Billy Porter claimed to be a “blue collar worker.”
The Tony Award-winning actor, 54, has an estimated net worth of $10 million, but the SAG-AFTRA writers and actors strike that paralyzed Hollywood last year left his bank balance so low that he was forced to sell his home. He said he no longer had any benefits.
Speaking about his pleasure to be back working on a series of ongoing projects, Billie told Page Six: There’s a song called “Always Be My Man” that goes along with the movie. I’m always working.
“Just because I work doesn’t mean I’m rich…I’m a blue-collar freelance worker.
“I had been on strike for 118 days. When that happened, the check never came.”
Speaking at the 8th Annual Blue Jacket Fashion Show at Moonlight Studios in New York City, Billie emphasized that she doesn’t want people’s pity for being broke during a Hollywood walkout.
Jokingly referencing the hit Broadway musical “Evita,” he said, “Please, I’m working. I’m blessed. Argentina, don’t cry for me!”
“No matter how you look at it, I’m not rich. Please, I’m trying my best, yes… that’s all.”
He added that he sympathizes with “The Color Purple” actress Taraji P. Henson, 53, who recently spoke out about being underpaid in Hollywood.
When she told journalist Gayle King, 69, in an interview in December, she broke down. , “You work hard.” Well, you have to. Mathematics is not mathematics. ”
Billy said: “When I saw Taraji go down, it was real. It was real.”