(Photo by John Nacion/Getty Images)
Billy Porter has shared an emotional and hopeful update on his health, months after being hospitalized with sepsis, revealing that he is slowly recovering from what he described as a “serious battle.”
The 56-year-old actor and singer addressed fans directly in a video posted Monday on Instagram, offering both holiday wishes and a candid look at his recent medical ordeal. Appearing calm and reflective, Porter opened the message by greeting supporters across different celebrations.
“I’m here, first and foremost, to say happy holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah, and everything in between,” he said.
Porter then acknowledged that many fans had been aware of his hospitalization earlier this year. “Some of you may or may not know that I was in the hospital very ill this fall with urosepsis,” he explained. “It was not easy. It’s been a very, very challenging four months.”
Urosepsis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when an infection in the urinary tract spreads into the bloodstream. Porter did not go into detail about what led to the illness, but emphasized the toll it took on his physical and emotional well-being.
Despite the severity of his condition, Porter offered reassuring news about his progress. “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 said.
Throughout the video, Porter expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support he received while hospitalized. He credited fans, friends, and loved ones for helping carry him through one of the hardest periods of his life.
“I wanted to thank everybody for your prayers and your love and for sending me all the vibes. I felt every single one of them,” he added.
The update marks one of Porter’s first personal statements since news of his hospitalization became public. Known for his openness about health struggles in the past, including living with HIV, Porter has often spoken about resilience, vulnerability, and the importance of community. His message struck a familiar tone of honesty and gratitude that resonated with fans across social media.
While he is still in recovery, Porter indicated that he is looking ahead with optimism, both personally and professionally. On the career front, he is set to appear in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, the next installment in the blockbuster Hunger Games franchise. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on November 20, 2026.
The project marks a high-profile return to the screen for Porter, who has remained active across film, television, music, and theater throughout his career. Best known to many for his role in “Pose” and his work on Broadway, Porter has also become a cultural icon for his bold fashion, advocacy, and willingness to speak openly about challenges both on and off screen.
For now, the actor made it clear that his focus remains on healing. While he acknowledged that he is “not there yet,” his message carried a clear sense of determination and gratitude, signaling that recovery, though slow, is firmly underway.
As fans continue to send messages of support, Porter’s update serves as both a reminder of the seriousness of sepsis and a testament to resilience in the face of life-threatening illness.
