Billy Porter’s Kidney Stone Turned Into a Life-Threatening Sepsis Nightmare
Billy Porter, 56, has opened up about a terrifying health scare he endured back in September 2025. The actor and singer said that a kidney stone led to sepsis so severe that he described himself as being “dead for three days.”
The infection escalated quickly, sending him into a coma and requiring ECMO life support.
According to E! News, Porter shared the story in a March 2026 appearance on the Outlaws podcast. In the story, Porter said doctors found a kidney stone trapped in his urethra, with infection behind it. He went “uroseptic in minutes.”
After coming off life support, Porter also faced another medical complication involving his leg.
For those curious, Billy Porter is best known for Pose, the Broadway hit Kinky Boots, and films like Cinderella. He is a two-time Emmy winner.
What are kidney stones?
The first part of the story is about kidney stones. The Cleveland Clinic states that kidney stones are solid masses or crystals that form from minerals, acids, and salts in the kidneys or urinary tract.
The truth is some are tiny and cause no problems. Others get stuck, block urine flow, and cause intense pain.
The Mayo Clinic writes that symptoms often begin when a stone starts moving into the ureter, the tube between the kidney and bladder. The symptoms to look out for include:
- Sharp pain in the side or back
- Pain that spreads to the lower stomach or groin
- Pain that comes in waves
- A burning sensation with urination
- Blood in the urine
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Some people feel a strong urge to pee often, or cannot pee at all.
- Nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and general trouble passing urine.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you need to see your doctor.
What is sepsis?
The second part of Billy Porter’s story is sepsis.
Kidney stones can be serious, however sepsis is immediately life threatening.
The Cleveland Clinic explains that this is the body’s overwhelming response to an infection, where the immune system starts damaging healthy tissue and organs instead of just fighting the infection.
The Mayo Clinic adds that sepsis can become life-threatening and may progress to septic shock, which sharply raises the risk of death.
Sepsis symptoms include:
- Weakness
- Fast heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Fever or very low temperature
- Shaking or chills
- Clammy skin
- Confusion
- Rapid breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Extreme pain or discomfort.
If any sepsis symptoms sound familiar, seek emergency help. Do not wait.
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