A quiet recovery took an unexpected turn for Billy Porter, receiving a gesture of kindness from an unlikely source: Prince William.
Porter was hospitalized with a serious case of sepsis, forcing him to end his acclaimed run as the Emcee in Broadway’sCabaret. The show closed its doors prematurely, a heartbreaking conclusion to a performance he poured his heart into.
While navigating his health challenges, a get-well card arrived from the Prince, a moment that deeply touched the actor. This wasn’t a fleeting acquaintance; the two had connected while co-hosting the Earthshot Prize in South Africa the previous year.
Porter described Prince William as remarkably grounded and genuinely kind, noting his effortless ability to connect with everyone around him. He spoke of the Prince’s presence and kindness as boundless, a quality that stood out even amidst the demands of his role.
The actor recalled feeling humbled and blessed to have hosted the Earthshot Prize in Cape Town, emphasizing the Prince’s genuine warmth. It was a connection forged beyond the formalities of royal life.
The abrupt end toCabaretfollowed a successful run in London’s West End, leaving a void for both the cast and audiences. Producers expressed their honor in bringing the production to New York and wished Porter a swift recovery.
Sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition, required Porter’s full attention, but he thankfully recovered well. He recently celebrated a new relationship, publicly acknowledging Eric Anderson after being seen together earlier in the summer.
This new chapter follows the end of his six-year marriage to Adam Smith, a relationship that began in 2009. Despite personal changes, Porter’s resilience and the unexpected kindness he received highlight a moment of genuine human connection.
