Paul O’Grady: TV presenter and comedian dies aged 67

Comedian, presenter, actor and gay activist - Paul O'Grady has died aged 67.
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From his early days embodying the working class character Lily Savage, he went on - via light entertainment, sitcoms and quiz shows - to claim a place at the heart of mainstream broadcasting.
A series of early jobs in social work made a lasting impression and O'Grady went out of his way to stand up for the underdog - be they on two legs or four.
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[@iamjoestafford]

As a gay person from a very working class background who grew up in the 80s and 90s, Paul was a real hero of mine - a trailblazer who stood up for social justice and never forgot his roots. Him becoming a national treasure as Paul O'Grady after he retired Lily Savage was wonderful, as it showed the country had changed dramatically from the dark homophobic days of the 70s and 80s. He was so passionate, so kind and above all so funny. He will be sorely missed :(

[@SHINBET666]

Lovely comment. You’re absolutely gorgeous btw 😍

[@iamjoestafford]

@@SHINBET666 I''m not sure how you can tell that from my tiny profile photo, but thank you Prince Louis 🙂So are you!

[@davidvarley1812]

As a young gay teenager of the late 90s Paul oGrady showed me that being gay was nothing to fear or be ashamed of. First as Lilly Savage, then as himself he brought hope and joy to hundreds of thousands of young people in lgbtq community and his light may not shine anymore but his shadow will eliminate our community for decades to come. May the soul of Paul o'Grady find a joyous rebirth. I long for the time when we are united in the eternal Wehaguru and my soul can know yours like my own.

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

💉💥💔

[@ThomasKing19933]

Words can't describe how sad this is. Such a good person gone so suddenly and unexpectedly. RIP

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

RIP 💉💥💔

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

About 12 years ago I watched Him go to Mc Donald's with a white little dog and a big bold body gard.

[@amteo7107]

Im in shock. There wont be another like paul and you can see that his passing has had an impact on many

[@chillz535]

It’s truly shocking to hear that Paul O’Grady was gone too soon. I remember seeing a recording of his Channel 4 teatime talk show in 2008 with a social care worker of mine - I’m both disabled and autistic. And we’ll never forget about his drag queen persona - Lily Savage.

[@RosieHarp]

@@JamesSmith-qs4hx wow so original 😆😆

[@peterjg67]

In a recent episode of 'For the Love of Dogs' an old dog was coming towards the end of it's life. Paul said "You don't think about the hangover while you're still at the party." It prompted me to focus more on enjoying the final few months with my own aging dog instead of moping about the inevitable. Thanks Paul. You left the party too soon.

[@Isleofskye]

Lovely comment and he has joined Buster's and Cilla's one in Heaven, one hopes.

[@CSSummer24]

He certainly did leave the party to soon, he’ll be sadly missed 😔RIP Paul 🤍

[@ciaraberigan4105]

What a beautiful sentiment ❤

[@Isleofskye]

@@ciaraberigan4105 Yes and an enormous loss to us all.

[@Ytremz]

That was unexpected. RIP to this British TV icon. Gone too soon!

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

They are dropping like flies 💉💥💔

[@vinbarnes9260]

what does it have to do with Vaccines 🤡

[@shane-irish]

We all die

[@lg8587]

I came here just too look for these comments and 😂

[@likeaboss6421]

I can imagine" and as he was took up up up' and he walked through the golden gates of heaven there was hundreds of dogs with wagging tails all had passed away previously, and they were all running towards Paul to greet him and with a great big grin from ear to ear he said ...I'm home 🐾🐾 RiP Paul O'Grady what a lovely genuine man he was and like me he loved animals but had a special place in his heart for dogs ♥️✝️

[@TalibanAtrocities]

Buster at the forefront

[@jasongoldsworthy6149]

Sadly the truth will be nothing like you wrote. John 3:16

[@likeaboss6421]

@@jasongoldsworthy6149 my friend absolutely anybody's version of what heaven will be like could be true there is nobody that knows what it's going to be like we will only find that truth wen we experience it ourselves and that is fact friend you can tell me read whatever you like but fact is there's nobody knows that is living so any truth could be the real truth even the bible was wrote by man am I wrong in saying that, and nobody even knows the people who wrote the bible, by they were clearly living at the time they wrote it and only could write wot they felt god was telling them to write and as they didn't have any experience of being dead and going to heaven their version of what it's like is as vallied just as much as my version but thanks for the comment

[@likeaboss6421]

@@jasongoldsworthy6149 the people who wrote the bible, which stands for ( Basic instructions Before Leaving Earth) yes the people that wrote the bible left a clue in one scripture as it said ...do not put your trust in any man put your trust in god alone ....men wrote the bible ...so take from the bible the truths you feel from god are truths ...that's my feeling on the subject and ile stop it right there 👍🛑🚫

[@dambrooks7578]

As a child I absolutely loved Lilly and I cannot remember thinking that she was wrong and I learned to love acceptance of all, such a sad goodbye for me 😢❤❤❤ RIP❤❤❤😢

[@camrenwick]

The world would be a much better place if there were more gentlemen like Paul

[@MsGrandunion]

With the exception of Betty White 15 months ago, I honestly cannot remember the last time that a celebrity was praised for their kindness. And yet every single report this past two days has been people recalling his kindness and his defiant defence of those needing support. Rest in peace Sir.

[@createone100]

From Canada, this is just such sad news. A lovely, lovely, kind and good man! Thank you, Paul, for your humour, your voice, your compassion, and your wonderful work for animals. How you will be missed!!

[@janetgough6585]

Thank you Channel 4 for a lovely tribute to a lovely man. And thank you Michael Cashman for reminding us of the true, original definition of 'woke'

[@iamjoestafford]

That Michael Cashman interview was so nice...what a lovely tribute to a wonderful man.

[@jimihayes150]

Is this is woke I'll stay sleeping

[@mrabundance8064]

I agree. Most other media outlets give him like 30 secs. He deserves what channel 4 did here at the least. Just goes to show how right wing most media is.

[@robbiethepict2783]

I will always remember his brilliant speech at Cilla Black funeral. He turned tears into laughter.

[@magicmystic7305]

What a terrible loss of a very genuine person. Rest in peace.

[@Sport4Life]

Rip Paul. You were an original, a lion(ess) heart and a real gentleman. Miss you

[@desertrose1226]

Not a fan of a lot of modern British celebrities but this man was one of my favourites since I was a child. Absolutely loved him he was so good and kind. Why do good people die young ??

[@Mike20216]

National Treasure, Very sad to think this wonderful man won't be around anymore, But he will never be forgotten.

[@marioluigi9599]

Never heard of him Think he was some random gay guy

[@MissBlennerhassett876]

@@marioluigi9599 Sucks to be you.

[@Shelsight]

@@marioluigi9599 and you’re a cruel nobody behind a keyboard. How sad that a decent man dies - after a lifetime of helping others - and all you can do is make pathetic comments.

[@buster82-bt4vo]

@@marioluigi9599 Idiot.

[@declangaming24]

​​@@marioluigi9599 very homophobic just because he's gay very disrespectful who cares if someone likes the same gender take it out of the equation he was a nice guy who providing us entertainment on tele for over 30 years.

[@johnrobinson4404]

A voice for the poor and less fortunate . The public are devastated we have lost him. The politicians will be happy his voice for us has been silenced. R.I.P Savage.

[@Areflection4]

Oh No, gone way to soon! R.I.P Paul Grady.

[@trishlangford5773]

I am so incredibly sad to hear this appalling news. Paul O'Grady was not just an icon he was an incredible human being.. I am devestated by his untimely death. Apart from his hilarious alter ego Lily Savage he was a great humanitarian. His work with the Battersea dogs and cats home was amazing. We must have lost count of the adoptions he was responsible for. Oh my goodness he will be so missed. I loved his program For the Love of Dogs.. I loved everything about him. I'm heart 💔 broken. He was just a lovely human being. I can't believe he is gone just like that. He was a dear, dear person.❤❤❤❤❤

[@Victory987]

Rest in paradise, mate. I'll miss you chap. For the love of dogs I wish you were still here.

[@CSSummer24]

RIP Paul you’ll be sadly missed by so many 😢🤍

[@CatsandJP]

What a person and legend, so sad, one of the few who had the bottle to say it exactly how it is. RIP 💔👏💎🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@sarahfields288]

I'd love to have met him. RIP Paul you will be missed.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

I see Him drive his car into carpark and walk into Mc Donald's with a little white dog and a body guard about 12 yr ago. He didn't pay any attention to the public.

[@declangaming24]

​@@HOLLASOUNDS it's his life choices respect that I think he didn't want too much attention honestly there's two types of celebrity's ones that need attention or ones that like to keep there personal lives private.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

@@declangaming24 I think it's got more to do with him just wanting a Mc Donald's so went and got one. People could obviously see it was him but they left him be.

[@shane-irish]

Sure you did

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

@@shane-irish Yep 100% Silver car, white dog and walked in Mac Ds with a large bold guy.

[@mariefinley8435]

R.I.P legend 🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼

[@seank3828]

There are people who when they pass away that no-one can find a reason to insult them and Mr O'Grady is one of them. He was a great entertainer, a man who cared about pets, especially dogs, a kind caring person but who was not afraid to speak out, RIP and Thank you for Lily and everything you did for those that have no voice.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

His recent Pet focused TV shows where good.

[@titteryenot4524]

I liked O’Grady. Real, honest, funny, whether as Lily or himself. Whenever homophobic, anti-drag morons bang on about how ‘wrong’ homosexuality and drag culture is, I often think of this guy, who was one of the best arguments against said homophobic anti-drag morons. RIP.

[@problemofcommons775]

Nope, it's disgusting. i'll take all the labels you throw. Most people think it's disgusting, just too nice to tell your types

[@titteryenot4524]

@@problemofcommons775 What’s ‘disgusting’ about it?

[@twolessba1087]

@@problemofcommons775 when you eventually go, your own parents probably wont bother turning up to you funeral.

[@titteryenot4524]

@@twolessba1087 Don’t entertain her/him/it. As Mark Twain said: “Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.”

[@janebarker2844]

​@@twolessba1087Have some tact and be respectful ffs

[@pascaledowling6309]

He was an absolute treasure. I met him a few times at our local supermarket and he was very sweet taking time to talk to my little daughter about his work with the Battersea Dogs Home. RIP😢

[@elliestrucking]

I can’t describe the words about Paul, but he was a legendary comedian and TV presenter and he was the best celebrity ever. Before my Mum died at the age of 60, she told me that she loved Paul. I will miss you forever and ever. R.I.P Paul O’Grady 😢💔

[@onenation8707]

RIP a regular face on TV from my childhood, always bringing good energy and smiles. 🙏

[@danmahalo]

A gift to the world.

[@catwoman6579]

Words cannot describe the sadness of Paul's passing. He was such a wonderful person and he loved his animals I always used to watch his programmes with the animals I think he would of adopted all of them if he could. God bless you Paul. Xxx

[@galegrazutis964]

💔💔💔💔💔💔💔😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@SkyEcho7]

Such a BEAUTIFUL person ❤R.I.P. Paul O'Grady❤

[@lawinaabraham3073]

Loved his show about adopting dogs from shelters

[@samanthahardy9903]

Wow! I never knew he used to be a social worker.

[@jh2419]

He was one of a kind. Incredibly talented. Last year I went to his village in hopes of seeing him. A lovely village not far from me. Wouldn't have done that for anyone else. I thought he was lovely. Anyone who is that kind to animals is a good person. I will miss him so much. No one else like him.

[@Mumra2K]

What a send off by a dear close friend.

[@lindadejonge]

Paul O'Grady: a beautiful human. He has crossed the rainbow 🌈 bridge and all the furry friends are happy to see him. Olga and Buster are among those who waited. Rest in peace, Paul O'Grady.You will be sorely missed. Love and strength to Paul's husband, family and friends.❤️

[@allpsychicsarefraudsfact8357]

Paul was a great ambassador for animal welfare, his presence on television shall be missed, he was clearly a good person. R.I.P Sir!

[@carolineparks3494]

What a wonderful, authentic, big hearted human to have graced this world 🕊️💔🙏💔🕊️

[@sarahlund-nt3kw]

Paul, you've helped a lot of dogs find new homes. You had a very big heart. You were always so nice with the dogs at Battersea Dogs Home. R.I.P 💖

[@callewag]

What a lovely tribute and interviews

[@commoneuropeanstarling]

RIP Lily Savage/Paul O'Grady. Awesome man!!

[@PM-gp3oy]

RIP to a National Treasure.

[@wagner6866]

Heart broken! 😢Rip Paul, you pushed the envelope, you never put on airs and graces. Your love of animals and people and unbridled passion for all thing’s important. Love to all you knew and loved him well xx

[@matthewhalloran5438]

Rest in Peace Paul I Still can’t get over That we will never ever see you on TV again we Will really miss for The Love of Dogs 🐩 1955-2023

[@williamlong7188]

Sad news about Paul’s death genuine animal lover

[@polreamonn]

Very sad news. RIP Mr O'Grady.

[@pandorazbox9659]

Loved hım. Such a kind hearted man. Sad he is no longer in this world. But, he is there in the next being Just as kind.

[@pseudo880]

I'll miss his beautiful iconic accent

[@haroon420]

I would occasionally catch his Sunday radio4 show and he was good fun. There was an old school familiarity. The way he would speak as if he was in the 60s or 70s. Very nostalgic. And nobody like him on radio. Rest in peace!!

[@xtraspecialmango]

One of the Good Guys 👍

[@damiankelly602]

Rest in peace to a true irish man. Who got his wit from his irish parents..🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@jasonallen6081]

Could never of been himself in Ireland though.

[@copyrightcharacter1166]

@@jasonallen6081 so what? it doesnt change his parents or the dna

[@jasonallen6081]

@@copyrightcharacter1166 So what exactly is the difference between Irish and English culture ? As far as I can see the Irish are known for their humour their music and their writers and Drinkers . And they're not any better at any of it than the English are. Paul O'Grady was English born and bred. You can't honestly think that having Irish ancestry was the only reason he was sharp and funny.

[@CatsandJP]

@@jasonallen6081 so inappropriate to be doing this at a time like this…heard of RESPECT?

[@copyrightcharacter1166]

@@jasonallen6081 Who said it was? Lol. I'm just saying, being born in England or the UK doesn't change your DNA and ancestry. Indians arent suddenly British because they're born there.

[@frippp66]

used to see Lily at the Vauxhall in the early 80s - so funny & SO filthy - very cleaned up for TV 😂

[@melaniewignal439]

I'm devastated. R.I.P Paul OG.

[@galegrazutis964]

😢😢😢😢😢😢😢❤❤❤❤

[@sandrahall7815]

Absolutely devastated. Such a lovely, lovely gentleman. Will deeply miss his truth and genuine love for animals, people and his concern for those in need. Will be deeply and sadly missed. His approach to everyone irrespective of their station in life is a landmark for all to follow. Love him, love his humour and intelligence.

[@MostlyLoveOfMusic]

Life is so short, it's alway so sad, people keep dying, too young as well

[@Isleofskye]

Incredible sad news but all the other Channels also focused on his extraordinary devotion and love for dogs where he raised and donated millions.

[@gailplatt1]

So sad I can't believe it

[@beijingpete]

We are going to miss you so much Paul.

[@redfog42]

An excellent and fond farewell!

[@gihankanishka]

Bless his soul!

[@roberttalbot6397]

A strong Merseyside accent coming from the tough area ov inner city Birkenhead. Born st Catherine's hospital Tranmere 1955, I was born there 1968!! So he was " our Paul" really.🙏

[@davidvarley1812]

My sorrow goes out to the family, friends and fans of Mr Paul o'Grady. May he never leave our hearts, our minds and be on KZbin to remind us of his talent.

[@adrianjagger-ut1ht]

Fabulous guy he will be sadly missed

[@michellewinfield3899]

National treasure.and icon.so sad to hear the news Paul O'Grady had past away.such a funny lovely man.gone but never forgotten.are prayers go out to his husband and family.rest in peace Paul buster your beautiful dog is up there waiting for you to be reunited.we love you Paul O'Grady and will miss you too.🙏🙏🙏🙏🐕🐕🐕🐕💜💜💜💜🙏🙏

[@Morning404]

Loved watching his show as a kid after school - a beautiful heart, you will be missed RIP x

[@khatijaundre7803]

RIP paul may your soul rest in peace❤

[@jpmccree9953]

Paul I never met you but feel as if I knew you,you never forgot how you were,I'm living in Ireland ☘️🇮🇪☘️💕I just want to say this old Irish saying,May your soul shine like a basket of fish on a summers night, most of all thanks for being around now thanks for the memories so from Ireland ☘️🇮🇪🍀💚 RESPECT to you and your husband, Daughter and family, and friends my part of Ireland says goodbye for now ☘️💚☘️☘️💚☘️☘️☘️💚☘️🇮🇪🍀💚

[@anncarroll2204]

What a wonderful tribute to an iconic man.

[@MooMooFutch]

75p for a cider?? It really was pimty tare! God I’m gonna miss Paul. I’m gonna miss the humour. That tongue never softened. Anyone who loves animals and then puts their money where their mouth is will always be a terrible loss for animals far and wide. My thoughts go out to Paul’s friends and family, husband Andre, daughter Sharon and grand children Abel and Halo. Everyone should celebrate his life with a half a cider and swear like a dockyard sailor in memory of Lillian Veronica Mae Savage/Paul O’Grady.

[@bird7455]

Love you Paul, so sad you have gone, you did so much for the animals and Battersea dogs and cats home, you won't be forgotten, be happy and at peace now in the other world x

[@suemount6042]

Paul is going to be missed, because he was so much to so many. he stood up for what he believed in

[@shonagiffen4913]

Heartbreaking ! RIP Paul lovely human being x

[@terrybilcliff8366]

Fantastic comedian a true gentleman by all accounts and who can forget lilly savage a fantastic creation unfortunately in this day and age lilly would probably be cancelled there will never be another like him today's comedians are not fit to lace his shoes rip Paul

[@amandafiges5956]

Beautiful wonderful person, caring, loving, I am absolutely gutted by his death, a national treasure, my heart goes out to Andre is husband, daughter, & all is animals that he cared, loved so much, all is family, friends, every one at battersea dogs & cats home, that he was a ambassador for, to everyone that knew Paul, I grew up watching Paul, I am 61, my life feels so lonely know without Paul, xxxx😢😢

[@oxangel_aprilxo191]

R.I.P TO a huge legend we loved you paul and to be taken from us so soon its so sad just gutted to hear yesterday morning of your passing your at peace with your beloved buster now such a warm kind hearted guy and theres no one else that can ever take your place 😢😢❤ 🌹🌹

[@houmm08]

Hugely talented man, naturally funny and likeable like most from the North West. Lily Savage was a genius creation 😂 and everything he did after was great too 👍

[@jayplay8140]

A legend forever

[@lakeb4561]

R.I.P paul you are loved, you are missed may all dogs in the nation give you a 21 tail wagging salute

[@andrewjones-productions]

Having left the UK in 1991 for Japan and am still yet to return, when I saw the headlines that Paul O'Grady had passed away, it didn't immediately register with me. However, as soon as I heard 'Lilly Savage', I knew immediately. Even in the 1980s and 1990s, it was still very difficult for a 'drag queen' to make it mainstream. Even though we had Dame Edna Everage and although the consequence of a man dressing in an outlandish outfit as a woman is the same, Dame Edna wasn't a drag queen in the true sense of the word as Barry Humphries wasn't gay and created stage characters. Paul O' Grady must have worked very hard to take a real drag queen mainstream and by all accounts, continued to do so throughout his career. Naturally, Barry Humphries worked hard to overcome the set of challenges that life presented him with when he started out.

[@therange4033]

RIP our Paul. Maybe God wanted a friend in Heaven sooner rather than later.

[@caroljohnston4018]

Oh Paul I've watched your life from Lily Savage (sorry I mentioned her I know you got fed up with her lol) to Battersea Dogs home it's soo sad your gone BUT YOUR OVER THE RAINBOW WITH ALL YOUR DARLING PUPS X God bless you and thank you for everything from entertaining us and caring for yours friends My sincere condolences to your family friends and animals xxxxxxxxxx

[@michaelc318]

Rest in peace my friend u will be sadly missed xx

[@agonyauntagnes]

I used to see him preform at the white swan at Limehouse in the 90's, he was amazing. I was really pleased when he made it on to TV. He'll be sadly missed, especially by his pets that he loves so much. ❤

[@donnadixie5746]

Will be missed ❤such a kind hearted person rest in peace 🙏 🦋 🌈 ❤️ 🌹 ✨

[@adamcarroll3498]

What an absolute legend

[@christopherconroy4876]

R.I.P Paul 😢

[@deborahneale7048]

Such a lovely man

[@BB-wc9jx]

God bless you...our kid ❤

[@kaycamille1544]

Such a loved man by all. Most of us did not know him personally but we all knew he was a good un. . Talented sharp witted and very funny , but above all a genuine kind decent human being. A shining star !!

[@lenalarina59]

No way😢

[@Deedee-ee1sg]

I saw that Lily Savage show, with the Lamp post sketch. It was soo funny. Lily, gawd bless her, was a brilliant creation, by a very talented man. R.I.P PAUL O'GRADY Yet another one of my generation, gone too soon.

[@debbiewilson9079]

May u rest in peace you were one in a million you b sadly miss my whole family loved you God bless Paul xxx

[@oumski6893]

Thanks from hamou fahem Skikda Algeria

[@michealhand1001]

It,s true the good die young he was a kind hearted soul god bless you RIP

[@roseygorman719]

Rip thank you for all making us laugh and all you did for Battersea dog home you will be deeply missed 😂

[@stephnewman1357]

Such a genuine lovely man ❤😢

[@Sophie-cw7bf]

Oh no 😢😢😢

[@davidvarley1812]

As a gay teenager of the 1990s, Paul oGrady showed me and hundreds of thousands of others in the Lgbtq community that we had nothing to fear or be ashamed of.

[@sallyflavell6221]

A beautiful soul and so funny🐕‍🦺🐕🌈😘 blessing to all doggy critters🐕🐕‍🦺❤️

[@annettealex1]

heart broken god speed paul god speed