Tributes are being paid to Paul O’Grady, who has died at the age of 67.
The comedian, actor and writer passed away “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening, his heartbroken husband confirmed.
In a statement, Andre Portasio 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.
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“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 has strong Irish heritage. His father Patrick grew up in Ballincurry, Co Roscommon and his mother Mary was born in England to Irish immigrants from Co Louth.
The family were raised in an Irish community in Birkenhead in Merseyside.
O’Grady visited Ireland a number of times a year and also appeared in Jim Sheridan's iconic film In the Name of the Father.
On social media, one person said: “Had the absolute pleasure of meeting Paul O’Grady once in London, in a breakfast club around 6:30am. He was such a gent, and so proud of his Irish heritage. He will forever remain a comedy legend & all round good egg.”
Another added: “Such awfully sad news to wake-up to this morning. Paul O'Grady was such a gifted comedian and presenter and was always extremely proud of his Irish roots. His dad was from Co. Roscommon and his mother's family from Co. Louth.”
A third posted: “I hope that you are enjoying catching up with all your beloved animals in Heaven Paul O’Grady. Love from Ireland.”
Tributes are also being paid by his showbiz pals.
ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly described O’Grady as “a really special man” and said: “Such sad news. Paul O’Grady – funny, fearless, brave, kind and wise. “Will be sorely missed. A really special man.”
Susanna Reid said on Good Morning Britain: "He was so funny and so compassionate and so loving".
Carol Vorderman tweeted: "Paul O'Grady. Already giving them raucous, ripping up the rulebook, mischief making, calling it out, loving hell in heaven. Paul, what are we meant to do without you?"
Amanda Holden said: "Woken up to this sad, sad news. I loved Paul. He was brilliantly opinionated, searingly sharp and very funny. I loved our conversations. I can't quite believe it. Thoughts with Andre and their family".
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 celebrity game show, Paul O’Grady’s Saturday Night Line Up. O’Grady took over the reins from Blind Date’s long-running presenter and his close friend Cilla Black, who died in 2015, as he hosted the Channel 5 reboot of the show in 2017.
He began his career performing as Lily Savage in the 1970s whilst working as a peripatetic care officer for Camden Council, going on to tour northern England as part of drag duo the Playgirls. He later settled into a solo show as Savage that ran for eight years at London’s Royal Vauxhall Tavern, and made a name for himself speaking out about LGBT issues.
Tributes to Paul O’Grady who had ‘strong Irish heritage’ after death aged 67
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