Star who went from Lily Savage to a TV mainstay dies at 67

Tributes have paid to Paul O’Grady, the comedian turned TV presenter, after he died at the age of 67.

His partner Andre Portasio confirmed in a statement that the star,  who broke on to the scene with his drag persona Lily Savage, died ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’ on Tuesday evening.

‘He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion,’ Portasio said in a statement. ‘I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.’

No cause of death was given.

Comedians were among those hailing O Grady’s talent

Diane Morgan said: ‘So sad to hear the news about Paul O’ Grady. He was razor-sharp funny and kind to the core.’

Robin Ince said: 'Sad to hear of the death of Paul O Grady - his autobiographies are excellent and he never shied away from being political even on Saturday night prime time.’

Paddy McGuinness noted: ‘Paul started in the pubs and working men's clubs but finished as an icon of British TV. I'll miss him very much. Rest in peace Paul.’

TV presenter Matthew Wright added: ‘Saw Paul O"Grady way back in the day as Lily - always had a smile, a friendly word and a hug for me over the years that followed. Absolute gutted he’s gone’

And Lorraine Kelly tweeted: ‘Such sad news. Paul O’Grady - funny, fearless, brave, kind and wise ... I always think dogs are the best judge of character and they ADORED him.’

Born in Tranmere, Birkenhead, O’Grady  emerged from the London gay scene in the 1980s as Lily Savage, – including a long residency at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern - breaking through into the mainstream the following decade.

He performed as Lily at the Edinburgh Fringe from 1989 to 1992 and was nominated for the 1991 Perrier Award alongside Jack Dee, Eddie Izzard, and winner Frank Skinner.

He later said: ‘The Edinburgh Festival changed my life. The experience opened doors for me that would otherwise have been firmly closed, exposing me to a much wider audience than I'd previously been used to.’

As Savage, he presented The Big Breakfast from 1995 to 1996, Blankety Blank from 1997 to 2002 and Lily Live! from 2000 to 2001.

In August last year, O’Grady presented his final BBC Radio 2 show after 14 years, quitting after being told he would have to share the slot with comic Rob Beckett, six months of the year each.

He had just  finished a stint playing Miss Hannigan in the musical Annie, and was due to host a new show on Boom Radio at Easter.

Published: 29 Mar 2023