‘Walking miracle’ Billy Porter was ‘dead for three days’ during medical emergency

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.”

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.”

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.

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.”

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.