Billy Porter Channels '50s Music Icon for Late Night Appearance Lookoriginally appeared onParade. Emmy, Tony, and Grammy Award winner Billy Porter, 55, stepped out in a dramatic head-to-toe look for an appearance onLate Night With Seth Meyerson Thursday, July 25, and fans are all saying the same thing: that he's channeling legendary 1950s performer Little Richard! "You know I'm always going to have a look, L-E-W-K, look!" said the actor, singer, composer, director, and playwright. He was rocking a full gold suit for the appearance, matched with a cowl-neck sequined top and silver boots. However, it was his curly black and blond wig that really started drawing the comparisons. "Love the Little Richard energy,"said one fan, with another agreeing, "Little Richard is alive and well." "He so reminds me of Little Richard," added another, with a fourth suggesting, "Motha should play Little Richard—real talk!" They even theorized he might he teasing a future role or project with the outfit. In fact, Porter already has played the legend in a 1999 mini series calledShake, Rattle and Roll! Still, some just loved the outfit, saying, "Gosh, I love that look on @theebillyporter!!" Little Richard was known for his incredible musical talent and over-the-top fashion looks, much like Porter. Sadly, the "Tutti Frutti" performer died at age 87 on May 9, 2020, following a battle with bone cancer. Porter spoke out about how the icon influenced him at the time. "Rest In Peace, Little Richard — the Architect of Rock n' Roll and the original black, gay icon," he wrote onInstagram. "You paved the way for people like me to exist in this industry and in this world. Your contribution to music over your legendary 60-year career is astounding." Porter was visiting with Meyers to chat about how recent projects, including his role as the Emcee inCabaret at the Kit Kat Clubon Broadway shortly after finishing the same role in London, and directing a play calledThis Bitter Earthin between. But despite his decades of experience, he admitted he still gets nervous. 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 "I just had bubble guts on Tuesday," he said. "Maybe TMI, but it's the truth! Also, sometimes I have those dreams, those actors' nightmare dreams, where I'm outside and I can hear the show but I can't find the way into the theater." Or I'll be standing backstage looking at a show and I know it's time for my entrance but I don't know the show," he added. "I don't know what I'm supposed to do!" Cabareton Broadway will run until October 19, 2025. Billy Porter Channels '50s Music Icon for Late Night Appearance Lookfirst appeared on Parade on Jul 26, 2025 This story was originally reported byParadeon Jul 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
