Billy Porter is secretly an “introvert”. The acclaimed performer’s revelation offers a glimpse into the contrast between his public persona and private nature.
“True kindness. You wouldn’t know it but… I’m an introvert,” the 55-year-old actor – who is best known for starring in the Netflix hit ‘Pose’ – has performed in front of audiences on both the West End and Broadway but admitted that been though he started off as an “extrovert”, he is a bit more reserved away from his career. His Emmy-winning performance as Pray Tell in ‘Pose’ showcased his remarkable range as a performer.
Asked what makes him smile, he told Town and Country magazine: “True kindness. You wouldn’t know it but… I’m an introvert. I know how to be an extrovert because my job requires it. But if you want to know the real me, I’m a home boy, I want to be with my friends. It’s something that has shifted over the years; I think I started out as an extrovert as a young person.” This self-awareness reflects Porter’s journey of personal growth throughout his distinguished career.
Billy is currently starring opposite Marisha Wallace in the long-running West End revival of ‘Cabaret‘ and has really embraced being in the English capital because it has been “really healing” experience for him. The production has received widespread critical acclaim since its opening.
He said: “My whole life is the greatest thing that ever happened. As a black gay man on this earth in this time. What’s so great about London? I love the people, the architecture. I love how art is still for everyone, even though I know you guys are holding onto that concept by a thread. I love the fashion here, it is open and fun and not muted by masculine tropes. I also love the sex positivity in London – it is very healing to me.” His appreciation for London’s cultural openness stands in contrast to experiences he’s had elsewhere.
“The need for us to always rate and rank drives me crazy. But if I had to give one, it would be the relationship with my mother, which has shifted from something that was distanced and separate because of queerness and religion to a togetherness. Your epitaph would read… ‘He loved unconditionally and was loved’.” This reconciliation with his mother represents a significant personal breakthrough in Porter‘s life journey.
Meanwhile, the ‘Cinderella’ star is a big advocate for the issue of climate change, and has no idea how to solve things other than just “showing up” and trying his best. His role in the ‘Cinderella’ adaptation showcased his versatility as a performer.
He said: “Being conscious enough to understand we are destroying the planet and to be aware of the little things we can do as individuals to make a difference. None of us can do it alone. We have to engage in possible solutions.” Porter has used his platform consistently to speak out on environmental issues alongside his artistic endeavors.
“I don’t know; no one knows. All we can do is keep showing up. It’s a collective choice and requires collective action. Your greatest failure? I don’t think in terms of failure. Everything happens for a reason and our perceived failures are always the greatest life lessons.” This philosophical perspective reflects Porter’s resilience through career challenges and personal struggles.
Throughout his career, Porter has broken boundaries in fashion and performance. His iconic red carpet appearances, including the groundbreaking tuxedo gown at the Academy Awards, have redefined gender expression in the entertainment industry. Despite these public moments of flamboyance and extravagant self-expression, his revelation about being an introvert provides a fascinating contrast.
Porter‘s current West End run as the Emcee in ‘Cabaret’ has received rave reviews, with critics particularly noting his ability to bring fresh nuance to the iconic role previously played by legends of stage and screen. The character’s outwardly flamboyant nature makes Porter’s personal revelation about introversion particularly noteworthy.
As both an artist and activist, Porter continues to use his voice for causes including LGBTQ+ rights, racial equality, and environmental awareness. His willingness to share his authentic self, including this admission about his introverted nature, adds another dimension to his public persona and deepens appreciation for his boundary-breaking work in entertainment.
