Billy Porter considers himself a “walking miracle” after a severe case of sepsis left him “dead for three days.”
During this week’s episode of “Outlaws with TS Madison,” the Emmy-winning actor opened up about just how serious his condition was when he was forced 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 said of the timeline before explaining that he initially went in for a “routine check” to remove a kidney stone.
“They saw that the kidney stone was trapped in my urethra,” Porter continued.
“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, I was on the ECMO machine.”
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. As for the ECMO machine, the Mayo Clinic describes it as a form of life support.
“I was dead for three days,” the 56-year-old expressed. “I am a miracle. I’m a walking miracle.”
Porter also explained 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.”
He had developed compartment syndrome, which is when the muscles close on themselves and cut off all oxygen.
“I am so grateful to be here. It is such a gift,” he reflected.
At the time of his diagnosis, Porter was in the middle of starring in “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club” as the Emcee.
Though he was meant to stay on until October, he was forced to withdraw early and, ultimately, end the show’s Broadway run.
On Sept. 7, producers revealed the “painful decision,” noting in a 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 an update to his Instagram followers, captioning the video, “She’s ALIVE!!! Proof of life, PTL!!!”
In his video statement, he said, “Some of you may or may not know that I was in the hospital very ill this fall with urosepsis.
“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 [him] all the vibes.”
Two years before developing sepsis, the Tony Award-winning singer had split from his husband of six years, Adam Smith.
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