Billy Porter considers himself a “walking miracle” after a severe case of sepsis left him “dead for three days.”
During Monday’s episode of “Outlaws with TS Madison,” the actor opened up about the serious condition that forced him to exit “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club” in September 2025.
“I checked myself into the hospital [Tuesday night] because I’m in so much pain, and … I woke up on Saturday [night],” he recalled.
The Emmy winner initially went in for a “routine check” to remove a kidney stone “trapped in [his] urethra.”
“Walking miracle” Billy Porter detailed his health struggles Monday, six months after he was diagnosed with sepsis. Outlaws with TS Madison and Ts Madison/Youtube
He told “Outlaw” listeners Monday that he was placed on a life support machine over a “trapped” and infected kidney stone. Outlaws with TS Madison and Ts Madison/Youtube
However, Porter explained, “When they got in there, there was so much puss and bile and infection behind the stone. It bubbled up and I went eurosceptic in minutes.”
The Cleveland Clinic defines urosepsis as a type of sepsis that begins in the urinary tract when an infection goes untreated and travels to the kidneys.
“I was dead for three days,” the 56-year-old continued, noting that he was “on the EMCO machine,” which Mayo Clinic defines as a form of life support.
Porter added that doctors had “to cut [him] open on either side of [his] leg” — from his knee to his hip — and “leave it open for two days so they could save [his] leg.”
Porter (seen here in 2025) also explained that his muscles closed in on themselves, and his legs had to be cut open. BAFTA via Getty Images
“I was dead for three days,” Porter (seen here in 2022) explained to listeners. GC Images
He had developed compartment syndrome, which is when muscles close on themselves and cut off oxygen.
Looking back on the medical emergency, Porter gushed, “I am so grateful to be here. It is such a gift.”
At the time of his diagnosis, the “Pose” alum was in the middle of starring in “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club” as the Emcee.
Though Porter was meant to stay on until October 2025, he was forced to withdraw early and, ultimately, end the show’s Broadway run.
At the time of the medical emergency, the actor (photographed here in 2023) was in the middle of a Broadway stint. GC Images
Porter (seen here in 2025) was starring in “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club,” and show ended its run after his health scare. Dave Benett/Getty Images
Producers revealed the “painful decision,” noting in a September 2025 press release, per People, “[Porter’s] doctors are confident that he will make a full recovery but have advised him to maintain a restful schedule these next couple of weeks.
“Billy was an extraordinary Emcee, bringing his signature passion and remarkable talent,” the statement continued. “We wish Billy a speedy recovery and I look forward to working with him again in the very near future.”
By December 2025, the “Christmas Karma” star gave his Instagram followers “proof of life.”
In a video, Porter said, “Some of you may or may not know that I was in the hospital very ill this fall with urosepsis.”
In December 2025 (as seen here), Porter described his “very challenging” recovery via Instagram. Billy Porter/Instagram
He (seen here in “Cabaret”) thanked his fans for their “prayers” and love at the time. Marc Brenner
He acknowledged, “It was not easy. It’s been a very, very challenging four months. And I want everybody to know that I am on the road to a full recovery. I’m not there yet but I’m on the road to that.”
He went on to emotionally thank his fans for “your prayers and your love and sending all the vibes.”
Two years before developing sepsis, the Tony Award-winning singer split from his husband of six years, Adam Smith.