The legendary comedian has died aged 67 (Picture: Jonathan Hordle/Shutterstock)
Tributes have poured in for legendary comedian Paul O’Grady, who has died aged 67.
The TV star, also known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’ on Tuesday evening, with his partner Andre Portasio saying: ‘It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.
‘We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.
‘He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
‘I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.’
O’Grady was remembered as a ‘really special man’ (Picture: Ken McKay/Shutterstock)
ITV daytime television host Lorraine Kelly remembered O’Grady as a ‘really special man’, taking to Twitter: ‘Such sad news. Paul O’Grady – funny, fearless, brave, kind and wise. Will be sorely missed. A really special man.’
Carol Vorderman wrote: ‘Paul O’Grady Already giving them raucous, ripping up the rulebook, mischief making, calling it out, loving hell in heaven Paul, what are we meant to do without you?’
Ahead of paying tribute on Good Morning Britain, Martin Lewis shared: ‘Quite shocked and saddened to wake up to the news of Paul O’Grady passing. #RipPaulOgrady. A funny man, with incredibly quick wit, who made millions laugh.’
He added on the programme: ‘It was a shock to find out this morning, he was very young.’
‘You don’t know whether to smile or be sad right now, I’m torn between those two emotions because he was such a funny man and when you think about him it makes you smile he was funny, and then you remember he’s gone,’ Martin added.
Susanna Reid held back tears, saying: ‘You can acknowledge the humour and the love and compassion that he brought at the same time, as we mourn his loss, far too early.’
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The admired activist campaigned for LGBT+ equality and animal rights (Picture: Ken McKay/REX)
Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell echoed: ‘Paul wasn’t just a brilliant comedian and broadcast personality but a much admired campaigner for LGBT+ equality and animal rights.
‘Paul wasn’t just a brilliant comedian and broadcast personality but a much admired campaigner for LGBT+ equality and animal rights.
‘Paul wasn’t just a brilliant comedian and broadcast personality but a much admired campaigner for LGBT+ equality and animal rights.
‘Paul was one of the loveliest people you could ever meet. Everyone whose lives he touched will miss him greatly, as will those who enjoyed his wit and admired his compassion.’
Paul’s producer Malcolm Prince tweeted their last picture together, and wrote a touching tribute, saying he saw O’Grady just yesterday.
‘Surrounded by his beloved dogs, he was laughing, smiling, and full of life,’ Prince wrote.
He continued: ‘He was so proud of ‘Annie’, so happy to be back on Boom Radio and he was looking forward to so many new projects.
‘And now he’s gone. I can’t believe it.
‘We have lost a unique talent – and I’ve lost a dear friend.
‘We were all lucky to have Paul in our lives.’
He began his career performing as Lily Savage in the 1970s (Picture: Ltd/REX Shutterstock)
The X Factor star Joe McElderry recalled: ‘I was stood in Paul O’grady’s dressing room @TheatreRoyalNew less than 3 weeks ago! He was full of life chatting and being so wonderful as always! so so sad! And such a loss! A true showbiz entertainer! May he rest in peace’.
Comedian and radio host James Barr added: ‘Paul O’Grady was in the trenches fighting for our community during the HIV & AIDS epidemic, she took drag mainstream, she made our mums howl with laughter and normalised gay people on TV by being utterly vile.
‘I can’t imagine a world without her. A truly brave and hilarious man x.’
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Journalist Tom Knight wrote: ‘Before Drag Race and social media it was rare for queens to break through into mainstream media, Paul was one of the few leading the way and smashing down barriers.
‘Everyone loved him, but he preferred animals. RIP Paul O’Grady AKA the legendary Lily Savage, you will be missed.’
More to come…
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