Actor Billy Porter Reveals He Was ‘D*ad For Three Days’ During Life-Threatening Sepsis Battle

Billy Porter

Actor Billy Porter Reveals He Was ‘D*ad For Three Days’ During Life-Threatening Sepsis Battle

Billy Porter is opening up about a terrifying medical ordeal that nearly cost him his life.

During a recent appearance on TS Madison’s “Outlaws” podcast, the 56-year-old entertainer shared shocking details about the health crisis that led to his sudden exit from the Broadway production of “Cabaret” in September 2025.

Porter explained that what started as a “routine check” quickly escalated when doctors discovered a kidney stone lodged 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 said.

The infection became so severe that Porter was placed on an ECMO machine, a form of life support. Reflecting on the experience, he said, “I was d*ad for three days. I am a miracle. I’m a walking miracle.”

While in a coma, doctors also discovered that his leg had developed compartment syndrome.

“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 revealed.

Despite the trauma, Porter said the experience gave him a renewed outlook on 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.”

Porter added that recovery hasn’t been easy but said he’s grateful to still be here, calling survival “such a gift.”

Are you glad to hear Billy is doing better?