Billy Porter Biography: Age, Husband, Net Worth, Parents, Height, Broadway, Emmy, Songs, Movies, Awards

William Ellis Porter II also known as Billy Porter is a prominent American singer, actor, writer, director, producer, and fashion icon known for his groundbreaking work on Broadway, television, and film.

He gained widespread acclaim for originating the role of Lola in the musical Kinky Boots, earning a Tony Award, and for his Emmy-winning performance as Pray Tell in the FX series Pose. His bold style, advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, and multifaceted talents have made him a trailblazer in entertainment.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: William Ellis Porter II
• Stage Name: Billy Porter
• Born: September 21, 1969
• Age: 56 years old
• Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: African American
• Occupation: Singer, Actor, Writer, Director, Producer
• Height: 178 cm
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: William Ellis Porter and Cloerinda Jean Johnson Porter Ford
• Siblings: Mary Martha E. Ford
• Spouse: Adam Smith (divorced), dating Eric Anderson
• Children: None
• Relationship: Dating
• Net Worth: $5 million USD

Early Life and Education

Billy Porter was born on September 21, 1969, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. He was brought up by his parents, William Ellis Porter and Cloerinda Jean Johnson Porter Ford, in a very religious Pentecostal family. His mother raised him primarily, and he has spoken about a troubled childhood including sexual abuse by his stepfather from ages 7 to 12.

He grew up with one sister, Mary Martha E. Ford.

He attended Reizenstein Middle School, graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School, and studied at Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts School, focusing on acting, music, and dance. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Drama from Carnegie Mellon University in 1991 and later completed a graduate diploma in screenwriting from the University of California, Los Angeles.

His ethnicity is African American, and his religion is Christianity.

Career

Billy Porter began his career in the early 1990s with Broadway roles in shows like Miss Saigon, Five Guys Named Moe, Grease, and Smokey Joe’s Cafe. He released his debut album Untitled in 1997.

He achieved major success originating Lola in Kinky Boots on Broadway in 2013, winning the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical, along with Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Grammy Awards for the cast album.

He starred as Pray Tell in Pose (2018–2021), earning a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2019, the first openly gay Black man to win in that category. He directed productions like Topdog/Underdog and appeared in films such as Cinderella (2021) as the Fabulous Godmother.

Recent projects include American Horror Story, producing A Strange Loop (Tony-winning Best Musical), and music releases like Black Mona Lisa (2023). He is also known for red-carpet fashion and advocacy.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @theebillyporter

Personal Life

Billy Porter is 56 years old and his height is 178 cm. He was married to businessman Adam Smith from 2017 until their separation in 2023, after meeting in 2009 and marrying shortly before the end of the Obama presidency. They had no children.

He is currently dating Eric Anderson as of 2025. No other past relationships are widely detailed publicly. He has no children and focuses on his career, advocacy for queer and Black communities, and personal growth after overcoming childhood trauma.

Net Worth

Billy Porter‘s net worth is estimated at $5 million USD. His income primarily comes from acting roles in television series like Pose and American Horror Story; Broadway performances and productions including Kinky Boots and A Strange Loop; music sales and streaming from albums like Black Mona Lisa, Untitled, and The Soul of Richard Rodgers; directing and producing credits; fashion endorsements and appearances; and public speaking or advocacy engagements.