On March 28, 2023, the cherished English entertainer Paul O’Grady passed away at the remarkable age of 67. Renowned for his sharp humor and quick wit, O’Grady captivated audiences across comedy, acting, broadcasting, and writing.
Among his most enduring legacies is the beloved persona of Lily Savage, a drag queen character he masterfully portrayed for over three decades. Beyond his theatrical and cinematic endeavors, O’Grady was a devoted animal enthusiast and a committed ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Acknowledging his substantial contributions to the entertainment industry, O’Grady received various honors, including an MBE and an appointment as Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Kent. He is survived by his devoted husband Andre Portasio and a daughter from a previous marriage.
Name | Paul O’Grady |
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Birthdate | June 14, 1955 |
Birthplace | Birkenhead, Merseyside, England |
Occupation | Television presenter, comedian, actor, writer |
Known for | Hosting “The Paul O’Grady Show”, “Paul O’Grady Live”, and “For the Love of Dogs”; portraying the character of Lily Savage |
Notable Awards | BAFTA TV Award for Best Entertainment Performance (2005, 2006), BAFTA TV Award for Best Entertainment Programme (“The Paul O’Grady Show” – 2005, 2006), National Television Award for Most Popular Entertainment Presenter (2018) |
Books | “At My Mother’s Knee…and Other Low Joints”, “The Devil Rides Out”, “Still Standing: The Savage Years”, “Open the Cage, Murphy!”, “Paul O’Grady’s Country Life” |
Charity Work | Supporting animal welfare organizations, including Battersea Dogs & Cats Home |
Personal Life | Openly gay, in a long-term relationship with Andre Portasio since 2006 |
Social Media | Facebook: @PaulOGradyOfficial, Twitter: @paul_ogrady, Instagram: @paulogrady |