Tributes have flooded in following the announcement of the death of Paul O'Grady.
The 67 year old died peacefully at home. His husband Andre Portasio said in a statement: “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 was initially famous as his trailblazing drag alter ego Lily Savage and then went on to become a mainstream star appearing on programmes including Blind Date, The Big Breakfast and Blankety Blank. He left his popular BBC Radio 2 show in 2022.
Comedian Sooz Kempner tweeted: "Paul O'Grady was fucking amazing. We all grew up watching Lily Savage (I can remember watching her on The Big Breakfast and my mum proper laughing) but it's only in more recent years I realised what an incredible life Paul had had. What a loss!"
Actor Samuel West tweeted: "Rotten news to wake up to. Paul O’Grady was a primetime drag queen, a famously kind person, a fierce critic of austerity, a brave fighter for gay rights, a great friend to animals and an effortlessly funny comedian. RIP"
Omid Djalili tweeted: "Just coming to terms with the unexpected passing of Paul O’Grady. I don’t think I’ve ever been so immediately enamoured with a personality on a first meeting. He truly elevated the very atmosphere in which he moved. God rest his mighty soul."
Actor Robin Askwith added: "So sorry to hear about Paul O’Grady
He’s been there or thereabouts all through my career-sneaking into The Vauxhaull Tavern in the early 70s with the likes of Richard Warwick & more recently a ‘ quiet’ dinner in Gozo Not just a ‘turn’ but a powerful,positive influence on lives"
James Dreyfus tweeted: "Terribly sad news. Used to watch Paul O’Grady in the 90’s, as Lily Savage round various pubs, then theatres, as his fame grew. Used to meet him in Joe Allen, where he’d make me laugh, sneering at other ‘slebs. One of the funniest, kindest & most talented of men. RIP Paul."
O'Grady waas famously an animal lover. Battersea Dogs and Cats Home tweeted: "We’re deeply saddened to learn that our wonderful, kind friend and beloved Ambassador Paul O’Grady MBE has passed away. He will be so dearly missed by all of us at Battersea. Our love and thoughts go out to all of Paul's family and friends at this difficult time."
