Billy Porter Happy To Be Working Again Following Hollywood Shutdown: ‘I Was On Strike For 118 Days, Ain’t No Checks Coming In When That Happened’

Billy Porter

Billy Porter Happy To Be Working Again Following Hollywood Shutdown: ‘I Was On Strike For 118 Days, Ain’t No Checks Coming In When That Happened’

The gears of the Hollywood machine are turning once again, but a great deal of celebs are still feeling the effects of the 2023 strikes.

As previously reported, many were devastated when Hollywood shut down last year as writers and actors went on strike together for the first time since 1960. The Strikes ushered in a candid conversation where some celebs revealed that they’re living what many would deem to be a paycheck-to-paycheck lifestyle and without work, they’re unable to make ends meet. Thankfully, after months of back-and-forth to settle their respective contracts, both the Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA reached tentative deals with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers before the year came to an end.

During a recent chat with Page Six at the 8th Blue Jacket Fashion Show in NYC, Billy Porter – who walked in the show – talked about his latest projects and candidly shared that despite how it may look, he falls under the list of Hollywood stars who are “not rich.”

He said,

“I have a new album out called ‘Black Mona Lisa,’ I have a movie out, ‘Our Son,’ and I have a song with the movie called ‘Always Be My Man,’ I am always working.”

He continued, noting that,

“Just because you are working does not mean you are rich… I am a blue-collar freelance worker, period. I was on strike for 118 days. Ain’t no checks coming in when that happened.”

Billy Porter

He added,

“I am not rich by any stretch of the imagination. Please, we are working hard, yes… that’s it though.”

It may come as a surprise that Billy Porter isn’t rolling in cash due to his impressive résumé and how long he’s been in the entertainment industry. The 54-year-old reportedly got his start in 1992 when he appeared on “Star Search,” ultimately taking home the $100,000 prize. Since then, he’s gone on to become a household name thanks to the numerous theater productions, movies, and TV shows he’s had roles in.

Billy Porter

Before his interview came to an end, he took a moment to agree with recent claims shared by Taraji P. Henson. You may recall that she made headlines amid the press tour for “The Color Purple” remake for speaking out against Black stars being underpaid. While backing Taraji P. Henson, Billy Porter expressed,

“When we saw Taraji break down, it was real,” Porter said. “It was the truth.”

What are your thoughts on this entire situation? Tell us in the comments below! 

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