TV star and comedian Paul O’Grady has died ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’ at the age of 67.
The star hosted several game shows, including Blankety Blank in the late 90s, under the guise of his drag queen persona Lily Savage.
He also presented The Paul O'Grady Show, Blind Date and For The Love Of Dogs and featured on TV shows like Dr Who and Holby City during a career that spanned more than 30 years.
Lily Savage at her 'Council flat' in south London. Image: PA Images/AlamyHis husband Andre Portasio announced his death this morning.
“It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening,” he said.
“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.”
Tributes have been pouring in this morning.
Paul O'Grady
🖤
Already giving them raucous, ripping up the rulebook, mischief making, calling it out, loving hell in heavenPaul, what are we meant to do without you?
💔— Carol Vorderman (@carolvorders) March 29, 2023
The entertainment world has lost a true star ⭐️ May he, and Lily Savage, rest in peace 😔 https://t.co/PMBfxlKwCy
— Shane Beatty (@ShaneBeattyNews) March 29, 2023
Oh no, such sad news to wake up to that the magnificent Paul O’Grady has died at the age of 67. What a warm-hearted, hugely talented and funny man he was. Plus a dog-lover of course, with his brilliant show @RealPOGDogs supporting @Battersea_. Such a loss & gone too young 😔 pic.twitter.com/N8ckS1ZRsc
— Charlotte Hawkins (@CharlotteHawkns) March 29, 2023
Paul O’Grady was the Mother of British Drag. When the Police raided the Royal Vauxhall Tavern during the AIDS crisis wearing rubber gloves, Paul dressed as Lily onstage, quipped “Oh look, they’ve come to help with the washing up”. Give ‘em hell Lil. 💔 pic.twitter.com/vWQEthkHvU
— Mark Shields (@acting_mark) March 29, 2023
O’Grady began his career as Lily Savage in the 1970s and was a prominent advocate for LGBT issues at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern cabaret club.
Lily took over as The Big Breakfast presenter in 1995 and hosted Blankety Blank, which ran until 2002.
Comedy chat shows would follow with The Paul O'Grady Show in 2004, and Paul O'Grady Live in 2010, which featured guests like Kylie Minogue, Tom Jones and Michael McIntyre.
The presenter was honoured with a British MBE for services to entertainment in 2008.
