Paul O'Grady: 'Much-Admired' Entertainer And Campaigner Dies

Tributes pour in as TV star and comedian Paul O'Grady passes away unexpectedly at the age of 67

Veteran 'out' TV star and drag comedian Paul O'Grady has died at the age of 67, his husband Andre Portasio has said. A statement detailed that the star, known for his on-stage cabaret persona Lily Savage, died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on Tuesday 28th March 2023.

The presenter, who was born in Merseyside, hosted a number of game shows including Blankety Blank in the late 90s under the guise of Savage. His career spanned more than 30 years, during which he hosted The Paul O'Grady Show, Blind Date and For The Love Of Dogs. He also featured on TV shows such as Dr Who and Holby City.

Mr Portasio, who married O'Grady in 2017, said:

"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 also leaves behind his daughter Sharon, who he had with close friend Diane Jansen in 1974, as well as two grandchildren.

Tributes were lead by Elton John and the Queen Consort, Camilla Parker-Bowles. 

Calling O'Grady a "brilliant entertainer, wit, and supporter of LGBTQ+ rights", Elton John said the presenter "went places nobody had gone before". Camilla said O'Grady's "warm heart and infectious humour lit up the lives of so many", according to Palace sources, who added she would be sharing her sympathies with the star's family privately in due course. They added that she had a special bond with O'Grady and worked closely with him in their support of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

The Royal Family's official Twitter account paid tribute to O'Grady, posting an image of Camilla with the star.

'Much-admired campaigner' and a queer rights campaigner until the end

Through the early years of the AIDS epidemic as a cabaret performer in South London, through to his passing this week, O'Grady was a fearless campaigner for the rights of LGBTQ+ people. He was due to join the Peter Tatchell Foundation's forthcoming campaign for an official apology for police mistreatment of our community in years gone by.

Appearing here in footage filmed recently, the iconic performer recalls the infamous and unjustified 'rubber glove raid' on London's Royal Vauxhall Tavern at the hands of a homophobic police command.

In tribute, Peter Tatchell said "Paul wasn't just a brilliant comedian and broadcast personality but a much-admired campaigner for LGBT+ equality and animal rights." The human rights activist went on to detail O'Grady's planned leadership of the campaign for a police apology for past homophobia as well as offering his condolences to family and friends before adding that "everyone whose lives Paul touched will miss him greatly, as will those who enjoyed his wit & admired his compassion."

Marking the star's passing on stage at the RVT on Wednesday evening, one of the venue's contemporary hosts, Michael Twaits reminded the midweek audience that it was 'raising up the community' that propelled O'Grady from 'a stage like this' to mainstream television, before leading a minute's riotous noise in tribute to the icon's life and work.