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Billy Porter, the acclaimed actor known for his Emmy, Grammy, and Tony wins, has shared details of a frightening health crisis that almost claimed his life. Porter disclosed that he was diagnosed with urosepsis after a kidney stone lodged in his urethra, leading to a serious infection. This medical emergency compelled him to step down from his Broadway role in Cabaret and required urgent surgery due to compartment syndrome in his leg. Here’s a closer look at what happened, including the medical intervention that was crucial to his survival.
Billy Porter said he was ‘dead for 3 days’ following a severe sepsis case
During a conversation on Outlaws with TS Madison, Billy Porter recounted the harrowing experience that forced him to exit Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club in September 2025. The incident was severe enough to threaten his life and alter his career plans.
Porter explained that he initially sought medical attention due to a kidney stone obstructing his urethra, which was causing him excruciating pain. His decision to visit the hospital likely prevented further complications.
“When they got in there, there was a significant amount of pus, bile, and infection built up behind the stone,” Porter revealed. “It escalated to urosepsis in minutes.” Urosepsis is a severe infection that, if left untreated, spreads from the urinary tract to the kidneys. “I was essentially dead for three days,” Porter added, mentioning that he was kept alive by an ECMO machine, a sophisticated form of life support.
In order to save his leg, doctors performed an extensive procedure, making incisions from his knee to his hip on both sides. These incisions were left open for two days to alleviate pressure and restore circulation. Porter had developed compartment syndrome, a serious condition where increased pressure in muscle compartments cuts off blood flow and can damage nerves and muscles.
To save his leg, doctors had to “cut” Porter “open on either side of [his] leg” from knee to hip. They then left the cut open “for two days” to save the leg. Porter developed compartment syndrome, where pressure builds within muscle compartments, restricting blood flow and damaging nerves and muscles.
Ultimately, Porter knows he’s lucky to be alive. “I am so grateful to be here,” he said. “It is such a gift.”
What is an ECMO machine that helped keep Billy Porter alive?
Billy Porter says an ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) machine helped keep him alive during his health scare. So, what does the mechanism do?
According to the Mayo Clinic, blood is pumped outside the body of a patient and into a heart-lung machine in the event of an ECMO. Blood flows from the right side of the heart into the machine. The machine removes carbon dioxide so oxygen-rich blood can reenter the body. Then, the blood is rewarmed and sent back into the body. The heart and lungs can rest with an ECMO, as it sends blood around the heart and lungs.
ECMO is a part of extracorporeal life support, also known as ECLS, the publication explains. Those with heart-threatening heart and lung conditions can utilize this for recovery. The possible risks include bleeding; blood clots; a clotting disorder; infection; a loss of blood supply in the hands, feet, or legs; and seizures or stroke.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, ECMO was used more than 21,000 times worldwide in 2024, per data from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization. Around 600 hospitals worldwide can provide ECMO when necessary.
Fans reacted to the star’s situation and treatment
Billy Porter’s fans rallied behind him following his candid discussion surrounding his health scare.
“Omg he was put on ECMO,” one fan reacted on Reddit. “How scary. Hope he’s recovering well.” Others echoed that the use of ECMO was “scary” to imagine.
“What a horrifying time for his friends/family — I’m glad he was able to get off ECMO, get out of the ICU, and ultimately go home. Hoping he makes a full recovery,” another fan wrote.