Paul O’Grady, a TV host and comedian, passed away at age 67.
Paul O’Grady, a comedian and television host, passed away at age 67.
His partner Andre Portasio released a statement on Tuesday night describing his death as “unexpected yet calm.”
With his legendary scouse drag queen persona Lily Savage, O’Grady gained notoriety in the 1990s. He then presented the game show Blankety Blank and other light entertainment programs.
Later in his career, he hosted a number of discussion shows and displayed his passion for dogs on camera.
Paul went away abruptly but painlessly yesterday evening, Mr. Portasio stated, and he did so with a heavy heart.
“His loved ones, friends, family, the animals, and everyone who cherished his wit, humor, and compassion will sadly miss him.”
He would undoubtedly want me to express my gratitude for all the affection you have given him throughout the years. He had recently finished a tour where he was seen as Miss Hannigan in the Annie musical.
O’Grady recently said on Instagram that he was “thoroughly loving” playing the role again after such a long time, “especially with a truly great and lovely cast,” following his return from performing in Newcastle.
The presenter just left BBC Radio 2 after 14 years, confirming rumors that his dissatisfaction with sharing his Sunday afternoon slot was the reason for his departure.
In less than two weeks, on Easter Sunday, he was scheduled to host a Boom Radio show.
One of O’Grady’s most recent appearances was in a special episode of ITV’s For The Love of Dogs, which he helped start in 2012 and which followed the workers of the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, an organization for which he was an ambassador. Camilla, the Queen Consort, also appeared in the episode.
O’Grady was born in 1955 in Birkenhead, on the Wirral in Merseyside, to a mother whose maiden name was Savage, which is thought to have served as the inspiration for his well-known drag performance. His stage name Lily Savage debuted in the 1970s. Later, the drag queen earned a name for herself by speaking out about LGBT problems while performing in a solo show at London’s Royal Vauxhall Tavern for eight years.
After briefly presenting the BBC’s chat show The Lily Savage Show in 1997, he switched to hosting a revived edition of the game show Blankety Blank, which ran until 2002.
Later, from 2004 to 2005, he hosted the teatime program The Paul O’Grady Show on ITV until it moved to Channel 4.
As Channel 5 revived Blind Date in 2017, he took over presenting duties from his close friend Cilla Black.
For The Paul O’Grady Show, O’Grady earned a National Television Award, a British Comedy Award, and a TV Bafta over his career.
He received an MBE in 2008 as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his contributions to entertainment.
In November, O’Grady, who resided in Aldington, a town close to Ashford, was named one of Kent’s deputy lieutenants. The job is in charge of representing the Monarch at local events.
