boy's Progress'', Charles Dickens's second novel, was published as a serial from 1837 to 1839, and as a three-volume book in 1838. Born in a workhouse, the orphan Oliver Twist is bound into apprenticeship with ...

''. He has also appeared on ''

The RuPaul Show ''The RuPaul Show'' is an American talk/variety show that premiered on VH1 in 1996. Hosted by the drag performer RuPaul, the show had many famous musical guests and was notable as being one of the first national television programs in the United ...

''. He has had a musical career with three solo albums released, ''Billy Porter'' on DV8/ A&M Records in 1997, ''At the Corner of Broadway + Soul'' in 2005 on Sh-K-Boom Records and ''Billy's Back on Broadway'' (

Concord Music Group Concord Music Group was an American independent music company based in Beverly Hills, California, with worldwide (including the U.S.) distribution through Universal Music Group. The company specialized in recordings ( Fearless Records, Concord R ...

) in 2014. He featured in a number of songs in the tribute album; '' It's Only Life: The Songs of John Bucchino'' in 2006 released on PS Classics. He sings on Adam Guettel's 1999 album ''Myths and Hymns'' studio cast album on Nonesuch Records. He also covered "

Only One Road "Only One Road" is a song by Canadian singer Celine Dion, taken from her third English-language studio album, ''The Colour of My Love'' (1993). It was written by Peter Zizzo and produced by Ric Wake. "Only One Road" was released as the fourth sing ...

" that was included on the

Human Rights Campaign The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is an American LGBTQ advocacy group. It is the largest LGBTQ political lobbying organization within the United States. Based in Washington, D.C., the organization focuses on protecting and expanding rights for LGB ...

compilation album '' Love Rocks''. Porter wrote the play ''While I Yet Live'', which premiered Off-Broadway at Primary Stages in September 2014 in previews, officially on October 12. In addition to Porter, the cast included Lillias White and

S. Epatha Merkerson Sharon Epatha Merkerson (born November 28, 1952) is a film, stage, and television actor. Known by her stage name S. Epatha Merkerson, she has received numerous high-profile accolades for her work, including an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, ...

. Porter released ''Billy Porter Presents the Soul of Richard Rodgers'' in April 2017. The album, which features new, soulful takes on classic

Richard Rodgers Richard Charles Rodgers (June 28, 1902 – December 30, 1979) was an American Musical composition, composer who worked primarily in musical theater. With 43 Broadway musicals and over 900 songs to his credit, Rodgers was one of the most ...

songs, includes solos and duets from the following artists (in addition to Porter himself): Tony and Grammy Award winners Cynthia Erivo ('' The Color Purple''), Renée Elise Goldsberry ('' Hamilton'') and

Leslie Odom Jr. Leslie Lloyd Odom Jr. (; born August 6, 1981) is an American actor and singer. He made his acting debut on Broadway in 1998 and first gained recognition for his portrayal of Aaron Burr in the musical ''Hamilton'', which earned him a Tony Award f ...

(''Hamilton''), Tony Award-winner Patina Miller ('' Pippin''), Grammy Award winners

Pentatonix Pentatonix (abbreviated PTX) is an American a cappella group from Arlington, Texas, currently consisting of vocalists Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, and Matt Sallee. Characterized by their pop-style arrangements ...

, India Arie and Ledisi, Tony Award nominees Brandon Victor Dixon ('' Shuffle Along''),

Joshua Henry Joshua Anthony Charlton Henry (born September 2, 1984) is a Canadian-American actor and singer of stage and screen. He is best known for portraying Haywood Patterson in Kander and Ebb's 2010 musical '' The Scottsboro Boys'', for which he rec ...

('' Violet''), and Christopher Jackson (''Hamilton''), alongside YouTube and '' Kinky Boots'' star Todrick Hall and multiple Grammy Award nominee Deborah Cox. Porter reprised the role of Lola in ''Kinky Boots'' in September 2017 on Broadway, where he did a 15-week run. F20211202ES-0223 (51897976011)

In 2018, Porter starred in the FX show ''

'' in the role of Pray Tell. In 2019, ''Pose'' earned its renewal for a third season after airing just one episode from the second season. In August 2018, Porter confirmed via

Instagram Instagram is a photo and video sharing social networking service owned by American company Meta Platforms. The app allows users to upload media that can be edited with filters and organized by hashtags and geographical tagging. Posts can ...

that he was joining the cast of '' American Horror Story'' for its eighth season, subtitled ''

Apocalypse Apocalypse () is a literary genre in which a supernatural being reveals cosmic mysteries or the future to a human intermediary. The means of mediation include dreams, visions and heavenly journeys, and they typically feature symbolic imager ...

''. Porter duetted with ''Pose'' co-star Dyllón Burnside and sang from his album in a benefit concert emceed by Burnside on July 23, 2018, to celebrate the season 1 finale and to raise money for GLSEN. In June 2019, to mark the 50th anniversary of the

Stonewall riots The Stonewall riots (also known as the Stonewall uprising, Stonewall rebellion, or simply Stonewall) were a series of spontaneous protests by members of the gay community in response to a police raid that began in the early morning hours of Ju ...

, sparking the start of the modern LGBTQ rights movement,

Queerty ''Queerty'' is an online magazine and newspaper covering gay-oriented lifestyle and news, founded in 2005 by David Hauslaib. As of June 2015, the site had more than five million monthly unique visitors. History ''Queerty'' was founded by David ...

named him one of the Pride50 "trailblazing individuals who actively ensure society remains moving towards equality, acceptance, and dignity for all

queer ''Queer'' is an umbrella term for people who are not heterosexual or cisgender. Originally meaning or , ''queer'' came to be used pejoratively against those with same-sex desires or relationships in the late 19th century. Beginning in the lat ...

people". Also in June 2019 he presented the Excellence in Theatre Education Award at the 73rd Tonys at

Radio City Music Hall Radio City Music Hall is an entertainment venue and Theater (structure), theater at 1260 Sixth Avenue (Manhattan), Avenue of the Americas, within Rockefeller Center, in the Midtown Manhattan neighborhood of New York City. Nicknamed "The Showplac ...

. However, he earned media coverage for his

haute couture ''Haute couture'' (; ; French for 'high sewing', 'high dressmaking') is the creation of exclusive custom-fitted high-end fashion design that is constructed by hand from start-to-finish. Beginning in the mid-nineteenth century, Paris became th ...

red and pink gown, upcycled from ''Kinky Boots''' stage curtains, in a uterine shape, and his impromptu performance of " Everything's Coming up Roses" from '' Gypsy'', for host

James Corden James Kimberley Corden (born 22 August 1978) is an English television host, actor, comedian, and singer. In the United Kingdom, he is best known for co-writing and starring in the critically acclaimed BBC sitcom ''Gavin & Stacey''. In the Un ...

's "Broadway karaoke". In September 2019, he was nominated for a

and won the

for ''Pose'', becoming the first openly gay black man to be nominated and win in any lead acting category at the Primetime Emmys. Also, in 2019, Porter had a cameo appearance in Taylor Swift's " You Need to Calm Down" music video that featured twenty LGBTQ icons. Porter performed " For What It's Worth" with

Stephen Stills Stephen Arthur Stills (born January 3, 1945) is an American musician, singer and songwriter best known for his work with Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. As both a solo act and member of two successful bands, Stills has com ...

during the

2020 Democratic National Convention The 2020 Democratic National Convention was a presidential nominating convention that was held from August 17 to 20, 2020, at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and virtually across the United States. At the convention, delegates of ...

. His memoir, ''Unprotected'', was released in 2021. In 2022, Porter was included in the book ''50 Key Figures in Queer US Theatre'', with a chapter written by theatre scholar Eric M. Glover. In April 2023, he was set to play

James Baldwin James Arthur Baldwin (August 2, 1924 – December 1, 1987) was an American writer. He garnered acclaim across various media, including essays, novels, plays, and poems. His first novel, '' Go Tell It on the Mountain'', was published in 1953; de ...

in an upcoming biopic.

Fashion

Porter attributes his love of fashion from an early age to growing up in the black church which he describes as "a fashion show". His style has gone through many phases over the years, including vintage, Abercrombie and Fitch and geek chic. He has said that he intentionally set out to use fashion in a political way, to be a "walking piece of political art". Porter's stylist Sam Ratelle estimated that as of January 2020 they had worked on 150 red carpet looks together many designed by Porter himself. , Porter's stylist is Ty Hunter who has previously worked with

Beyoncé Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter ( ; born September 4, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Beyoncé's boundary-pushing artistry and vocals have made her the most influential female musician of the 21st century, according to ...

. He later became known for wearing a Gucci outfit to the Met Gala. At the 2019 Golden Globes, Porter gained attention for wearing an embroidered suit and pink cape designed by

Randi Rahm Randi Rahm is an American fashion designer based in New York City and raised in Long Island. She is a classically trained concert pianist and musician. She is well known for her couture gowns, bridal wear and evening wear collections and her wide ...

. He said the fact that people were surprised that he wore a cape inspired him to ask Christian Siriano if he could create him a ball gown because it was something he had always wanted to wear. He felt it seemed like a way to challenge people's ideas of masculinity. He continued to make fashion waves that year when he wore a fitted tuxedo jacket and a velvet gown by

Christian Siriano Christian Vincent Siriano (born November 18, 1985) is an American fashion designer and member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Siriano first gained attention after winning the fourth season of American design competition ...

with 6" Rick Owens boots to the 91st Academy Awards. In February 2019, Porter was an Official Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Ambassador for New York Fashion Week: Mens. Porter attended the 2019 Met Gala and embraced the '' Camp: Notes on Fashion'' theme by being carried on a litter by six shirtless men while sporting a "Sun God" ensemble. The Blonds designed Porter's outfit, and it included a bejeweled catsuit outfitted with wings, a 24-karat gold headpiece, as well as custom gold-leaf Giuseppe Zanotti shoes and fine jewels by Andreoli, John Hardy, and Oscar Heyman. In 2020, Porter wore a floor-length pink poncho style gown with a wide brimmed black hat, a look he characterized as "'' Handmaid's Tale'' realness", to the AFI Awards and to the Golden Globes he wore an all-white ensemble that included a tuxedo jacket with a feathered train. He wore a sparkling turquoise bodysuit with matching bolero and a motorised hat to the Grammy awards.

Concerts

Porter has performed at various venues in New York City, including Lincoln Center, which was broadcast on PBS in 2015 and Joe's Pub in New York City. In 2019 Porter headlined at London Pride. Porter performed "For What It's Worth" with Stephen Stills at the 2020 Democratic National Convention.

Personal life

Porter is gay, having come out at the age of 16 "in the middle of the AIDS crisis". He married Adam Smith on January 14, 2017, after meeting him in 2009. He was very keen to get married "while Obama was still president and before January 20th, 2017" so the two got engaged on December 29, 2016, and married 2 weeks later. In July 2023, it was announced that Porter and Smith had separated. Porter shared his views on race in the US in a 2020 interview with '' Vanity Fair'', saying, "The reason why our country is in the mess we're in is simply because of whiteness. White supremacy. White people choke-holding power and sucking the life out of humanity." In May 2021, Porter told '' The Hollywood Reporter'' that he had been diagnosed with HIV in June 2007; he was also diagnosed with type-2 diabetes in February 2007 and filed for

bankruptcy Bankruptcy is a legal process through which people or other entities who cannot repay debts to creditors may seek relief from some or all of their debts. In most jurisdictions, bankruptcy is imposed by a court order, often initiated by the debtor ...

in March 2007. In the same interview, he talked about renting a house on

Long Island Long Island is a densely populated island in the southeastern region of the U.S. state of New York (state), New York, part of the New York metropolitan area. With over 8 million people, Long Island is the most populous island in the United Sta ...

during the COVID-19 pandemic due to a pre-existing health condition and about having intermittently attended

psychotherapy Psychotherapy (also psychological therapy, talk therapy, or talking therapy) is the use of psychological methods, particularly when based on regular personal interaction, to help a person change behavior, increase happiness, and overcome pro ...

since the age of 25.

Discography

Albums

*1997: ''Billy Porter'' (DV8/ A&M Records) *2005: ''At the Corner of Broadway + Soul'' ( Sh-K-Boom Records) *2014: ''Billy's Back on Broadway'' (

)Hetrick, Adam
" 'Kinky Boots' Star Billy Porter Releases "Billy's Back on Broadway" April 15"
''Playbill'', April 15, 2014 *2017: ''Billy Porter Presents the Soul of Richard Rodgers'' ( Masterworks Broadway)

Singles

*1997: "Show Me"/"What Iz Time" *2005: "Awaiting You"/"Time" (Live) (Sh-K-Boom Records) *2007 : Billy Porter – Somewhere *2009 : Degrees Of Motion Featuring Billy Porter – Show Me *2017: "Edelweiss" *2019: " Love Yourself" *2020: "For What It's Worth" *2020: The Shapeshifters feat. Billy Porter "Finally Ready" *2021: "Children"

Other songs

" on '' Love Rocks'' compilation album *"Love Is on the Way" on '' The First Wives Club'' album *"Destiny" with Jordan Hill on Jim Brickman's ''Greatest Hits'' album *" Where Is Love?" with Liz Callaway

Appears in

*Featured on a number of songs on tribute album ''It's Only Life: The Songs of John Bucchino'' *Sings "O Holy Night" on Rosie O'Donnell's Christmas album, ''A Rosie Christmas (1999)'' *Adam Guettel's album '' Myths and Hymns'' in 1999 *He is featured with

Alan Cumming Alan Cumming (born 27 January 1965) is a British actor. His London stage appearances include ''Hamlet'', the Maniac in ''Accidental Death of an Anarchist'' (for which he received an Olivier Award), the lead in '' Bent'', The National Theatre o ...

David Raleigh David Raleigh is a New York City based singer, songwriter and piano player. History Born in Rochester, New York, David Raleigh moved to Seattle at the age of four. After receiving a scholarship to attend Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, ...

and Ari Gold in a cover of " That's What Friends Are For", of 'The Friends Project' in support of the Ali Forney Center, a NYC shelter for homeless LGBT youth. The song was arranged and produced by

Nathan Leigh Jones Nathan Leigh Jones (born 6 April 1981) is an Australian musician, public speaker and voice over artist. He has an honours degree in psychology and researches the effects of music and words on emotion. He also teaches in the area of communication ...

and directed by Michael Akers.

Filmography

Film

Television

Theater

Sources: '' Playbill Vault''; Off-Broadway Database *'' Miss Saigon'', Ensemble/John (u/s), Broadway (1991) *'' Grease'', Teen Angel, Broadway (1994) *'' The Merchant of Venice'', Solanio, Off-Broadway (1995) *'' Songs for a New World'', performer, Off-Broadway (1995) *''

Smokey Joe's Cafe Smokey Joe, Smokey Joe's or Smoky Joe's may refer to: Nickname * Joe Barton, Texan Congressman, nicknamed "Smokey Joe" for defending industries against pollution controls * Smokey Joe Baugh (1932–1999), American rockabilly musician * Happy Finne ...

'', performer, Broadway (1995–97) *'' Miss Saigon'', John (replacement), Broadway (1998–99) *''

'', Jesus of Nazareth, Helen Hayes Performing Arts Center, Nyack, NY (1998) *'' Dreamgirls'', James Thunder Early, New York Actors Fund concert (September 2001) *''

Radiant Baby ''Radiant Baby'' is a musical about Keith Haring, who was an artist and social activist in New York City. The music was composed by Debra Barsha, with lyrics by Ira Gasman, Stuart Ross, and Debra Barsha. It was based on ''Keith Haring: The Auth ...

'', Various, Off-Broadway (2003) *'' Topdog/Underdog'',

, Pittsburgh, PA (2004) *''

Little Shop of Horrors Little Shop of Horrors may refer to: * '' The Little Shop of Horrors'', a 1960 film directed by Roger Corman ** ''Little Shop of Horrors'' (musical), a 1982 musical based on the 1960 film ** ''Little Shop of Horrors'' (film), a 1986 film adaptat ...

'', Audrey ll (replacement), Broadway (2004) *''Chef's Theater: A Musical Feast'', Performer, Off-Broadway (2004) *''Ghetto Superstar'', Performer, Off-Broadway (2005) – also playwright *''Birdie Blue'', Bam/Little Pimp/Sook/Minerva, Off-Broadway (2005) *'' Putting It Together'', performer, New York (2009) *'' Angels in America'', Belize, Off-Broadway (2010) *'' Kinky Boots'', Lola, Broadway (2013–2015) *'' Kinky Boots'', Lola (replacement), Tour (2014) *''HAM: A Musical Memoir'', Off-Broadway (2015) – director *'' Shuffle Along, or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed'', Aubrey Lyles, Broadway (2016) *''

White Rabbit Red Rabbit Nassim Soleimanpour (born 10 December 1981 (19 Azar 1360 SH), is an Iranian playwright. He is best known for his 2010 play ''White Rabbit Red Rabbit''. Early life and education Soleimanpour was born in Tehran, Iran."Billy Porter, Justin Bartha and Stana Katic Set for September at WHITE RABBIT RED RABBIT"
Broadway World, August 9, 2016 *'' Kinky Boots'', Lola (replacement), Broadway (2017)

Awards and nominations

References

External links

* * *
Billy Porter on LastFM
* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Porter, Billy 1969 births Living people African-American male actors African-American Christians American male musical theatre actors American male stage actors American male television actors American male voice actors American gay actors American gay musicians LGBT people from Pennsylvania African-American LGBT people LGBT Christians Male actors from Pittsburgh Singers from Pittsburgh Carnegie Mellon University College of Fine Arts alumni Taylor Allderdice High School alumni 20th-century American male actors 20th-century American singers 21st-century American male actors 21st-century American singers Drama Desk Award winners Grammy Award winners Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actor in a Drama Series Primetime Emmy Award winners Tony Award winners Pennsylvania Democrats People with HIV/AIDS 20th-century American male singers 21st-century American male singers 20th-century American LGBT people 21st-century American LGBT people African-American male singers American LGBT film directors African-American film directors Film directors with disabilities American actors with disabilities American writers with disabilities LGBT writers with disabilities LGBT people with disabilities