Acclaimed actor Billy Porter is navigating challenging financial decisions as the ongoing writers and actors strikes take a toll. The 53-year-old Pose star has revealed that he is reluctantly selling his Long Island home due to the impact of the industry standstill.
In a candid conversation with the Evening Standard, Billy expressed the difficulties faced by artists, sharing, “I have to sell my house. I don’t know when we’re gonna go back [to work]. The life of an artist, until you make f**k-you money, which I haven’t made yet, is still check-to-check.”
The property, acquired in October 2020 for $1,400,000 in collaboration with his estranged husband Adam Smith, now holds an estimated value of $2,307,700. Nestled on one acre of land, the charming single-family home boasts four bedrooms and five bathrooms, providing a tranquil retreat for its occupants.
However, the financial challenges haven’t been the only setbacks for Billy. He revealed that two of his upcoming projects have been canceled amidst the industry stalemate. Billy, who was slated for roles in a new movie and television show, lamented the uncertainties brought on by the ongoing strike.
Despite the hardships, Billy remains resilient and vocal about the issues at hand. He addressed the impact of the strike, drawing attention to the challenges faced by union members, saying, “So to the person who said ‘we’re going to starve them out until they have to sell their apartments,’ you’ve already starved me out.”
The strike’s effects ripple beyond the individual actors, deeply impacting the film and television industry as a whole. With more than 160,000 SAG-AFTRA members residing in California, the repercussions are felt acutely in the state where the sector contributes over 700,000 jobs and $70 billion in annual wages.
Billy Porter’s story sheds light on the harsh realities that talented individuals within the entertainment industry face amidst ongoing negotiations and strikes. As industry figures advocate for fair compensation and transparent practices, the future of entertainment remains in a state of flux.
Follow “Billy Porter”
Written by:
Dana Sterling-Editor
