Paul James O’Grady MBE DL was an English comedian, broadcaster, actor, writer and drag queen. He achieved notability in the London gay scene during the 1980s with his drag queen persona Lily Savage, through which he gained broader popularity in the 1990s.
O’Grady subsequently dropped the character and in the 2000s became the presenter of various television and radio shows, including The Paul O’Grady Show.
O’Grady was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2008 Birthday Honours for services to entertainment. In 2020 he became president of the British Music Hall Society, taking over the role from Roy Hudd. He was a Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Kent.
Paul O’Grady was born on 14 June 1955 and died on 28 March 2023.
Cause of Death
O’Grady died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on 28 March 2023, at the age of 67. His death was announced by his husband, André Portasio, and tributes for the former television host came in from television presenter Lorraine Kelly and LGBTQ+ rights campaigner Peter Tatchell.
Net Worth
His net worth was $8 Million.
Wife
From 1977 to 2005, he was in a marriage of convenience with a Portuguese woman, Teresa Fernandes, although he was not in an active relationship with her.
Husband
He married Andre Portasio in 2017.