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Billy Porter

Birth Place: Pittsburgh, PA, USA

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BIO

Billy Porter is a Tony and Grammy Award-winning, and Golden Globe-nominated, actor, singer, director, composer, and playwright from Pittsburgh, PA.



His electric portrayal of Pray Tell in FX's breakthrough series "Pose," earned him a Golden Globe nomination and a Critics' Choice Award nomination. On screen, Porter recently appeared on "American Horror Story: Apocalypse" and Baz Luhrman's "The Get Down" on Netflix. Under the direction of Barry Levinson, Porter starred in The Humbling, alongside Al Pacino and Greta Gerwig. His other film credits include Noel, The Broken Hearts Club: A Romantic Comedy, Intern, Anastasia, and Twisted.

A veteran of the theatre, Porter reprised his role as Lola in the smash hit Broadway musical Kinky Boots, for which he won the 2013 Drama Desk and Tony Awards for Best Actor in a Musical. His other Broadway acting credits include the Tony nominated Broadway musical, Shuffle Along, directed by George C. Wolfe, Miss Saigon, Five Guys Named Moe, Grease, Smokey Joe's Café, and Dreamgirls (20th anniversary Broadway concert and LA Ovation Award).

His Off Broadway and regional credits include Angels in America (Signature Theater), Romance In Hard Times, The Merchant of Venice, House of Lear, and Radiant Baby (The New York Shakespeare Festival), Birdie Blue (Second Stage), Angels in America (Actors Theatre of Louisville), Going Native (The Long Wharf), Jelly's Last Jam (Alliance), Topdog/Underdog (City Theatre), King Lear (Exit, Pursued By A Bear), Jason Robert Brown's Songs for a New World (original cast), Jesus Christ Superstar, Antigone, A Chorus Line, and Chicago.

His one-man show Ghetto Superstar: The Man That I Am, debuted at The Public Theater in conjunction with City Theatre of Pittsburgh and was nominated for a 2005 GLAAD Media Award. Porter was also named "Pittsburgh's Performer of the Year 2003-2004" by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert Revival Production, 2024
Chimney Man

[Off-Broadway]
New York Staged Reading, 2018
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2016
Aubrey Lyles

[Off-Broadway]
New York Premiere Production, 2016
Performer

[US Tour]
First National Tour, 2014
Lola [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2013
Lola

Lola [Replacement]

Lola

[Off-Broadway]
Signature Theatre Company Production, 2010
Belize

[Off-Broadway]
Signature Theatre Company Production, 2010
Belize

[New York]
Reading, 2006
Calliope

[Off-Broadway]
2005
Bam/Little Pimp/Sook/Minerva

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2005
Performer

Performer

[Broadway]
Actors' Fund Concert, 2004
Performer

Other Roles

[Off-Broadway]
2004
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2003
Audrey II [voice] [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2003
Hot and Sleazy New York Man, Diva Man, Media/Critic/Journalist, Business Person, Prom Goer, New Yorker, SVA Student, Graffiti Artist, Celebrity, Galle

Various Roles

[Broadway]
New York Concert, 2001
James Thunder Early

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Off-Broadway Production, 1995
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1995
Performer [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
1995
Solanio

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1994
Teen Angel

[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1991
John [Replacement]

Productions

 
[Boston, 2019]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Vocal Music Arranger

Writing

Bookwriter
Composer
Lyricist
Playwright
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Conceiver

Movies

Twisted
[ 1996 ] Shiniqua - Angel's Friend
Anastasia
[ 1997 ] Ensemble, Character Vocals
Intern
[ 2000 ] Sebtian Niederfarb
The Broken Hearts Club: A Romantic Comedy
[ 2000 ] Taylor
Noel
[ 2004 ] Randy
The Humbling
[ 2014 ] Prince
Like a Boss
[ 2020 ] Barrett
Cinderella
[ 2021 ] Fabulous Godmother

TV Shows

Fairfax
Hiroki
Pose
Pray Tell

Awards and Nominations


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2013 - Best Leading Actor in a Musical

Billy Porter, Kinky Boots

Drama Desk Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Actor in a Musical

Billy Porter, Kinky Boots

Drama League Awards - 2013 - Distinguished Performance Award

Billy Porter, Kinky Boots

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Actor in a Musical

Billy Porter, Kinky Boots

Tony Awards - 2013 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Billy Porter, Kinky Boots

Videos

News


Billy Porter Releases 'Black Mona Lisa Vol. 2: The Cookout Sessions'

Global powerhouse and visionary iconoclast Billy Porter proudly presents his anxiously awaited new EP, Black Mona Lisa Vol. 2: The Cookout Sessions, out now. Listen to the album here!
NAS, Kim Dracula, and More Join WARRIORS Album From Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis

Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis have unveiled the fourth group of voices for the star-studded cast of the concept album, WARRIORS. 
Westport Country Playhouse Announces Cast For SATCHEL PAIGE AND THE KANSAS CITY SWING

Westport Country Playhouse has announced the cast for SATCHEL PAIGE AND THE KANSAS CITY SWING, set to open on September 9.
BWW Q&A: James Alonzo White on MAY WE ALL at The Rev

We talk with James Alonzo White about MAY WE ALL at The Rev. A new country music musical! May We All brings together several storylines about facing the music, rebuilding and starting over. Set in Harmony, TN, a town more than ready for its facelift, this heartfelt, funny new musical follows the dreams and aspirations of an up and coming country singer, her empty nester parents, an unrequited love story and a small town on the brink of change and revitalization.
Carbonell Awards Reveal Four New Judges For 2024-2025 Theatre Season

The Carbonell Awards have announced four new judges. They will bring the total number of Carbonell judges to 46, including 18 in Broward County, 11 in Miami-Dade, and 17 in Palm Beach County.
All But 6 Broadway Shows Will Go Dark for Election Night 2024

Most Broadway shows have announced that they will not have performances that Tuesday. On election night, only Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Left on Tenth, McNeal, The Outsiders, The Roommate, and Suffs will hold performances.
Colman Domingo and More Join WARRIORS Album From Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis

Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis unveil the third group of voices for the star-studded cast of the concept album, WARRIORS, which includes Colman Domingo, James Remar, David Patrick Kelly, and Cam’ron.
Billy Porter and Alan Cumming Join SUGAR DADDY Producing Team

Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winner Billy Porter and his producing partner D.J. Gugenheim, and Tony and Olivier Award winner Alan Cumming have joined the producing team for Sugar Daddy. Learn more about the production!
Broadway Unites to Organize Support for the Harris-Walz Campaign

The best of Broadway came together for the Broadway for Harris Community Launch Call- giving theater makers and fans an opportunity to learn more about how they can get involved in supporting the Harris-Walz campaign and other Democrats between now and the election. Check out what went down at the big meeting here!
Shaina Taub Will Host Broadway for Harris Community Launch

Shaina Taub, creator and star of Broadway’s Tony-winning Suffs, will host the Broadway for Harris Community Launch Call tonight, Monday, August 26 from 6:00-7:00pm ET. The call will take place over Zoom and is open to the public.
Billy Porter, Michaela Jaé, & More Join Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis' WARRIORS Album

Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis unveil the second group of voices for the star-studded cast of the concept album, WARRIORS. Newly announced are THE HURRICANES featuring Billy Porter as Granger, Michaela Jaé as Yaya and Mykal Kilgore as Élan, and more.
70+ Broadway Stars Unite in Support of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz

New York’s theater community is organizing to support Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 presidential election. Broadway for Harris is a volunteer coalition of industry professionals and theater enthusiasts united to elect Kamala Harris, Tim Walz and down ballot Democratic candidates this November.
Billy Porter Releases 'Leap' (Dale Move Remix)

Billy Porter releases a new remix of his song 'Leap' titled 'Dale Move Remix.'
Billy Porter Releases 'Leap (Sgt Slick Discotizer Remix)'

Global powerhouse and visionary iconoclast Billy Porter has shared a new remix for his new single “Leap” from Sgt slick. The original version of the song, released last month, was the first preview of the upcoming EP Black Mona Lisa Vol 2: The Cookout Sessions, coming soon. Listen to the remix here!
HAIRSPRAY THE MUSICAL Returns To Milton Keynes This September

HAIRSPRAY THE MUSICAL returns to Milton Keynes Theatre this September.
Mykal Kilgore Joins LI Musical Theatre Festival Lineup

Long Island Musical Theatre Festival has announced that Grammy Award nominee Mykal Kilgore will join its 2024 summer program as a guest artist. Kilgore will join a long list of LIMTF guest artists, which includes Stephen Schwartz, Beth Leavel, Jeanine Tesori, Alice Ripley, Adam Kantor, Jay Armstrong Johnson and more.
Samantha H Lucas to Release Debut EP This Year; New Single Available Now

Pittsburgh-born vocalist Samantha H Lucas will release her debut EP 'Expressions' this year, featuring the single 'Grow.' The EP, produced by The Vault Recording Studios, explores her journey as an artist.
Roger Q. Mason's THE PINK Will Receive an Industry Reading at Caveat Next Month

Acclaimed Black Filipinx playwright and Kilroys List honoree Roger Q. Mason will receive a staged reading of THE PINK, directed by Kevin Newbury.
Beth Malone, Rema Webb, and More Join Industry Reading of STARTING WITH...ENDING AS

An industry reading of Staring With...Ending As is set for July 19th. Starting With...Ending As illuminates the power of decisions we make on a daily basis, exposing the impact those choices make on not only our own lives, but also the lives of those closest to us.
Video: Watch Noah J. Ricketts, Sandra Mae Frank & More in Magnus Riise's Pride-Themed Music Video

Magnus Riise released a new pride-themed music video, 'My Heart Can Beat Again,' featuring a diverse cast and exploring LGBTQ+ solidarity and community. The video includes messages of support from around the world including from several Broadway alums.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Billy Porter been in?

Billy Porter has appeared on Broadway in 8 shows.

How many West End shows has Billy Porter been in?

Billy Porter has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Billy Porter been nominated for?

Best Leading Actor in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Kinky Boots, Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Kinky Boots, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Kinky Boots, Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Kinky Boots, and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Kinky Boots.

What awards has Billy Porter won?

Billy Porter has won the Best Leading Actor in a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for his performance in Kinky Boots.

How many shows has Billy Porter written?

Billy Porter has written 4 shows including Ghetto Superstar (Bookwriter), Ghetto Superstar (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), Mixed Company (Conceiver), Untitled Sex Project (Playwright).

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