The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Actor›Billy Porter
Entertainment • Actor

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is an American actor, singer, writer, director, and businessperson.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Billy Porter is an American actor, singer, writer, director, and businessperson. He is best known for his Broadway work, including his Tony Award-winning performance as Lola in *Kinky Boots*, and for playing Pray Tell in the television series *Pose*.

Early life and education

Billy Porter was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and studied performing arts there before attending Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama, from which he graduated in 1991.

Broadway career

Porter began his professional career in musical theatre, including an early role in *Miss Saigon*. He later earned major acclaim for *Kinky Boots*, where he portrayed Lola, winning the 2013 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.

Television and screen work

Porter gained wider mainstream recognition for his role as Pray Tell in *Pose*. He also appeared in projects such as *American Horror Story: Apocalypse* and *Cinderella*.

Music and writing

In addition to acting, Porter has released music and has worked as a writer and memoirist. His 2021 memoir *Unprotected* presents his life story in his own words.

Key facts

  • Porter was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1969.
  • He first gained notice on Broadway before building a solo career in music and acting.
  • He won the 2013 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for playing Lola in *Kinky Boots*.
  • He later became widely known for his role as Pray Tell in *Pose*.
  • His memoir *Unprotected* was published in 2021.
🍁
Canadian context

Billy Porter has appeared in widely distributed film, television, and Broadway-related productions that are familiar to Canadian audiences, including *Pose* and *Cinderella*.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Billy Porter?
Billy Porter is an American actor and singer known for his Broadway performances and his role in *Pose*.
What is Billy Porter’s birth name?
His birth name is William Ellis Porter II.
What role won Billy Porter a Tony Award?
He won the 2013 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for playing Lola in *Kinky Boots*.
What is Billy Porter best known for on television?
He is best known on television for playing Pray Tell in *Pose*.
Where was Billy Porter born?
He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the United States.
Has Billy Porter written a memoir?
Yes. His memoir *Unprotected* was published in 2021.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Porter
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, nationality, and Tony Award-winning role in *Kinky Boots*.
  2. All American Speakers — https://www.allamericanspeakers.com/celebritytalentbios/Billy+Porter/401475
    Supports: Occupations and award summary including Emmy, Grammy, and Tony wins.
  3. The HistoryMakers — https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/billy-porter
    Supports: Birthplace, early education, Carnegie Mellon attendance, and *Pose*/*American Horror Story* credits.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0692039/
    Supports: Acting credits and general biographical details including birthplace and birth date.
  5. Us Weekly — https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrities/billy-porter/
    Supports: Broadway career, *Kinky Boots*, *Pose*, albums, and memoir-related biographical details.
  6. Amazon — https://www.amazon.com/Unprotected-Memoir-Billy-Porter/dp/1419746197
    Supports: Publication and description of *Unprotected: A Memoir*.