Paul James O’Grady, MBE DL, is an English comedian, broadcaster, drag queen, actor and writer.
He is famous for his drag character, Lily Savage, which made him famous among London’s gay scene during the 1980s.
However, O’Grady’s success extended beyond the gay community and he became a popular figure in mainstream media in the 1990s.
Through his diverse talents and personality, O’Grady has cemented his place as a versatile and beloved entertainer in British culture.
File
- Full name: Paul James O’Grady
- Stage name: Paul O’Grady
- Date of birth: June 14, 1955
- March 28, 2023 (67 years old), Aldington, UK
- Place of birth: Birkenhead, UK
- Nationality: English
- Profession: British comedian, broadcaster, drag queen, actress and writer.
- Height: 1.83m
- Parents: Mary Savage, Patrick Grady
- Siblings: 2, Sheila O’Grady, Brendan O’Grady.
- Spouse: Andre Portasio (m. 2017), Teresa Fernandes (m. 1977–2005)
- Children: 1, Sharon O’Grady
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: £15.5 million
Early life and education
Paul O’Grady is a famous British comedian, television presenter, actor, writer and radio presenter.
He was born on 14 June 1955 in Birkenhead, UK and was raised by his parents, Mary Savage and Patrick Grady.
He grew up with two siblings, Sheila O’Grady and Brendan O’Grady. O’Grady is of British-Irish descent and is Catholic.
He attended Wirral Met College, Conway Park Campus and Christian Brothers School, Glen Road.
Career
Paul O’Grady’s career is marked by a combination of hard work, talent and unique style that has captivated audiences for decades.
Starting with humble beginnings in the 1970s, O’Grady worked his way through a variety of jobs before finding success as a stand-up comedian.
His sharp wit and ability to connect with his audience catapulted him to fame and he quickly became famous for incorporating drag into his performances.
From there, O’Grady became a beloved television personality, hosting various shows and winning numerous awards for his work.
Today, he is considered one of the most talented and influential comedians in British entertainment history.
Paul O’Grady is a famous television personality and he is best known for his role as a host in various shows.
His breakthrough came with the ITV talk show “The Paul O’Grady Show,” which ran from 2004 to 2009.
He then hosted “For the Love of Dogs”, a popular ITV series that showcased his love of animals and his work at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. O’Grady has also hosted other television shows, such as “Paul O’Grady’s Christmas with the Animals” and “Paul O’Grady’s Little Heroes”.
In addition to his television work, O’Grady has a successful radio show on BBC Radio 2 and has written several books. He has also appeared in theater productions and pantomimes.
Paul O’Grady’s legacy and impact in the field of entertainment and animal welfare is immeasurable and lasting.
A beloved figure in British entertainment, his warm personality and sense of humor have captured the hearts of audiences for decades.
But beyond his role as an entertainer, O’Grady’s advocacy for animal welfare left a lasting impact on society.
He has used his platform to raise awareness and promote the welfare of animals, especially dogs, and has inspired others to do the same.
Despite his enduring fame, O’Grady remained humble and dedicated to using his influence for good, making him a notable and beloved figure in British culture.
Awards and nominations
- National Television Awards:
- Special Recognition Award (2018)
- Most popular reality entertainment program (2014, 2013)
- Most popular entertainment show host (2007, 2008)
- Most Popular Talk Show Host (2015)
- British Academy Television Awards:
- Best Entertainment Performance (2005)
- British Comedy Awards:
- Best Comedy Entertainment Character (2004)
- Best Daytime Show (2005, 2008)
- Royal Television Society Awards:
- Best Daytime Show (2005)
Social Media
- Instagram name:@paugrady
- Facebook manager: Paul O’Grady
Personal life
Paul O’Grady has a colorful personal life with many marriages and relationships.
His first marriage to Teresa Fernandes was a “marriage of convenience” to prevent her being deported. He then had a long-term relationship with television producer Brendan Murphy, who sadly passed away from cancer in 2005.
In 2017, he married André Portasio, a theater director. O’Grady also has a daughter, Sharon, from a previous relationship.
In addition to her personal life, O’Grady has many diverse interests and hobbies, including being a passionate advocate for animal welfare, gardening, and traveling to explore different cultures and different destinations.
Unfortunately, Paul O’Grady passed away after suffering from arrhythmia on March 28, 2023, at the age of 67.
Cinema
- The Big Breakfast (1995-1996)
- Lily’s Savage Show (1997)
- Empty Blanket (1997-2002)
- Downcast eyes (2003-2004)
- Paul O’Grady’s Show (2004-2014)
- Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs (2012-present)
- Paul O’Grady’s Great Elephant Adventure (2016)
- Paul O’Grady’s Little Heroes (2016)
- In the Name of the Father (1993)
- The Queen’s Corgi (2019) (voice)
Records
- “Lily Returns” (1997)
- “I’m a Celebrity” (2004)
Net worth
Paul O’Grady is an English comedian, broadcaster, drag queen, actor and writer. At the time of his death, his estimated net worth was £15.5 million.
O’Grady died on March 28, 2023, at the age of 67, after suffering from a heart arrhythmia. Before his death, he shared his assets with loved ones and was able to give to charity.
