by Linda Armstrong
Billy Porter starring in “La Cage Aux Folles” at New York City Center. (Afshin Feiz photo) Credit: Afshin Feiz
Billy Porter, who just finished playing Albin in “La Cage Aux Folles” at New York City Center, recently returned to the stage after experiencing serious health issues in 2025. Porter, who took the role of Albin to new heights, spoke with the AmNews via email about his latest production.
AmNews: How did you feel about playing Albin in La Cage Aux Folles during PRIDE month and closing out the Encores! series?
Billy Porter (BP): It’s a gift to perform Black Queer Joy at this time in our history. It’s vital and necessary. Our joy is resistance.
AmNews: With the serious health issues you faced in 2025 and with this being your return to the stage, what did the songs “I Am What I Am” and “Best of Times” mean to you in this moment? You performed them with such amazing emotion, I was in tears.
BP: When I awakened from being in a coma and on life support last year, we didn’t know if I would ever be able to perform on this level again. ‘Gratitude’ is a word that comes to mind first. But the truth is, there are no words for the pure joy that I’m experiencing in this moment. I am truly a miracle!
AmNews: You always go above and beyond to give your characters such passion, such humor, such spirit, always beautifully and proudly representing the LGBTQIA+ community. What do you hope to inspire the youth in this often-mistreated community to realize about themselves?
BP: My hope is that this work is inspiring, empowering, and allows us all to know that we are what and who we are, and that is and will always be enough! We ain’t goin’ nowhere!
AmNews: What did you want the audience to see when they look at Albin?
BP: I only focus on the work. I try to not seek validation from outside of me. What other people think is none of my business.
AmNews: You co-starred with Wayne Brady as Georges. What was your approach to building the incredible bond the two of you had onstage? As I watched you engage, you both have such a supportive demeanor for each other. It was quite touching to behold.
BP: I’ve loved Wayne and his work, energy and spirit since I first saw him on “Who’s Line is it Anyway.” I have followed his career and have marveled at the depth of his talent. I’ve been longing to work with him for quite some time. We have a mutual love and respect for each other. We had ten days. We just jumped off the ledge. I’m pleased that folk can see queer love between two Black men onstage.
AmNews: What do you feel about this country’s current treatment of the LGBTQIA community and what do you hope for in the future?
BP: I’m enraged! We did this already and we’re not going back. None of us are free until we all are free. My hope is that we all will put our differences aside and stop eating our own. There’s too much work to do!