Paul James O’Grady, MBE DL, who passed away on March 28, 2023, was an accomplished English comedian, broadcaster, actor, and writer.
O’Grady rose to prominence in the London gay scene during the 1980s with his queen alter-ego, Lily Savage. He later became a household name in the 1990s after gaining broader popularity.
In the 2000s, O’Grady dropped his Savage persona and went on to host a variety of tv and radio programs, including The Paul O’Grady Show.
Born to a working-class Irish family in Cheshire, O’Grady moved to London in the 1970s, working as a peripatetic care for Council. In 1978, he developed his drag act, creating the character of Lily Savage.
O’Grady began touring England as part of a drag mime duo, the Playgirls, before going solo as a stand-up in the early 1980s.
For eight years, O’Grady performed as Lily Savage at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern (RVT), a South London gay pub, where he gained a considerable following among London’s gay community. Using his role to speak out for gay rights, O’Grady became a prominent figure in the community.
Following a 1992 Perrier Award nomination, he gained mainstream attention, leading to numerous television, radio, and theatrical appearances.
O’Grady presented several television shows such as Savage, including The Big Breakfast (1995–1996), Blankety Blank (1997–2002), and Lily Live! (2000–2001), and received various accolades for his performances, further cementing his position in the public eye.
Jump Link
Quick Stats
| Name | Paul James O’Grady, |
| Profession | English comedian, broadcaster, drag queen, actor, and writer |
| Birth Date | June 14, 1955, |
| Birth Place | Birkenhead |
| Age | 67 |
| Parents | Mary Savage and Patrick Grady |
| Death Date | March 28, 2023 |
| Siblings | Brendan O’Grady and Sheila O’Grady |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (185.4 cm). |
Paul O’Grady Bio
Paul James O’Grady MBE DL, a beloved comedian, broadcaster, actor, and writer, age was 67 years at the time of his death and was born on June 14, 1955, in Birkenhead, a town located in the northwest of England, United Kingdom. He was raised in a working-class Irish migrant family and had a humble upbringing.
Paul O’Grady Parents
Paul O’Grady, a celebrated comedian, broadcaster, actor, and writer, was born on June 14, 1955. His parents’ names were Mary Savage and Patrick Grady, and they lived in the town of Birkenhead, located in the county of Merseyside, which is situated in the northwest region of England.
Paul O’Grady Siblings
Paul O’Grady was raised in a family of five, including himself and his two siblings, Brendan O’Grady and Sheila O’Grady. Growing up, the siblings shared many experiences and formed a close bond.
Despite facing various challenges, such as their father’s illness and financial difficulties, the family remained united and supportive of each other.
Paul’s relationship with his siblings was especially important to him, and he often spoke fondly of their childhood memories and the love and encouragement they received from their parents.
Paul O’Grady Children
Paul O’Grady was a father of a daughter named Sharon O’Grady. She was born on May 16, 1974, to Paul and his former partner Diane Jansen.
Sharon has been happily married to Philip Moseley since 2005, and the couple is blessed with a child named Abel Moseley.
Paul was delighted to become a grandfather and spend time with his beloved granddaughter.
Paul O’Grady Wife
Throughout his life, O’Grady had been married twice. Firstly, he married Teresa Fernandes for almost 28 years, from 1977 to 2005.
Following his divorce, O’Grady found love again and tied the knot with Andre Portasio in 2017, remaining together until his death in 2023.
Paul O’Grady Height
According to Celebheights, Paul O’Grady was approximately 6 feet 1 inch (185.4 cm) in height and 75 kg in weight. Unfortunately, other details regarding his body measurements are not known yet.
Paul O’Grady Death
The unexpected passing of Paul O’Grady was announced in a statement released by his partner Andre Portasio.
The statement requested that people respect their privacy while celebrating O’Grady’s life during this difficult time.
Mr. Portasio shared that O’Grady will be greatly missed by loved ones, friends, and all those who enjoyed his humor, wit, and compassion. He also sounded grateful for the love people have shown O’Grady.
Paul O’Grady Career
Aside from his work on television, O’Grady also had a successful career as an actor and writer. He wrote several best-selling books, including his autobiography “At My Mother’s Knee… and Other Low Joints,” and appeared in numerous films and television shows.
Throughout his career, O’Grady was known for his wit, humor, and outspokenness, and he used his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and other important causes.
He was awarded the MBE in 2008 for his services to entertainment and the DL (Deputy Lieutenant) in 2015 for his services to the community in Kent.
O’Grady passed away on March 28, 2023, leaving a legacy as one of the UK’s most beloved entertainers.
Paul O’Grady Net Worth 2023
According to several sources, Paul O’Grady’s net worth was estimated to be around $8 million. He accumulated this wealth through his performance throughout his career.
