Beloved British entertainer Paul O’Grady, famous for his drag queen persona Lily Savage and TV shows, has died unexpectedly at the age of 67. His partner Andre Portasio confirmed the news and requested privacy for the family in this difficult time.
From Local Authority Care Worker to Iconic Entertainer
Born in Birkenhead, O’Grady started his career as a local authority care worker before he made a name for himself with his alter ego, the loud-mouthed drag queen Lily Savage. He used his platform to speak out about LGBT rights during the AIDS crisis when political leaders were enacting anti-gay laws.
In the 1990s, O’Grady transitioned to become an iconic TV presenter, hosting talk shows and game shows such as “The Paul O’Grady Show,” “Blind Date,” and “Blankety Blank.” He also had a long-running program on BBC radio. Alongside his love for entertainment, O’Grady was passionate about animals and presented “For the Love of Dogs,” showcasing animal rescue charity Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
Tributes Flood In for Paul O’Grady
As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry. Doctor Who star John Barrowman tweeted that he had lost one of his heroes. Piers Morgan called him an “iconic entertainer.” The royal family even paid tribute on its official Twitter account to recognize O’Grady’s work with Battersea.
Peter Tatchell, a veteran gay rights campaigner praised O’Grady for being brilliant as a comedian and broadcaster, as well as for showing compassion and advocating for equal rights. Many others shared their memories of meeting or working with him and expressed their sadness at his passing.
Fond Memories from Susan Boyle
Susan Boyle, who met O’Grady just days before his death in Edinburgh, shared a touching tribute on social media. She described him as “one in a million” and shared an old photo of them both at a Save the Children event. Boyle added that O’Grady was kind, funny, and a loyal friend.
A Legacy of Compassion and Advocacy
O’Grady’s passing was a great loss to many who admired him for his wit, humor, compassion, and advocacy work. During his career, he won numerous awards, including a TV BAFTA, and was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to entertainment.
Although he had suffered from heart disease and previously talked about his addiction to cigarettes, O’Grady never let his health issues get in the way of his passion for entertaining or advocating for worthy causes.
In addition to being an ambassador for animal rescue charity Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, O’Grady worked closely with Britain’s queen consort to support animal charities. He was also deeply admired for his campaigns for LGBT+ equality and rights.
Paul O’Grady will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched with his humor, kindness, and compassion.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
