TV actor and Broadway performer Billy Porter says it's a miracle he is even alive after a battle with spesis last year.
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In September 2025, he abruptly backed out of the Broadway production of Cabaret due to a battle with Sepsis. The actor says is opening up about his brush with death on Outlaws, TS Madison's podcast as part of iHeartMedia's Outspoken Podcast Network
Porter explained that a routine check discovered a kidney stone in his urethra. "When they got in there, there was so much puss, and bile, and infection behind the stone. It bubbled up, and I went uroseptic in minutes," he shared.
Things took a dire turn from there. The actor ended up on life support for days. Porter says he was practically dead. "I was dead for three days. I am a miracle. I'm a walking miracle," Porter said.
Additionally, his leg "had gone into compartment syndrome, which is when the muscles close in on themselves and cut off the oxygen."
Actor and Singer Discusses Brush with Death
Doctors had to act fast to save it.
"So they had to cut me open on either side of my leg while I was in a coma, and from my knee to my hip, and leave it open for two days, so they could save my leg," he said. "I am so grateful to be here. It is such a gift."
After his brush with death, the actor says that he is thankful to be alive. It's changed how he views his life.
"And as I sat in my hospital bed, reflecting, there were a couple of things I heard. The first thing I heard was: Work smarter, not harder. The second thing I heard was: Be obedient and answer the call. And the third thing I heard was: Don't you ever stop telling the truth again. I unconsciously silenced myself for fear that I wouldn't be on the A-list anymore," he said.
Porter has spent months recovering from the ordeal, but he appears to be in good health these days.
