The actor and singer Billy Porter recently appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show to discuss his career, current projects and a serious health crisis that nearly cost him his life. Porter described the episode as a pivotal moment — one that shifted his perspective on performance, community and gratitude. During the conversation he used candid language about his recovery and the people who reached out while he was hospitalized.
Porter recounted being struck by a severe case of sepsis that required care in the intensive care unit. The illness forced him to withdraw from a high-profile Broadway revival in which he had been cast. He told the host he now views his survival as remarkable and expressed deep appreciation for the support that followed his hospitalization.
Health scare and an unexpected royal message
While recounting the ordeal, Porter shared that numerous friends, colleagues and fans sent encouragement while he was recuperating. One message stood out: a personal get-well note that arrived via Kensington Palace from Prince William. The royal outreach surprised Porter because the connection had come through a previous invitation to participate in a cause linked to the prince.
How the Earthshot connection led to a message
Porter explained he had been asked to host an event for the Earthshot Prize, an initiative established to recognize and fund projects working to protect the environment. That prior collaboration is what brought him onto the prince’s radar, and when Porter became ill the palace sent a formal expression of concern. He described the correspondence as elegant and meaningful, and he praised the project and the people involved as inspiring.
Work, writing and the stage ahead
Beyond recovery, Porter used the interview to update audiences on creative endeavors. He discussed a new children’s book titled Songbird In The Light and confirmed plans to appear in an off-Broadway production of La Cage Aux Folles reimagined with an all-Black cast, in which he will perform alongside Wayne Brady. Porter framed these projects as part of a forward-looking approach to his craft after a period of vulnerability and reflection.
Why theater still matters to him
Throughout the interview Porter emphasized how theater has shaped his life and identity. He spoke about the roles and stories that expanded opportunities for Black performers and the moments that redirected his artistic path. This context set the stage for a lighter segment of the conversation: a personal ranking of Broadway shows that have meant the most to him.
Porter’s favorite Broadway musicals and what they meant to him
Porter offered a current top-five list while noting that his preferences shift with time and mood. At number five he placed Hamilton, crediting it with transforming the musical landscape by integrating hip-hop and contemporary rhythms into mainstream theater. He also joked about knowing many people involved in the production and lamented missing out on an audition.
In fourth place was West Side Story, a show he remembers fondly from a production staged by his all-Black high school, which left a lasting impression on his sense of representation. Third was Gypsy, praised for its meticulous structure, compelling storytelling and powerful score — qualities he identified as hallmarks of a well-made musical.
A Chorus Line claimed the second spot for him. Porter described the first time he saw it as unforgettable: the minimalist staging, a single line of performers across the stage, and a continuous, immersive narrative that felt cinematic in scope. For him, the production’s staging and emotional rhythm were transformative.
Topping his list was Dreamgirls. Porter said the musical had a profound personal impact and opened his eyes to the kinds of roles and stories that elevate Black artists. He recalled seeing a powerful live performance at the Tony Awards by performers associated with the show, an early moment that he credits with altering the course of his ambitions.
The full interview with Kelly Clarkson expands on each of these topics, offering a mix of vulnerability and celebration as Porter reflects on survival, solidarity and the enduring influence of theater on his life and work.