TV presenter Paul O’Grady dies aged 67
TV presenter and comedian Paul O’Grady, has died at the age of 67 years old, his husband Andre Portasio confirmed in a statement.
O’Grady gained fame in the 1990s through his drag queen persona, Lily Savage, and hosted a number of game shows and chat shows throughout his career.
O’Grady had recently played Miss Hannigan in the musical Annie and was due to present on Boom Radio for Easter Sunday.
The news of his passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from colleagues and fans alike.
Paul O’Grady dies aged 67 – family statement
“It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening,” Mr Portasio said.
“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.”
‘Animal lover and ambassador’
O’Grady was born in Birkenhead, on the Wirral, Merseyside, in 1955. His mother’s maiden name was Savage – which is believed to have inspired his drag act.
He began performing as Lily Savage in the 1970s and did an eight-year run at London’s Royal Vauxhall Tavern. He later hosted The Lily Savage Show for the BBC for a short run in 1997.
He then started hosting TV shows – a remake of gameshow Blanekey Blank, The Paul O’Grady Show and a reboot of Blind Date.
He made a name for himself by speaking out about LGBT issues and was also an animal lover and ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
Tributes
Radio 2 breakfast show presenter Zoe Ball said: “We’re all heavy of heart here this morning at the news of our dear friend Paul O’Grady. I know he was so loved by the Radio 2 listeners and all of us here.”
O’Grady was described as a “really special man” by ITV’s Lorraine Kelly. “Such sad news. Paul O’Grady – funny, fearless, brave, kind and wise,” she tweeted. “Will be sorely missed.”
TV host Amanda Holden said O’Grady was “strong, funny, opinionated, no-nonsense, brilliant”, while radio presenter Simon Mayo added he was “a lovely man, always funny and a radio natural”.
Singer and TV host Aled Jones described O’Grady as “a lovely lovely person”, while presenter Vernon Kay said he was “one of the nicest and kindest people I’ve ever met, always a joy to be around and obviously, so much fun”.
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