Paul O’Grady, TV Presenter And Comedian, Dies At 67

• Paul O’Grady has been reported dead at age 67.
• His husband reports he passed away unexpectedly but peacefully.
• He was best known for breaking onto the scene with his drag act.

It has been reported that TV presenter and comedian Paul O’Grady has died at age 67. He originally broke onto the scene with his drag act persona Lily Savage. The sad news was confirmed by his husband, Andre Portasio, that he had died “unexpectedly but peacefully.”

He continues, “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.”

Remembering Paul O’Grady

Just days ago, O’Grady had just completed a stint playing the role of Miss Hannigan in the musical Annie and was set to resume the role in performances around the UK and Ireland later in 2023. Since the sad news, tributes have been pouring in remembering the comedian. TV presenter Lorraine Kelly said, “Such sad news… Paul O’Grady – funny, fearless, brave, kind and wise … I always think dogs are the best judge of character and they ADORED him.”

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LGBTQ+ rights campaigner Peter Tatchell called O’Grady LGBTQ+ rights campaigner “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.”

O’Grady moved to London in his 20s and first worked as a social worker for Camden council. By the late 1970s, he was developing his drag act Lily Savage in gay clubs. O’Grady was also known as a huge animal lover who owned animal lover who kept dogs, pigs, bats, ferrets and more at his farm, and was a known TV presenter for the award-winning show For The Love Of Dogs. He was also a patron of Orangutan Appeal UK and won an RSPCA Animal Hero award for his “outstanding contribution to animal welfare.”

Rest in peace.