Billy Porter, the Emmy- and Tony-winning star of the hit TV show “Pose,” is facing criticism from some online voices who believe he is not the right person to play the role of James Baldwin in an upcoming biopic. However, Porter is not taking any of the negative comments to heart.
During a recent appearance on the Tamron Hall talk show, Porter responded to the criticism, saying that people on the internet often believe their opinion matters more than it actually does. He also made it clear that he has dedicated his life to his craft and will not be questioned by anonymous individuals on social media.
Despite the naysayers, Porter remains passionate about the project and is co-writing the screenplay with Dan McCabe. The biopic will shed light on the life and legacy of James Baldwin, a legendary Black queer writer who had a profound impact on the literary world.
For Porter, Baldwin’s work and what he represented in the world resonated deeply with him, as he was one of the first people who he saw that looked and represented him in the fullness of his identity. As a Black, queer artist, Porter believes that Baldwin’s work is essential to understanding the complexity of human experience.
Porter also expressed frustration with the fact that many people, including an English professor he once met, do not know who James Baldwin is or the impact he had on the literary world. Through his role in the biopic, Porter hopes to bring more awareness to Baldwin’s life and work and inspire others to learn more about this important figure in Black and queer history.
In adapting the screenplay from David Leeming’s 1994 book James Baldwin: A Biography, Porter is continuing his commitment to telling stories that celebrate the diversity and complexity of the human experience. Despite the critics, Porter remains steadfast in his belief that he is the right person to play this important role and is excited to bring Baldwin’s story to the forefront.