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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


Video: J. Harrison Ghee Sings Happy at Miscast

Tony winner J. Harrison Ghee appears in the latest flashback performance from MCC Theater's MISCAST22! Watch as they sing 'Sing Happy' from Flora the Red Menace in this video. 
Josh Groban, Brian Stokes Mitchell And More Join STARS IN THE HOUSE: VOTE-A-THON

Stars in the House has announced Josh Groban, Neil Patrick Harris, Brian Stokes Mitchell and more for the second annual Election Day Vote-A-Thon.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Martin Short, Shoshana Bean, and More Join STARS IN THE HOUSE Vote-A-Thon

“Stars in the House” will return for its second Election Day Vote-A-Thon with a star-studded lineup joining hosts Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson to talk about their voting experiences and deliver LIVE musical performances.
GOLDEN KRUST Partners to Promote New Album 'Warriors' with Giveaway

Golden Krust, the premier Jamaican fast-casual restaurant group that aims to bring a taste of the Caribbean to the world, is partnering with Atlantic Records and songwriter, actor and filmmaker Lin-Manuel Miranda and playwright Eisa Davis, to promote their new concept album, 'Warriors.'
Betty Buckley’s 'Grizabella' Joins Broadway Legends Ornament Collection

This holiday season, “let the memory live again” of Betty Buckley’s Tony Award-winning performance in Cats as her Grizabella joins Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ limited edition Broadway Legends ornament series.
Video: Lin-Manuel Miranda Recalls E-Mail Exchange with Stephen Sondheim

Lin-Manuel Miranda recalled an iconic e-mail exchange he shared with the late Stephen Sondheim about an ice cream truck in Queens on a recent visit to Late Night with Seth Meyers. Watch the clip!
Video: Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis 'Open' to Broadway Future for WARRIORS

Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis visited the Today Show on Wednesday to discuss their concept album, Warriors, released last week. During the interview, the writers discussed their inspiration for the album, working with the vocalists, and whether the show could be staged in the future. Watch it now!
Billy Porter to Join Jason Robert Brown in Concert at Carnegie Hall

Emmy, Tony, and Grammy Award-winning performer Billy Porter will join three-time Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown for his Carnegie Hall solo concert debut. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Video: Christopher Jackson, John Riddle & More Join 'Freedom Advances' Campaign

NEWorks Productions is leveraging its influence in the creative arts space to encourage more Americans to vote this election cycle through a non-partisan civic initiative, “Freedom Advances”. Learn more!
Video: Inside the WARRIORS Album Release With Lin-Manuel Miranda & More

Atlantic Records has released WARRIORS, the groundbreaking new concept album from Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis, available everywhere now. BroadwayWorld was on the red carpet for the release! Watch footage here!
Photos: Anne Hathaway, Billy Porter & More at BROADWAY RALLIES FOR KAMALA!

On Monday, October 14, Broadway for Harris presented Broadway Rallies for Kamala!, a special event in New York City to mobilize audience members and remote viewers across the country to get involved in supporting Kamala Harris. See photos!
Photos: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Amber Gray, & More Attend WARRIORS Album Launch Party

WARRIORS,  the groundbreaking new concept album from Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis, is available everywhere now. Miranda and Davis celebrated the album launch and Time Out New York cover at an exclusive release party. Take a look at the photos now!
Listen: Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis Unveil New WARRIORS Concept Album

Atlantic Records has released WARRIORS, the groundbreaking new concept album from Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis, available everywhere now. Listen to the album here!
Review Roundup: Lin-Manuel Miranda & Elsa Davis' WARRIORS Concept Album

Lin-Manuel Miranda and Elsa Davis have just released their highly-anticipated Warriors concept album, inspired by the 1979 Paramount Pictures cult film. Find out what critics think of the new album!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 18, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 18, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Video: Why Lin-Manuel Miranda & Eisa Davis Couldn't Make WARRIORS Alone

While making the 'Warriors' album, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis both admit that the project is something neither of them could create alone. They worked with with Hip-Hop royalty like Ms. Lauryn Hill, Busta Rhymes, Nas, RZA, and Ghostface Killah, while also recruiting Philippa Soo, Billy Porter, Jasmine Cephas Jones, and more. Watch the video!
Cynthia Erivo Named Out Magazine's 2024 'Icon of the Year;' Featured on Out100 Cover

Just in time for the publication's 30th anniversary, Out Magazine has named Wicked star Cynthia Erivo their 2024 'Icon of the Year,' featuring the performer on the cover of the latest issue.
Laura Benanti and Christine Duffy to be Honored at Broadway Dreams Gala

Co-directed by Tony Award-winner Alex Newell and Emmy Award-nominated director and choreographer Spencer Liff, the Broadway Dreams Gala will honor Laura Benanti and Christine Duffy. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Video: SUFFS Performs 'Keep Marching' At BROADWAY RALLIES FOR KAMALA

Broadway and Hollywood talent gathered for Broadway Rallies for Kamala. A-list talent turned out for the big night including the cast of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, SUFFS. Watch as the show's creator, composer, and star, Shaina Taub performs, 'Keep Marching' with the show's all-female cast. See the video!
Video: Anne Hathaway Rocks BROADWAY RALLIES FOR KAMALA With A Queen Classic

Tonight, Broadway and Hollywood talent gathered for Broadway Rallies for Kamala. Award-winning stage and screen star Anne Hathaway, who rocked the vote with a cover of Queen's classic song, 'Somebody to Love'. Watch the video!

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?

Best Leading Actor in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for 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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