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Actor, singer, producer and director Billy Porter, 53, had his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony yesterday.
It was announced back in 2019 that Porter was going to get a star. However, the pandemic in 2020 pushed back many of the ceremonies and Porter’s was finally rearranged for yesterday.
The ceremony took place at 6201 Hollywood Boulevard. Porter’s star is the 2,741st in the district.
Porter arrived in a billowing white gown by Ashi.
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Tributes are paid to Billy Porter
Speaking at the event was Porter’s manager, Bill Butler. He has represented Porter for the past three decades.
Butler talked about meeting Porter at a resort in Mexico, where Porter was the entertainment. He talked of their deep friendship and the holidays they had spent together. Billy became close to Butler’s family. Butler spoke emotionally of how his mother, when she was dying in a hospice, asked that Billy’s song ‘Love Is On The Way’ be played at her funeral.
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Another speaker at the event was Porter’s sister, Mary Martha Ford. She said, “’Billy, you have worked tirelessly to get to where you are and you are deserving of every good thing that comes your way, all of it.
“You aren’t too big. You aren’t too grand. You’re not too much. Your gifts have made room for you and have brought you before great people.”
Porter himself took the lectern. He thanked a list of people who have helped him over the years before talking movingly about his career.
He quoted another famous black, queer figure.
“James Baldwin said, ‘It’s an artist’s job to disturb the peace’. And as y’all know, I take my job very seriously!” he said, to laughter from the crowd.
He continued, “You know, I heard a lot of things in my life,” Porter said. “‘You’re too black. You’re too gay, too loud, too extra, too flamboyant. Homosexuality is an abomination. You are an abomination. You will never be blessed.”
“Well, we know that’s a lie. That theory no longer has any credibility, b***es!”
Variety ran a live stream, which you can watch below.
Related: Ryan Murphy pays beautiful tribute to Billy Porter after he reveals HIV status
After the unveiling, Porter posed with his husband, Adam Smith, for the press photographers. Smith also posted images to his Instagram stories.
“Impossible dreams coming true”
On Instagram, Porter posted several images and video clips. One caption said, “Impossible dreams coming true. Thank you to all of my friends and family who made the trip to be here for this once-in-a-lifetime moment! And to everyone who watched from home, everyone who has supported me along the way. I am so blessed and truly grateful! ⭐️”
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thebaddestbabby
it remains unclear to my why or if I should care about this guy… I do picture him getting home after a long day, slipping out of one of his rather ugly dresses, and into something completely generic
lou lou de la falaise
Sweats perhaps?
thebaddestbabby
just like the rest of us
Joshooeerr
Listen to At The Corner of Broadway and Soul and you’ll see what an extraordinary singer Porter is. However much you might be irritated by everything else he does, he has one of the best voices EVER.
Paulie P
Best voices ever? EVER? Oh dear you need to get out more. Much more.
Chrisk
“Actor, singer, producer director, and best gay stereotype, Billy Porter”
Ha. There fixed it.
Rambeaux
He might wear sweats at home, but Billy Porter is NOT like the rest of us.
abfab
All I can do is smile and get all giddy inside when I see him. Esp in that gown. Fabulousness! Congrats Billy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
abfab
France’s first lady needs to start following Billy Porter. Did you see that white thing she wore to last night’s State Dinner?
martyvl
Why the hate “abfab”
You must lead a pathetic and boring life.
abfab
Actually, it is a really boring life which I am really enjoying at the moment. But pathetic? No.
Mark Allen
I’m a cis gender,
masculine, white gay male. And I have nothing but respect and love for Mr. Porter.
His strength, openness, honesty, not to mention incredible talent, is a role model for all of us. Billy Porter is one of the strongest, most genuine people there is. I’m thrilled he is getting the recognition and honor he so richly deserves.
GameBoy
Predictable as always, people being nasty & insufferable towards other peoples success & happiness….
Happy for Billy!!!
SDR94103
I wish he and laverne cox would ride off into the sunset together.
ScottOnEarth
You first
Kangol2
GAG & not in a good way for you, gurrrrl!
cuteguy
Good for him and being true to himself. Congrats
Paulie P
Ok his manager and sister spoke. No other “personality”… Not one name that was read was anyone. He lives in his own world. I do not see what the fuss is about, never have. He loves a speech and in this instance a speech was not necessary but a simple thank you would have worked…
PS…. anyone can get a star. the process is involved but come up with the money and a few signatures and boom you’ve a star.
abfab
Prove it. Get one of your own or STFU.
storm45701
It’s not unusual for other celebrities to show up though it also doesn’t happen all the time. The stars on the Walk that are purchased are done so by others. Porter has worked with a ton of people and is well-respected, so I’m not sure what the implication is. I’m surprised there are less than 3,000 stars on the Walk of Fame.
abfab
Why is the biggest POS in the word on there? Melania and Ivanka must be throwing conniption fits not having stars of their own.
ScottOnEarth
Congratulations, Billy. It’s sad, but not unpredictable, that so many gay men criticize him and minimize his accomplishments.
Kangol2
Congratulations, Billy Porter! You’ve achieved a lot and it has been quite a journey. I also love that you still make some cis snowflakes quail just by being you. Savor your star because you are one and deserve it!
thebaddestbabby
but like, isn’t he cis? what about him wearing a dress is sooooo transgression/bold/radical?
abfab
What about the badbabybullshit that always comes out of your mouth. God, tell us about what’s hanging in your sad closet.
Terrycloth
Billy is nice enough yet every time he speaks he’s LOUD..why dose he talk.so loud..is he hard of hearing or just making sure he’s heard..shhh louder dosent mean better