Billy Porter considers himself a “walking miracle” after being “dead for three days” due to severe sepsis.
During Monday’s episode of “Outlaws with TS Madison,” the actor opened up about the serious illness that forced him to leave “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club” in September 2025.
“I went to the hospital (Tuesday night) because I was in so much pain…I woke up Saturday (night),” he recalled.
The Emmy winner initially underwent a “routine check-up” to remove a kidney stone that was “trapped in her urethra.”
But, Porter explained, “When they got in there, there was a lot of pus and bile and infection behind the stone. It bubbled up and within minutes I was a Eurosceptic.”
The Cleveland Clinic defines urosepsis as a type of sepsis in which an untreated infection begins in the urinary tract and progresses to the kidneys.
“I was dead for three days,” the 56-year-old continued, noting that he was “on an EMCO machine,” which the Mayo Clinic defines as a type of life support.
Porter added that doctors “cut open both sides of (his) leg (knee to hip)” and “had to keep it open for two days to save (his) leg.”
He had developed compartment syndrome, where his muscles close and cut off oxygen.
“I’m so grateful to be here. It’s such a blessing,” Porter said, reflecting on the medical emergency.
At the time of his diagnosis, the “Pose” alum was in the midst of hosting “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club.”
Porter was scheduled to appear in the show until October 2025, but was forced to leave the show early, ultimately ending his Broadway run.
According to People, producers made the “difficult decision” in a September 2025 press release, saying, “While[Porter’s]doctors are confident he will make a full recovery, they have advised him to maintain a restful schedule for the next several weeks.”
“Billy was an extraordinary host, bringing his signature passion and exceptional talent,” the statement continued. “We wish Billy a speedy recovery and look forward to working together again in the near future.”
By December 2025, the “Christmas Karma” star gave his Instagram followers “living proof.”
“Some of you may know that this fall I was hospitalized in critical condition with urosepsis,” Porter said in the video.
He admitted: “It hasn’t been easy. It’s been a very, very difficult four months. And I want everyone to know that I’m on the road to a full recovery. I’m not there yet, but I’m on my way.”
He went on to emotionally thank his fans for “sending your prayers and love and all the vibes.”
Two years before she developed sepsis, the Tony Award-winning singer split from her husband of six years, Adam Smith.
