Paul O’Grady’s husband described his final moments, in a moving tribute made at a star-studded memorial for the late TV star this week.
O’Grady died after suffering cardiac arrhythmia on 28 March 2023, at the age of 67.
The comedian, known for his drag alter ego Lily Savage, is said to have been smoking a cannabis joint when he died peacefully at his home.
Speaking at a star-studded memorial for O’Grady on Wednesday (18 October), his husband Andre Portasio recalled, according to The Sun: “We’d had a very ordinary day, just watching TV together at home, when Paul said he wanted to make a ‘cup of tea,’ and that was our little code for rolling a spliff.
“So Paul went to the kitchen to make a cup of tea, brought it back, lit it and started smoking it – and that was our last time together, the last thing we did. He passed away there in his chair.”
Among the attendees at the Bloomsbury Ballroom event were Alan Carr, Amanda Holden and Dawn French.
Throughout the evening, Portasio also shared anecdotes from O’Grady’s personal life.
In the aftermath of O’Grady’s death earlier this year, voices from across the UK entertainment industry and beyond shared tributes to the performer’s legacy.
Paul O’Grady in 2022— (Getty Images)
“He was not only brilliant as an entertainer, he was a force for good,” said Carol Vorderman, alluding to O’Grady’s history of activism.
“He wasn’t just a fighter for the underdog, somebody who was willing to use his platform to speak up for people who didn’t have a platform, didn’t have a voice, but he could do it in a totally compelling way, much more compelling than any politician,” said former Labour Party leader Ed Milliband.
Actor, politician, and LGBT+ rights activist Michael Cashman shared a clip of O’Grady discussing Conservative politicians on TV, remarking: “He goes into a rant about injustice, naming the politicians and that was bold. He could have been taken off air, but you couldn’t separate him from his principles.
“The Queen loved him. And of course, all they did was talk about animals and farming, and she loved his sense of humour.”
O’Grady began as a social worker while making a name for himself as a nightclub performer, dressing as the blonde-wigged Lily Savage.
After O’Grady’s death was announced, Portasio released a statement, saying: “On behalf of Paul O’Grady, his husband Andre Portasio would like to thank everyone for taking their time to send condolences.
“The family is overwhelmed with everyone’s kindness and generosity.”
