Billy Porter Reflects on His Late Mother's Resilience in Upcoming "Raising Fame" Episode
TV & Film | Exclusive Clip
Award-winning actor and singer Billy Porter will be featured in an upcoming episode of TV One's popular docu-series "Raising Fame," where he discusses the resilience and strength of his late mother, Cloerinda Jean Johnson Porter-Ford.
The episode, set to air this Sunday, July 28, at 10 PM ET / 9 PM C, promises an intimate look into the lives of celebrated individuals and their parents, as shared through the unique perspectives of both.
"Raising Fame," hosted by celebrity moms Lucille O’Neal (mother of Shaquille O’Neal) and Sonya Curry (mother of Stephen, Seth, and Sydel Curry), delves beyond the glitz and glamour to reveal the personal journeys and sacrifices behind the success stories.
In an exclusive clip obtained by Gaye Magazine, Billy Porter opens up about his mother's resilience to still live life despite her deteriorating disability.
Porter, who was recently honored at the 77th annual Tony Awards, received the Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award during the Tony Awards: Act One pre-show ceremony. During his emotional acceptance speech at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City, the acclaimed 54-year-old actor dedicated the award to his mother, who passed away in February at the age of 79.
"I'd like to dedicate this moment to my mother, Cloerinda Jean Johnson Porter-Ford, who we lost this past February," Porter shared tearfully. "She believed in unconditional love and she instilled in my sister and I a purpose and a love greater than ourselves."
He continued, quoting one of his mother's favorite Bible verses, Second Timothy 1:7: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Turn to your neighbor and tell him fear not! For the change has already happened. God bless y'all."
Porter took to Instagram in February to share the news of his mother's passing, accompanied by a heartfelt tribute and a slideshow of memories.
"With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our loving mother," Porter and his sister, Mary Martha Ford, wrote in a joint post. "We were right beside her when she took her last breath, wrapped in our arms."
They continued, "Mommy lived life to the fullest despite physical limitations pressed upon her. She was the personification of true Christianity and her unconditional love is a template that the world could benefit from employing. Her example is what we continue to strive for."
Porter and his sister expressed their heartbreak over her loss but found solace in the end of her suffering. "Her fight was long and hard—she did it with grace and integrity. Mommy will remain forever in our hearts as she continues to guide us from above, as she has done on this Earth. From Labor to Reward…"
Tune in to TV One this Sunday to hear more from Billy Porter about his mother's enduring legacy and the impact she had on his journey to stardom. "Raising Fame" continues to shine a light on the untold stories behind the fame, celebrating the love and resilience that shapes extraordinary lives.
Watch the Raising Fame Clip Below:
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