Paul O’Grady, who shot to stardom as trailblazing comic drag act Lily Savage before becoming one of the country’s best-loved TV presenters and DJs, died suddenly but peacefully last night, his partner said. He was 67 years old.
Andre Portasio, who married Paul O’Grady in 2017, paid tribute to his humour, wit and compassion in a statement announcing his death released just before 3 am.
Paul O’Grady became a household name in the early noughties, known for his humour and love of animals, and hosted a string of television programmes including his self-titled daytime chat show, The Paul O’Grady Show, which began airing in 2004.
He also took over the reins from Blind Date’s long-running presenter and close friend Cilla Black, who passed away in 2015, to host the Channels 5 reboot of the show in 2017. And he fronted Blankety Blank, as well as ITV’s award-winning For The Love Of Dogs.
The father of one’s cause of death wasn’t immediately known, but he had previously spoken of surviving heart attacks in 2002, 2006 and 2014, and also kidney failure. He also had a debilitating COVID battle that left him unfit to work for two months.
Paul O’Grady married Portuguese lesbian barmaid Teresa Fernandes in 1977 to stop her deportation. They divorced in 2005 and he married ex-ballet dancer Mr Portasio in 2017.
Decades before in 1974, he had his only child, a daughter called Sharyn Mousley, with his dear friend Diane Jansen. Paul O’Grady was also a grandfather to Sharyn’s son Abel, who was born in 2006 and is now aged 16, and Sharyn’s daughter Halo, born in 2009.
Mr Portasio said early this morning that it was with great sadness that he had to inform everyone that Paul had passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening and that they ask, at this difficult time, that whilst everybody is honouring his life, they should also respect their privacy as they come to terms with the loss.
He added that he would be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion and that he knew that Paul would want him to thank everyone for all the love they had shown him over the years.
Paul O’Grady and Portasio were married during a low-key wedding ceremony in 2017.
During his career, he hosted The Paul O’Grady Show, Blind Date and Blankety Blank, as well as ITV’s multi-award-winning For The Love Of Dogs. He also hosted ITV’s celebrity game show, Paul O’Grady Saturday Night Line Up.
Paul O’Grady had a dagger wit and pizzazz, he demonstrated compassion for the underdog and kindness and consideration for dogs themselves. He also showed his civic responsibility by becoming a Lord Lieutenant in Kent and majestically danced across the airwaves on the radio.
He was a truly remarkable, humorous and kind gentleman who passed away too early.
As Lily Savage, he was a fantastic entertainer. Fast, acerbic and super humorous. As Paul O’Grady, he was equally as funny, but also kind and had the warmth and comfort of the perfect cup of tea enveloped in a familiar blanket.
British entertainment will never be the same again, and of course, it’s customary to say nice things about someone when they pass away at such a young age, but he actually was the most incredible entertainer. Illuminating, witty and compassionate, and he will be sorely missed.
His death is an unexpected loss, not just to the industry as a warm and delightful personality, but as a trailblazer for animal welfare and compassion. He was like the David Attenborough of the dog world.
THE MONTHLY MOSQUITO 