TV Presenter and Comedian Paul O’Grady Dies Aged 67

Updated On March 18, 2024 | Published By: Bruce Wayne | In Death

Source: Nottingham Post

Beloved TV Presenter and Comedian Paul O’Grady has died “unexpectedly but peacefully” at the age of 67.
He became famous during the 1980s with his drag queen persona Lily Savage.

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Comedian and TV presenter Paul O’Grady dies aged 67

English comedian and presenter Paul O’Grady has passed away at the age of 67. According to a statement by his husband Andre Portasio, the comedian died unexpectedly but peacefully on Tuesday evening.

Mr. Portasio said in the statement:

“It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.”

Portasio expressed gratitude for the love he received over the years from his husband.

“He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion. I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”

O’Grady had been on tour playing Miss Hannigan in the musical Annie and had recently returned from performing in Newcastle.

Paul O'Grady was famous for his drag queen persona Lily Savage — Paul O’Grady was famous for his drag queen persona Lily Savage (Source: Entertainment Weekly)

He had also recently left a radio station after reports suggested he was unhappy about sharing his Sunday afternoon slot. Paul was due to present on Boom Radio for Easter Sunday in less than two weeks.

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Tributes poured in for the comedian

Paul O’Grady was a man loved by many and his sudden passing shocked a lot of people.

Mr. Prince wrote on Twitter:

“He was so proud of Annie, so happy to be back on Boom Radio, and he was looking forward to so many new projects. And now he’s gone. I can’t believe it. We have lost a unique talent – and I’ve lost a dear friend.”

ITV’s Lorraine Kelly wrote:

“Such sad news. Paul O’Grady – funny, fearless, brave, kind and wise. “Will be sorely missed.”

Tom Knight also posted his tribute on Twitter:

“RIP Paul O’Grady AKA the legendary Lily Savage, you will be missed. ?”

Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell wrote:

“Paul wasn’t just a brilliant comedian and broadcast personality but a much-admired campaigner for LGBT+ equality and animal rights.”

He added:

“Paul was planning to lead our forthcoming campaign for the police to apologise for their historic persecution of the LGBT+ community. We will miss him. Our sincere condolences to his partner Andre and to all who loved him.”

Short Bio of Paul O’Grady

Paul O’Grady is a British comedian, actor, and television personality, born on June 14, 1955, in Birkenhead, England.

He is best known for his drag queen persona, Lily Savage, which he developed in the 1980s and used as a vehicle for his comedy and cabaret performances.

O’Grady began his career in entertainment as a social worker in London, but soon began performing as Lily Savage in clubs and bars across the city.

Paul O'Grady husband — Paul O’Grady husband (Source: The Mirror)

In 1992, he made his television debut as Savage on the BBC series “The Big Breakfast,” and went on to host his own talk show, “The Lily Savage Show,” on ITV from 1997 to 2000.

In addition to his work as Lily Savage, O’Grady has appeared in a number of other television shows, including “Blankety Blank,” “The Paul O’Grady Show,” and “For the Love of Dogs,” a documentary series about the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

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