Paul O’Grady, a British comedian who gained fame as the drag queen Lily Savage, has passed away at the age of 67. His husband, Andre Portasio, announced his unexpected but peaceful passing on Tuesday evening. O’Grady had suffered from several heart attacks in the early 2000s.
In his statement, Portasio expressed how much O’Grady will be missed by loved ones, friends, family, animals, and all those who enjoyed his humor, wit, and compassion.
Born in Birkenhead, England, in 1955, O’Grady started his career as a care worker in Camden Town. In the 1980s, he made his debut as the flamboyant drag queen, Lily Savage, with a voluminous platinum blond wig, dramatic eye shadow, and bright red lipstick. Savage quickly became a popular figure in London’s stand-up comedy scene, performing regularly at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern.
However, O’Grady’s performances were more than just foul-mouthed jokes and quick wit. Through his drag queen persona, he used his platform to address LGBTQ rights and the AIDS crisis. O’Grady was a staunch advocate for the LGBTQ community and used his voice to bring awareness to issues affecting the community.
O’Grady’s passing marks a significant loss to the entertainment industry, but his legacy lives on through his contributions to LGBTQ rights and his impact on the drag community.
Paul O’Grady was a British comedian who rose to fame as the drag queen Lily Savage. He passed away at the age of 67, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and compassion. Elton John paid tribute to O’Grady on Instagram, thanking him for all the joy he brought into the world and acknowledging his impact on the entertainment industry.
O’Grady’s television career began in the 1990s when he hosted “The Lily Savage Show.” He welcomed a variety of guests, including Elton John, and later went on to host game shows such as “The Paul O’Grady Show,” “Blind Date,” and “Blankety Blank.” In 2005, he won the entertainment performance BAFTA Award for his self-titled talk show. O’Grady also hosted “Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs,” a series that spotlighted the work of the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, an animal rescue charity. O’Grady was an avid animal lover and had always been “mad for animals.”
In a 2019 interview with “This Morning,” O’Grady expressed his love for all animals and his obsession with them. He had a daughter from a previous relationship and had married his husband, Andre Portasio, in 2017. O’Grady’s passing was unexpected but peaceful, according to Portasio, who released a statement expressing how much O’Grady would be missed by loved ones, friends, family, animals, and all those who enjoyed his humor, wit, and compassion.
In a 2021 interview with the Guardian, O’Grady discussed the happiest moment of his life, his greatest fear, and his brushes with death. When asked how he would like to be remembered, he replied, “I don’t care, because I won’t be here.”
O’Grady’s impact on the LGBTQ community and the entertainment industry will not be forgotten. His use of his drag queen persona as a platform to address LGBTQ rights and the AIDS crisis was groundbreaking and inspiring. His love for animals and his work with animal rescue charities were a testament to his compassion and generosity. O’Grady will be greatly missed by all those who knew him and loved him.
Paul O’ Grady Career- She Lived a Meaningful Life
Paul O’Grady was a British comedian, television presenter, and animal welfare activist. He was born on June 14, 1955, in Birkenhead, England. O’Grady began his career in show business as a drag queen, adopting the persona of Lily Savage in the 1980s.
Donning a platinum blonde wig, dramatic eye shadow, and bright red lipstick, O’Grady’s Savage quickly became a staple of London’s stand-up scene, performing at various clubs and venues, including the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. Savage was known for her foul-mouthed humor and quick wit, but she was also a platform for O’Grady to address issues of LGBTQ rights and the AIDS crisis.
In the 1990s, O’Grady’s career transitioned to television. He hosted “The Lily Savage Show,” which featured a variety of guests, including Elton John. O’Grady also hosted several game shows, including “The Paul O’Grady Show,” “Blind Date,” and “Blankety Blank.” In 2005, he won the entertainment performance BAFTA Award for his self-titled talk show.
O’Grady’s love for animals was evident in his work as a television host. He hosted “Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs,” a series that focused on the work of the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, an animal rescue charity. O’Grady was a passionate animal welfare activist and was vocal about his love for all animals.
Throughout his career, O’Grady was known for his sharp humor, quick wit, and compassionate personality. He was loved by audiences and colleagues alike and was considered a true icon of British television.
In addition to his television work, O’Grady was also a successful author. He wrote several books, including “At My Mother’s Knee… and Other Low Joints” and “Still Standing: The Savage Years.” His books were known for their humor and honesty, and they provided a glimpse into O’Grady’s personal life and experiences.
O’Grady’s personal life was also a significant part of his career. He had a daughter from a previous relationship, and he married his husband, Andre Portasio, in 2017. O’Grady’s passing in 2022 was a shock to his fans and loved ones, who mourned the loss of a beloved entertainer and animal welfare advocate. In summary, Paul O’Grady’s career spanned several decades and included various forms of entertainment, including stand-up comedy, television hosting, and writing. He was known for his humor, wit, and compassion, and he used his platform to address important issues such as LGBTQ rights and animal welfare. O’Grady’s legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of his fans and loved ones, who will remember him as a true icon of British television and an advocate for the things he believed in.