Billy Porter on juggling the demands of stardom

Actor-dancer-singer-director Billy Porter has won Tony, Emmy and Grammy Awards, and is author of a new memoir, "Unprotected." He talks with correspondent Seth Doane about a childhood filled with years of rejection, doubt and abuse - and about how he survived and triumphed.
"CBS Sunday Morning" features stories on the arts, music, nature, entertainment, sports, history, science and Americana, and highlights unique human accomplishments and achievements. Check local listings for CBS Sunday Morning broadcast times.
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[@Benyikoko]

I'm going to be honest here.. All I knew about Billy Porter was what I saw on red carpets. Over the top costumes, giving me the feeling that he felt like he was Gaga. But after watching this report, being intrigued and looking at his perfomances on KZbin, I love this man!!!! Another lesson to myself to never judge a book by its cover. He is so talented and so nice!

[@victoria7t]

Glad you are now friend didn't have learned not to judge so much. I've been a fan of his since he first came onto the public scene and he is absolutely amazing. He is very quickly taking the reins of being the next one in our LGBTQ+ community to look up to, and yes he has plenty of lessons in confidence for those outside of the community as well.

[@CBrown9758]

😉

[@michelegordon2898]

His book is A M A Z I N G!!

[@kathybuhler360]

I'm a 65-year-old woman and I think I've seen it all but I learned something new everyday about the lgbtq community and that's a good thing

[@lewiscleale5236]

Known Billy since the '90's when we started out on Bway. We used to live next door to each other on 44th St. In '03 we did a concert downtown to support a composer. He said he was quitting the biz and going to film school in LA. He said "all people want from me is to sing like a Black woman." I was so sad that day. Well, I needn't have been. It's all worked out just fine. Congrats,Billy, you did it. ALL of it.

[@Deadmau5chicago]

Whether you love or hate Billy Porter, he deserves respect for his courage to own who he is and makes no apologies for it. Empowering….I wish more people were as confident and as accepting of themselves. ❤️

[@NC-qc7wd]

I have so much respect for this man now!

[@ThatsJustMyBabyDaddy]

What a revelation Billy Porter is! People underestimate the harm that comes from shame. Living authentically is where true freedom resides. ❤️

[@feelinguru-vywiththepaingu9808]

"Living authentically is where true freedom resides." Well-said!!!

[@tobechukwuolumba7337]

Billy Porter is a brilliant performer. He is very outstanding and I love his creativity.

[@itsjemmabond]

"I spent the first 20 years of my career trying to be masculine enough so I could eat." That's deep.

[@daetheygayhey]

Billy Porter is so strong... What an inspiration!!

[@jackmorgan5687]

Hello, how are you doing?

[@RodrickColbert]

He's what Little Richard should have been years ago..an appreciated talent.

[@kaspinet]

Not should have been but could have been.

[@deronreed2945]

so true!! him & lil nas x are living in their truth what little Richard couldn't do in his day

[@kaspinet]

@@deronreed2945 ❤

[@marylee-anderson8793]

You just can’t listen to him and not like him and what he has gone through and who he became ❤️

[@jackmorgan5687]

Hello, how are you doing?

[@CurrentlyVictor]

What a powerful interview!

[@sharonisaac445]

Love, Love Billy porter, so happy he is enjoying the fruits of his Hard work/Labor. Wishing him continued God's blessings and keeping him healthy.❤❤❤❤👑

[@shood35]

I just love Billy. I have for many years. People can learn so much from him. His strength. His authenticity. He's amazing.

[@brucelee4996]

EGOT. Billy you are 3/4 of the way. Just get that OSCAR and you will have clinched. You are Killin'-it. Way to go Superstar. 💎✨

[@itsjemmabond]

Would he be the first openly gay EGOT?

[@heathermetz6576]

7:42 “Here’s the information! There’s NO secret!” Gotta love 💕 Billy Porter!

[@thesmileyeffect]

Oh my God ... I didn't know just how much I'd relate to his story. I cannot wait to read his memoir. I've been a fan since seeing him in Pose, but I'm so grateful that he's able to receive his flowers now, and is being celebrated!

[@shadyjoanneboots]

He's an absolute treasure. Please give him all the roles and all the awards

[@pineywoods420]

Good for you, Billy. Love your attitude.

[@sandrabarnett1499]

He is amazing.

[@davidabbett7011]

The numbers of people who have been crushed, buried, and destroyed for simply being “different”, throughout the millenniums, is incalculable. What a tragedy this has been for humankind …. all of their gifts were just thrown away. Bravo Billy !!!

[@AfroSamurai1089]

Oh my stars. Thank you for everything you are, Billy Porter.

[@francineharris6286]

Such a huge talent!

[@rosered3608]

OMG this man !!! 🥰 he just needs an Oscar to =EGOT ❤️❤️Go Billy Go❤️❤️

[@jackieraulerson2005]

Love the segment. Love you Billy Porter! I will save this recording to watch when I’m feeling low.

[@marycoleman7217]

I love you, Billy Porter!

[@ebybeehoney]

As a woman who doesn't like to wear dresses, I completely agree with him. If you want to wear a dress, man or woman, you can. You do you.

[@christianruiz5385]

Billy is amazing, incredibly brave, incredibly talented, and he is amazing the boy can sing, he can act and he is a good person bless him he paid his dues and now he is on top of the world ! you go Billy!! keep on rocking and living a wonderful life you are living and give us all those wonderful performances !!

[@CorineLaFont]

I absolutely love this man!

[@Native-Kitty]

Isn’t Billy Porter an awesome human being? He can wear whatever he wants because he has the talent to back it up. He is truly a triple threat!

[@FluxyMiniscus]

I believe he can wear anything he wants because we all can wear anything we want…and he’s here paving the way. Yes, I agree he’s a magnificent person. Bravissimo

[@sarahhall9079]

Gorgeous man. Deeply human in every way.

[@jbt6007]

I love this man. He is so talented. So radically honest.

[@absatwell8163]

What a beautiful human! 🥰

[@marla591]

Give that man an Oscar just for his honesty alone. Although his accomplishments, all he his, and has overcome is Oscar-worthy as well. If they gave out Oscar for survivors, he would win the first one. There's time yet!

[@oneboredeveryminute1188]

Yaaaaaaaassssssss! Speak your truth Billy!

[@jeanetteschock4744]

Just love him. That bejeweled hat with the moving veil made it on Amber Says What on Seth Meyers. So silly

[@cherylrainey7512]

Gotta love his truthfulness, such a talent. I hope he goes on tour and just give the people all of himself. I would be there for sure just to hear him sang.

[@CBrown9758]

And to this day Billy I’m sooooooooooooooooooo glad U are still here with us.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏😘🥰

[@rosearnold791]

Great interview. Glad that I learned about this man

[@j.brown70]

LOVED THIS!!!! Soooo inspiring. Love his story, love his wisdom, love his strength, love that he gets to be his FULL & FANTABULOUS SELF and be celebrated and loved for that!! 🥰🥰🥰 No regrets Billy, no regrets!

[@boyroyboy226]

Thank you, CBS Sunday Morning, Seth Doane, and Billy Porter. Great interview. Great truth. Great talent.

[@MrJimmy1953]

One of my hero’s.

[@pathway2knowledge]

I just love him! He has made me take a look at so many things in my life and question them. I love it! It has made me more of an open minded person.

[@garyrobertson6778]

i love him. so inspiring. thank you, BP.

[@feelinguru-vywiththepaingu9808]

I would love to see that show. The movie was such a delight! And Billy Porter is amazing!

[@joshnova9163]

Remarkable talent!!!

[@vt-yp7yq]

He is an inspiration to me and I want nothing more than all the universe has to give him. I love you Billy.

[@j.brown70]

❤️❤️❤️👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@michaeld.williamsiii9026]

This man is such; an inspiration I can listen to him daily. Thank you always Billy boo!!!💜👏🏽🏳️‍🌈

[@gwesaugust2489]

Billy is soooo friggin talented 👌

[@Nathanielmims]

"Let me keep singing so I can stop getting beat.." It's meta-commentary moreso on society than it is Billy Porter.. It should be said, however, that the safety of any child who identifies differently from the status quo should not be contingent on their abilities. It's ok to conform or assimilate, but it's not ok to be degraded in one of the most fundamental aspects of what makes you who you are, and disproportionately gratified, and in this case glorified, in another. Don't let them coerce you with acquiescence.

[@TheeBillyPorter]

Thank you!

[@ravenc1298]

Go Billy!!!!!!!! ✨

[@trb4321]

Good for him. He isn't my cup of tea, but I respect his courage and authenticity. It's touching to see him share his struggles and his story. I'm certain his vulnerability will connect with others and help them overcome their challenges.

[@justjohnmichaeljones]

I love Billy Porter....

[@maryannkochanski5777]

You are who you are. And I love you.

[@deborainciong9406]

I love you Billy Porter !

[@sereen.]

God bless Pose: this man is groundbreaking in so many ways.

[@SailorsGirl1957]

Aww, I'm gonna go watch Cinderella now. He seems so sweet.

[@Goddess73]

✨❤️💕Love you, Billy💕❤️✨

[@jackmorgan5687]

Hello, how are you doing?

[@deronreed2945]

luv him

[@rakiawithers1441]

Poor Billy....I'm so happy for his success it's well deserved .

[@applerose2759]

Why Poor Billy? What do you mean?

[@RaymondHng]

5:36 I so love that hat.

[@anne8511]

I love you Billy Porter! How about Pose 2? Watching TV without Pose is a devastating thought.

[@anndecourte8525]

Billy❤❤i admire you and respect you for not living a fasade life your accountability about your life is being true to yourself you dont need approval from no one for being true to yourself live your best life it yours

[@altonhumes5782]

Billy Porter will CERTAINLY make other LGBTQ figures as well as straight actors/producers realize his worth and BRING people to him. That's His Greatness. #CBSSundayMorning #BringUsToYouBilly. #GreatnessHealsDarkness.

[@maryjojo1154]

You are adorable darling. Love you.! 🥰👍

[@TheAlfredPlatform]

You are such an inspiration for queen black men ❤❤❤

[@mariahc.crawley884]

RAW! DO YOUUUUU BLACK MAN! WOWOWOWOW! SPEAK YOUR TRUTH & HEALING!

[@lisalove6327]

I celebrate my FULL community

[@Amsapharas]

And the category is …. Truth

[@michelemurphy3541]

You were born Queer and Beautifully Fabulous. I LOVE you and I am proud of you and you are one sexy & talented fashionista starlet. ox

[@m.layfette6249]

❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@katiecurtis9730]

💕

[@jackmorgan5687]

Hello, how are you doing?

[@aileentongue2990]

❤

[@rosalindgibbs2980]

I watch him on Sunday Tv is he kidding he has to make it look good anit know infant born that way we mothers are shock if a,boy grows up and see how women wardrobes caught his eyes and the glamorous makeup, hairstyles, shoes, ect. He grew up and didn't want to be a kid after ages yes .

[@rosalindgibbs2980]

I'm hurt about this post just turn 65' on the 8th and folks got the nerves to trash talk me damn i don't have know bad vibes about gays.

[@shelleyschott9583]

Used to like watching him

[@Spoiledbabe1011]

He’s 52!?!?!?

[@puppylove2493]

speak for yourself..yeah he is entertaining, but he is not going to change any minds

[@kingjames256]

Who’s billy porter

[@teddyjam8134]

There are a lot of people who are in desperate need of therapy.

[@hnc098]

Yes. Starting with the man that molested him.

[@teddyjam8134]

@@hnc098 the man who sexually abused him is obviously a pedophile and needs to be imprisoned. He needs therapy before he goes down that same road.

[@KL-sw5xi]

Billy Porter will never be the next Diana Ross, so STOP it and he should pay down his mortgage.

[@brenthaugen1270]

Who??? A star on what planet?

[@vb9268]

Don't worry about it. Go back to your Miller lite and your pork rinds and leave this to those of us who appreciate musical theatre and the bravery and empowerment that come with authenticity.

[@amyreynolds3619]

@@vb9268 ,amen to that.

[@amyreynolds3619]

Our planet. What planet are you from dear?

[@amyreynolds3619]

@@vb9268, that comment was for the writer of the original post not you.

[@amyreynolds3619]

Brent Haugen ,are you related to the Fakebook whistleblower?

[@gusposey8218]

I'm sorry... Who?

[@fourthgirl]

I admire his success, but I cannot stand his performances because it is always...Billy Porter.

[@mariahc.crawley884]

I feel that way about Anthony Ramos. Never felt that way about BP...guess my interpretation of nuances kinds eclipsed that, bit I guess I hear u. I think the characters are just soooooo coincidental in ways...but HEAR U.

[@roccoz2231]

That's all Billy can play, though....

[@officialnickgehrz5462]

Who?

[@dennismclaurin1487]

You do you proud. However, I disagree that anyone is born gay. I believe I, too, was molested at 7( by a cousin)I experienced another incident, around 1974 or 1975.I became aware subconsciously that there was something abnormal about me.But it wasn't until around 2007, when I really looked back on things, that I fully became aware of those past incidents.God knows I have a story to tell.This most unique one is best left in His trust and care, because I'm in the Devil's hands, with the damn judgement I'm under.

[@richmoves]

Always with the religious curses and being gay...please! I was born gay and it has nothing to do with the devil or God or any of that nonsense! I'm happy with my life. 🇺🇸🏳‍🌈

[@Hotrodchef89]

Im gay and wasn't molested so isn't it true that God made me and he doesn't make mistakes?

[@yvonneplant9434]

Dennis, people are born gay. Period. Try to accept how diverse human beings are.

[@elisavossler8179]

@@Hotrodchef89 YES!! ❤ you are perfect just as you are!!

[@ritam9132]

@@Hotrodchef89 People are free to make choices. God didn't make us robots.

[@drewhendley]

Billy Who????

[@Droppin_Deuces_On_Ya]

Goofy

[@404BOOMER]

Took me 10 seconds to hit the thumbs down.

[@gregrenn2138]

Sucks to be you.

[@404BOOMER]

renn bless your heart

[@Hotrodchef89]

Why?

[@Crottedeparis]

Took me 1 sec to thumps down yours. You poor imbecile.

[@404BOOMER]

@@Crottedeparis did your mother teach you how to talk like that? If l thought you meant it I just dont think I could bare it.

[@peterscherling1141]

That's disgusting

[@hnc098]

That his stepfather molested him? I agree.