Billy Porter Teases ‘Sassy’ Godmother In ‘Cinderella,’ Preparing For ‘Pose’ Directorial Debut

Emmy-winner Billy Porter has plenty on his plate. The fashion icon has multiple highly-anticipated movies coming up, a hit TV show and he’s Clorox’s new spokesperson for their Scentiva line. At an event for Clorox in New York City in early March, Porter spoke to International Business Times about his self-care routine and many jobs.

IBT: Spring cleaning can be a part of a self-care routine. What's your favorite self-care routine?

Porter: I would have to say decluttering, and that's the hardest part. I got married three years ago [to businessman Adam Smith] and I live in a two-bedroom apartment, which was fine for one person. We've been there now for four years and we've overgrown it. So decluttering, I find, and really having the discipline to throw stuff out and give stuff away.

You know, even the stuff that you like, even the stuff that sometimes you just have to let it go. And that's my favorite part because when I do that I feel... I have breath, I have space. I also like cooking.

IBT: The word self-care routine has been thrown around a lot in recent years, but when did you realize that it was important to really take those moments for yourself to take care of yourself?

Porter: Three days ago. No, I'm still learning how to do that. I'm a little bit of a workaholic. I don't always spend a lot of time on myself. It's moments like these and being a part of things like this that really sort of make me think harder about it and sort of move into that space a little bit more. So I'm learning. The answer to that question is I'm learning and I'm grateful for this sponsorship to help me move further into that space.

IBT: I have to ask you about all your upcoming acting projects, all of which are so exciting. You are playing the fairy godmother in Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella."

Porter: I am playing the fairy godmother. I'm playing Whitney Houston part I keep saying. I just shot it last week, and this last year has been so... Just so much I haven't really been able to take it all in, and there was a moment where I just looked around and here I am and it's this iconic character slash archetype and I am that for the next generation. You know, I'm going to be that thing for the next generation.

It's really special that [director/screenwriter] Kay Cannon and Sony Pictures are ready to take that leap and make that statement. Magic has no gender. Science fiction has no race. This is the place where we are. And as an African American, queer man on this planet, it's so great to have lived long enough to see this kind of change because representation matters and it does change things.

IBT: Can you tease anything about what your fairy godmother is like?

Porter: My fairy godmother is just as sassy as I am.

IBT: Perfect. And then you're going from that to voicing Audrey II in "Little Shop of Horrors." That is maybe the polar opposite going from fairy godmother to—

Porter: Murderous alien plant.

IBT: Is it important for you to do things that are that different?

Porter: Yeah, I don't want to put limits or boundaries on myself because there's enough of that that comes from the outside. So I've always strived to be present and open to what's there, and walk through the doors that are open and never limit myself. The sky is the limit. There are no limits and I am living proof of that.

IBT: Are you a big "Little Shop" fan?

Porter: I am a "Little Shop" fan. The original "Little Shop" is my era. I just turned 50, so that's my era when I was in college. I use the music as audition songs. I saw the original Off-Broadway. I was obsessed with the movie. I think it's one of the great movie musicals. I think they really did a great job. So yeah, I'm a huge fan, and I was the voice of the plant in the pre-Broadway revival in 2002, I think it was. And I ended up not doing it on Broadway, but I did then. So I do have a history with the piece.

IBT: I also have to ask you about "Pose." Are you directing this season?

Porter: I am directing episode 4. I am my first film and TV directing job. Yes.

IBT: How are you preparing for that?

Porter: I've got to go to the Directors Guild Association class. Everybody who directs has to go to that class. It's an eight-hour class on a Saturday. So I'm going to do that and I'm going to just be a sponge and take everything in. I've been preparing by trailing a lot of people on other shows, so I'm excited.

IBT: Who have you been trailing? Are you allowed to tell?

Porter: I trailed Ryan Murphy, I trailed Gwyneth Horder-Payton, who's one of the directors. Janet Mock. Yeah. So I've been sort of getting it.

IBT: Do you know anything about your episode yet?

Porter: No.

IBT: Do you know anything about Pray Tell's storyline for this upcoming season?

Porter: I do, but you know I ain't telling you. I just got the first two episodes.

IBT: Fair. They're looking good?

Porter: Yeah, I am very pleased. Listen, they take such great care of me over there.

IBT: My last question is why did you choose to partner with Clorox Scentiva and their Yas Clean! Sweepstakes?

Porter: Well, Clorox chose me, and that's a gift and that's a blessing. I loved what they presented me with. Which, first of all, just using me in particular, says something different. Says something new about the company and how they're ready to embrace what a lot of the world is having a problem with. It takes companies in positions of power. It takes people in positions of power to take these steps, and create a different conversation that moves this message of humanity forward. Everybody's a human being.

I also love the message of self-care. Like I said, I learned about it three days ago. I'm teasing, but something that you really have to learn how to practice and learn how to infuse into your life.

Note: This conversation, took place before social distancing guidelines were in place, has been edited for length and clarity.