Sep 21, 1969
Virgo
Pittsburgh, PA
55 years old
N/A
N/A
Stage Actor
Personal Information
Full Name: William Ellis “Billy” Porter II
Date of Birth: September 21, 1969 (age 55 in 2025)
Place of Birth: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Height: Not widely publicized
Education:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama from Carnegie Mellon University (1991)
Graduate certificate in Screenwriting from UCLA Professional Program
Early Life and Formative Years
Billy Porter was raised in a devout Pentecostal household by his mother, Cloerinda Jean Johnson Porter Ford, and father William E. Porter. He attended Taylor Allderdice High School and the Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts School. During summers, he performed with entertainment troupes like “Spirit” and “Flash” at Kennywood Park . He first revealed he was gay at sixteen, which shaped his identity well before fame .
Stage Career and Major Breakthroughs
Porter began his professional journey in 1992, winning $100,000 on Star Search for vocal performance . He made his Broadway debut as the Teen Angel in Grease (1994), followed by roles in Miss Saigon, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, and a tour with Jesus Christ Superstar .
His career-defining moment came in 2013, originating the role of Lola in the musical Kinky Boots on Broadway. This performance earned him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical, alongside Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards. He also won a Grammy for the cast album .
Television & Film Highlights
Porter's screen career includes:
Pray Tell in Pose (2018–2021), winning a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor—the first openly gay Black man to receive that honor .
Behold Chablis in American Horror Story: Apocalypse (2018) .
Roles in productions like Cinderella (2021) as the fairy godmother, and Our Son (2023), where he plays a vulnerable father navigating divorce—earning acclaim for his dramatic depth .
He also ventured into directing with Anything’s Possible (2022), a romantic comedy on Amazon Prime featuring LGBTQ+ youth .
Awards, Advocacy & Impact
Tony Awards:
2013: Best Actor in a Musical (Kinky Boots)
2022: As a producer for A Strange Loop
2024: Isabelle Stevenson Award for humanitarian work
Primetime Emmy (2019): Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama (Pose)
Grammy (2014): Best Musical Theater Album (Kinky Boots)
Porter is a vocal HIV and LGBTQ+ advocate. He disclosed his HIV-positive status in 2021 and champions authenticity and representation, striving to shift Hollywood toward meaningful queer Black stories .
Style, Identity & Cultural Influence
Known for his fearless fashion, Porter often wears bold ensembles—gowns, capes, statement suits—intentionally challenging gender norms and advocating self-expression through clothing . His philosophy: “I’m not a drag queen. I’m a man in a dress.”
In 2020, he was named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People, recognized for his creative talent and cultural advocacy b.
Personal Life
Billy Porter came out publicly at 16. He married Adam Smith in January 2017, though they separated in July 2023 . He overcame early setbacks—revealing he lived with HIV since 2007, battled type 2 diabetes, and faced bankruptcy before becoming the icon he is today .
Final Thoughts
From Broadway to television, music to advocacy, Billy Porter embodies fearless authenticity. His journey reflects resilience and bold starts—from Pittsburgh stages to global red carpets. As an award-winning performer, director, and activist, he continues to champion marginalized voices and expands the definition of artistry and identity in modern culture.
