Paul O’Grady death – latest news: Piers Morgan and Lorraine Kelly lead tributes to late TV star
Paul O’Grady: TV star and comedian dies aged 67
Lorraine Kelly, Piers Morgan and others from the TV industry paid tribute to Paul O’Grady, who passed away Tuesday night (March 28).
The news of O’Grady’s death was announced by his partner Andre Portasio.
“It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that Paul passed away unexpectedly but peacefully last night,” he said. “We ask that at this difficult time, while you celebrate his life, that you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.
“He will be greatly missed by loved ones, friends, family, animals and everyone who enjoyed his humor, wit and compassion.”
The presenter had previously made a poignant comment on death and life over 60.
In his tribute, ex Good morning Britain Host Morgan wrote: “RIP Paul O’Grady, 67. A wonderfully warm, mischievous, hilarious guy with a great natural talent for broadcast and making people laugh.”
ITV’s Kelly added: “Such sad news. “Paul O’Grady – funny, fearless, brave, kind and wise. Sorely missed. A very special man.”
O’Grady has won numerous awards throughout his career, including a TV Bafta, a British Comedy Award and a National Television Award for The Paul O’Grady Show.
The TV star was also known for his love of animals, having lived with Portasio in a farmhouse in Kent, along with a menagerie of animals including four dogs, goats, sheep, chickens and barn owls.
Journalist Julie Bindel writes about Paul O’Grady’s Lily Savage
“One of the things I loved about Paul O’Grady’s Lily Savage was that it was based on a woman he loved, not one he constructed out of sexism or misogyny,” Julie Bindel wrote on Twitter. “Lily was an amazing working-class woman I knew and Paul, excesses aside, summed her up perfectly.”
O’Grady rose to fame on the London gay scene in the 1980s with his drag queen persona Lily Savage, which brought him wider popularity in the 1990s.
Peony HirwaniMarch 29, 2023 9:12 am
Producers, journalists and presenters from the TV industry pay tribute to Paul O’Grady
Many people in the entertainment industry have paid tribute to the “loving” Paul O’Grady.
Peony HirwaniMarch 29, 2023 09:02
GMB producer James Giggs pays tribute to his “biggest inspiration” Paul O’Grady
“It was one of the most difficult stories to produce,” James Giggs wrote on Twitter.
“I am beyond disappointed that Paul O’Grady has passed away. He was my biggest inspiration both as himself and as Lily Savage.
“Seeing him in the Palladium panto as the Evil Queen is something I’ll never forget. He will never be forgotten.”
Peony HirwaniMarch 29, 2023 08:52
Actor Samuel West pays tribute to Paul O’Grady
“Bad news to wake up to,” Samuel West wrote on Twitter.
“Paul O’Grady was a first-rate drag queen, a notoriously kind person, a fierce critic of austerity, a brave gay rights campaigner, a great friend of animals, and an effortlessly funny comedian. REST IN PEACE.”
Peony HirwaniMarch 29, 2023 8:42 am
Producer and podcaster Tom Knight on the death of Paul O’Grady
“Before drag race and social media, it was rare for queens to break into mainstream media, Paul was one of the few to lead the way and break down barriers,” Tom Knight wrote on Twitter.
“Everyone loved him, but he preferred animals. RIP Paul O’Grady aka the legendary Lily Savage, you will be missed.”
Peony HirwaniMarch 29, 2023 08:32
Paul O’Grady’s poignant words about death and counting its blessings
In 2013, Paul O’Grady shared his thoughts on his mortality.
“I’m counting my blessings,” he said aloud The mirror. “I’ve had two heart attacks and when I turn 60 it’s going to be great. I fear nothing today.
“There must be an angel out there. They try to get me out of trouble 24 hours a day.”
Peony HirwaniMarch 29, 2023 08:22
Comedian James Barr pays tribute to Paul O’Grady
Comedian James Barr has paid tribute to the late Paul O’Grady.
“Paul O’Grady fought for our community in the trenches during the HIV and AIDS epidemic, she took over the drag mainstream, she made our mothers cry with laughter and normalized gay people on TV by being absolutely mean.” he wrote on Twitter.
“I can’t imagine a world without her. A really brave and hilarious man.”
Peony HirwaniMarch 29, 2023 08:12
When and how did Paul O’Grady die?
TV presenter and comedian Paul O’Grady died on Tuesday (March 28) at the age of 67.
The exact cause of death was not disclosed.
This was announced by his partner Andre Portasio.
The TV star, also known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday night (March 28), according to a statement shared with the PA news agency.
Portasio said: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul passed away unexpectedly but peacefully last night.
“We ask that at this difficult time, while you celebrate his life, that you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.
“He will be greatly missed by loved ones, friends, family, animals and everyone who enjoyed his humor, wit and compassion.
“I know he wants me to thank you for all the love you’ve shown him over the years.”
O’Grady had a family history of heart disease. He had two heart attacks in 2002 and 2006.
Peony HirwaniMarch 29, 2023 07:42