Paul O’Grady death – latest news: Camilla, Elton John and Joe Lycett pay tribute after presenter dies aged 67
TV presenter known for his drag persona Lily Savage died ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’, his partner Andre Portasio said
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Fans, friends and colleagues are continuing to pay tribute to Paul O’Grady, who died on Tuesday evening (28 March), aged 67.
Queen Camilla, Elton John, Lorraine Kelly, Piers Morgan, Joe Lycett and others from the TV industry have paid tribute, as well as MPs at PMQs on Wednesday afternoon (29 March).
Dominic Raab was mocked after incorrectly paying tribute to the “incredible comic Paul Grayson”, instead of Paul O’Grady.
“Paul Grayson was an incredible comic, but he also...” Raab said during PMQs on Wednesday 29 March, before eventually correcting himself.
In 2013, O’Grady made a poignant comment on death and living past the age of 60.
Throughout his career, the TV host, known for his drag persona Lily Savage, won numerous accolades including a TV Bafta, a British Comedy Award, and a National Television Award for The Paul O’Grady Show.
He was also known for his love for animals. He lived in a farmhouse in Kent with his husband Andre Portasio along with a menagerie of animals including four dogs, goats, sheep, chickens and barn owls.
Voices: What Lily Savage’s legacy means to drag queens like me
“Lily was a strong-willed activist, who stood up for our community during the most difficult times,” writes Tia Kofi.
What Lily Savage’s legacy means to drag queens like me | Tia Kofi
Lily was a strong-willed activist, who stood up for our community during the most difficult times
Divina de Campo leads Drag Race UK tributes to ‘titan’ Paul O’Grady
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Divina de Campo said Paul O’Grady “reached new heights and truly was a drag star”.
The comedian and TV and radio presenter, who died on Tuesday evening aged 67, rose to fame on the nightclub circuit with his larger-than-life alter ego Lily Savage.
Names from across the drag world have paid tribute to him.
The Vivienne, Cheryl Hole and Cheddar Gorgeous were among those who hailed O’Grady’s legacy on social media.
Imy Brighty-Potts reports.
Divina de Campo leads Drag Race UK tributes to ‘titan’ Paul O’Grady
Tributes also came from The Vivienne, Cheryl Hole and Cheddar Gorgeous.
Paul O’Grady’s poignant words on death and counting his blessings
In 2013, Paul O’Grady shared his thoughts on his mortality.
“I do count my blessings,” he said, according to The Mirror. “I have had two heart attacks, and if I get to 60 that will be amazing. I don’t fear anything nowadays.
“There has to be an angel out there. They are trying to steer me out of trouble 24 hours a day.”
Ellie Harrison reports.
Paul O’Grady’s poignant words on death and counting his blessings
Presenter and comedian, who has died aged 67, had said that it would be ‘amazing’ if he got to 60
Tom Hardy pays tribute to ‘laughter and kindness’ of Paul O’Grady
“Such a lovely lovely human. Thankyou for all you have done the laughter and the kindness and for your love of dogs,” writes British actor Tom Hardy.
“You will be missed.”
‘Minute of applause’ observed for Paul O’Grady at famous London drag show venue
Paul O’Grady has been remembered as “one of the greatest drag artists the UK has ever seen” at a south London venue where he found mainstream success.
Wednesday night’s show at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, in Vauxhall, saw a minute of raucous applause for the TV star, instead of a typical minute of silence.
Read more:
‘Minute of applause’ observed for Paul O’Grady at famous London drag show venue
The TV star was hailed as ‘one of the greatest drag artists the UK has ever seen’ at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern on Wednesday night.
Eddie Izzard honours Paul O’Grady for his ‘positive mark’ on the country’s history
Suzy Eddie Izzard remembered Paul O’Grady as a “lovely” and “decent guy, who cared about people” following his death aged 67.
“Appearing on The Paul O’Grady Show was always fun. He was a lovely, decent guy who cared about people. You could see that in the way he interacted with them,” fellow British comedian Izzard told The Guardian of O’Grady.
“Obviously we shared an interest in politics. His positions might not be exactly my positions, although ripping into the Tories like he did – absolutely. But he did things his way and with aplomb. I can’t imagine he’d ever want to stand to be an MP like I did, because that would have been too hampering,” she continued.
Inga Parkel reports.
Eddie Izzard honours Paul O’Grady for his ‘positive mark’ on the country’s history
‘It would have been nice if he could have stuck around for longer,’ Izzard said
Watch: Dominic Raab misnames Paul O’Grady as ‘Paul Grayson’ in Commons speech
‘Loved Paul, who didn’t?’ Alan Carr remembers Paul O’Grady in heartfelt tribute post
Alan Carr reacted to news of Paul O’Grady’s death with a post on social media.
Carr shared a selfie of him and his fellow comedian on Instagram with the caption: “I’ve been no use to anyone today.”
He remembered: “Having dinner with Paul O’Grady was the closest any of us would get to having dinner with Dorothy Parker or Truman Capote – he would have you literally in hysterics regaling these showbiz anecdotes and quips from Marlene Dietrich to Cilla Black to The Royals to the Disappointer Sisters – it seemed like he knew everyone.”
The former Chatty Man host also recalled a joke he’d heard O’Grady tell recently: “My friend asked him... ‘do you think you’ll go to heaven Paul?’ Quick as a whip he replied ‘I hope not, I won’t know anyone.’”
Elton John and Russell T Davies remember Paul O’Grady as ‘ferocious in the fight against Aids’
As well as being a much-loved entertainer, Paul O’Grady has been remembered for his activism and his unwavering support of marginalised communities.
In his tribute, It’s a Sin creator Russell T Davies named O’Grady as being ‘ferocious in the fight against Aids’. He added: “When asked in 2021 if he despised anyone, he said: ‘Every single stinking member of this lying, self-serving government.’ There will never be anyone like him.”
Charlotte McLaughlin reports.
Paul O’Grady remembered as ‘ferocious in the fight against Aids’
Russell T Davies and Sir Elton John are among those who have paid tribute to the TV and radio star after his death aged 67.
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