What You Should Know About Billy Porter’s Husband and Net Worth

Billy Porter’s husband and net worth are two of the most talked-about aspects of his high-profile life. Whether you’ve admired his Broadway performances or followed his red carpet fashion moments, you might find yourself curious about the man he married and the wealth he’s built over the years. Who is Billy Porter’s husband, and how did the Emmy-winning actor and singer achieve his financial success? Here’s everything you need to know.

Who Is Billy Porter’s Husband?

Billy Porter is married to Adam Smith, a successful businessman and creative professional who has stood by Porter’s side throughout the star’s rise in fame. While Porter is often in the limelight for his fashion-forward appearances and powerful performances, Smith tends to keep a lower profile. However, their relationship has been a point of inspiration for many, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.

Adam Smith was born in the United States and worked in the fashion industry, which is actually how he and Porter first met. The couple crossed paths back in 2009 at a dinner party. At the time, Smith was involved with a luxury eyewear brand, and Porter was just beginning to reemerge in the entertainment industry after a quiet period in his career. They connected quickly and began dating shortly after their initial meeting. However, their relationship wasn’t always smooth sailing from the start.

After dating for about a year, they broke up, only to reunite five years later. This rekindled connection marked a turning point for them. Porter has openly spoken about the significance of their time apart and how it helped them grow individually before returning stronger as a couple. In 2017, Porter proposed to Smith on December 29th, and the two were married just a few days later on January 14, 2017.

The couple has shared many public moments, from attending major award shows to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. One particularly touching moment came during Porter’s acceptance speech at the 2019 Emmy Awards, where he thanked Smith, calling him “the love of [his] life.” Their relationship is not only a personal triumph but also a symbol of queer love celebrated on the global stage.

Though Adam Smith isn’t in the public eye as much as his husband, his support and partnership play a central role in Porter’s life. Smith has also ventured into interior design and branding, showcasing his own creative talents outside of fashion.

A Look at Billy Porter’s Career Highlights

To understand Billy Porter’s net worth, you need to look at his long and varied career. Porter is a multi-talented artist—an actor, singer, writer, and director—who has spent decades building his resume in theater, film, and television.

Porter began his rise to fame in the 1990s, starting with his Broadway debut in “Miss Saigon.” He went on to perform in other stage productions such as “Grease” and “Smokey Joe’s Café,” but it was his role in “Kinky Boots” that truly catapulted him into mainstream recognition. In 2013, he won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his role as Lola, a drag queen who transforms a struggling shoe factory. That same performance earned him a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

His success on stage eventually translated to the screen. In 2018, Porter starred as Pray Tell in the groundbreaking FX series “Pose,” which explored the lives of LGBTQ+ people and the ballroom culture in 1980s and ’90s New York. His performance garnered widespread acclaim and earned him the 2019 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. This win made history, as Porter became the first openly gay Black man to receive the honor in that category.

Beyond “Pose,” Porter has made appearances in various television shows and films. He’s been seen in “American Horror Story,” voiced characters in animated projects, and appeared in the 2021 remake of “Cinderella,” where he played the genderless Fairy Godmother. His fashion choices have also become a major part of his public persona, often blending high couture with unapologetic self-expression.

In addition to acting and singing, Porter has written a memoir, directed theater productions, and remains a prominent voice in social activism. His diverse talents and relentless drive have helped him build not only a respected career but also a strong financial portfolio.

What Is Billy Porter’s Net Worth in 2025?

As of 2025, Billy Porter’s estimated net worth is around $5 million, reflecting a multifaceted career that spans theater, television, film, music, endorsements, and real estate. Each of these income streams has contributed to his growing financial portfolio over time. Let’s break it down.

Television and Film Earnings

Porter’s breakout role as Pray Tell in Pose earned him not only critical acclaim but also a significant paycheck. While exact episode salaries have not been publicly confirmed, lead actors in prestige dramas often command tens of thousands of dollars per episode. Over the course of the show’s three seasons, this adds up to a sizable portion of his income.

In addition, his roles in Cinderella (2021), American Horror Story, and various guest appearances have added to his television and film earnings. His visibility in the entertainment industry post-Pose has allowed him to command higher rates for future projects.

Broadway and Stage Performances

Before TV brought him global fame, Broadway helped build Porter’s financial foundation. His Tony Award-winning role as Lola in Kinky Boots was both a critical and commercial success. Beyond the standard actor’s salary, originating a lead role in a hit musical often brings residual income, especially if the show tours or gets adapted internationally.

His earlier stage roles in productions like Miss Saigon and Grease also contributed to his earnings, though at more modest levels compared to his Kinky Boots windfall.

Music and Album Sales

Porter has released multiple solo albums, including Billy’s Back on Broadway and The Soul of Richard Rodgers. While he’s not topping mainstream charts, his albums have a loyal niche following, particularly among theater and LGBTQ+ audiences. He also earns royalties from music featured in shows and performances.

Additionally, his Grammy win for Kinky Boots’ original cast recording helped elevate his stature in the music world and opened doors to more collaborations and soundtrack work.

Endorsements and Fashion Collaborations

One of Billy Porter’s most distinctive revenue streams is his unique presence in the fashion world. Known for his gender-defying, high-glam looks on red carpets, Porter has become a muse for several fashion brands and designers. His collaborations and ambassador roles with labels like Jimmy Choo, Bulgari, and The Blonds have added to his income.

He has also participated in sponsored campaigns and appearances for major events such as the Met Gala, where fashion houses often compensate high-profile attendees for visibility and media buzz.

Book Sales and Memoir

Porter’s memoir, Unprotected, published in 2021, became a bestseller and deepened his personal brand. As both a creative work and a commercial product, the memoir provided another revenue stream through book sales, speaking engagements, and interviews tied to its promotion.

He has hinted at future literary projects as well, which could continue this income source into the coming years.

Real Estate and Investments

Billy Porter and Adam Smith have made strategic real estate investments, particularly in New York City and Pittsburgh. Their New York property, a stylish and well-appointed apartment, not only serves as a residence but also reflects their design sensibilities—Smith is an interior design professional, after all.

Real estate in NYC is notoriously expensive, and owning property there represents a substantial portion of Porter’s asset base. Any appreciation in these properties adds long-term value to his net worth.