Paul O'Grady, a renowned British comedian and host, has passed away at the age of 67. O'Grady, who rose to fame as the drag queen Lily Savage before establishing himself as a beloved entertainer and television presenter, died unexpectedly but peacefully on Tuesday evening, according to his partner Andre Portasio. O'Grady used his platform to promote LGBT+ rights during the AIDS crisis, when the Conservative government of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was enacting anti-gay legislation. He later hosted several television talk shows and gameshows under his real name, including "The Paul O'Grady Show," "Blind Date," and "Blankety Blank." In addition to his work in entertainment, O'Grady was a passionate animal rights advocate and hosted "For the Love of Dogs," which highlighted the efforts of animal rescue charity the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. Tributes poured in for O'Grady from across the entertainment and LGBT+ communities, with Britain's queen consort Camilla, a close collaborator of O'Grady's in supporting animal charities, leading the way.
Paul O'Grady was born in Birkenhead, near Liverpool, in 1955, and initially worked as a care worker for the local authority. He began performing as Lily Savage, a sharp-tongued Liverpudlian drag queen, in the alternative gay comedy scene, and eventually became a fixture at London's Royal Vauxhall Tavern. Savage moved on to television in the 1990s, hosting the talk show "The Lily Savage Show." After retiring the Savage character, O'Grady continued to work in television, hosting a variety of programs that showcased his humor, warmth, and empathy. He also had a long-running program on BBC radio. O'Grady married his partner, Andre Portasio, in 2017, and is survived by Portasio and a daughter from a previous relationship. His passing was mourned by a wide range of people, including fellow entertainers, LGBT+ activists, and animal rights adocates.Throughout his career, Paul O'Grady was known for his irreverent humor and quick wit, but also for his compassion and kindness. He was a passionate supporter of animal rights and worked tirelessly to promote their welfare, including through his work with Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. In addition, O'Grady was a vocal advocate for LGBT+ rights, using his platform to raise awareness and advocate for equality during a difficult and often hostile time. His contributions to British entertainment and his advocacy for these important causes will be remembered by many, and his passing marks a great loss for the country's cultural landscape.
0 Comments