Paul O'Grady's heartbroken daughter has paid tribute to her father, describing how the entire family is 'devastated'. The comedy star died on suddenly on Tuesday, March 28, prompting a wave of emotion from fans and colleagues alike.
Sharyn Mousley, Paul's 48-year-old daughter, has now spoken of her shock and sadness at his passing, Liverpool Echo reports. Paul welcomed his daughter who he shares with now 76-year-old friend Diane Jansen, in 1974 and she is his only child. Sharyn was born in the 1970s when Paul was 18, The Mirror reports.
Sharyn told the MailOnline: “What can I say? We are all devastated, I am, my mum is, everyone is. We loved him and we will miss him." She added: "We are all distraught."
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He gave Sharyn away on her wedding day when she swapped vows with Philip Mousley. Paul fondly recalled Sharyn’s big day, saying following the ceremony: “It was a really great day. Sharyn looked fabulous and Philip is a smashing fella.
“They fit together like a pan and a lid. She looked like a Disney princess.” He was also a proud grandfather as Sharyn and Philip welcomed a son named Abel in 2006 and a daughter named Halo in 2009.
In his autobiography, The Devil Rides Out, Paul thought back to the day of Sharyn’s arrival - and how he caused fits of laughter in the maternity ward when he went to meet her while surrounded by other new parents. He wrote: “Diane, sitting on the bed, her face flushing a bright red to equal mine, was just as embarrassed by the situation as I was. She quickly said, 'Why don't you have a look at her?'"
Paul recalled how initially he had gone to the wrong cot and wrote how another mother had said: 'You're looking at the wrong baby, mate. That one's mine, yours is over there'. He explained: "This went down a treat with the mums and nurses, setting them off screaming with laughter and me scuttling over to take a peep at my own child, feeling more like Carabosse than a loving father."
Paul’s sudden death was revealed by his husband, Andre Portasio, who said in a statement on Wednesday: “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.”
His death was met with an outpouring of emotion from fans and fellow celebrities alike - with many taking to social media and the airwaves to pay tribute to him and his incredible life.
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