Paul O'Grady, A British Comic And TV Personality, Died At 67

Paul O'Grady, an entertainer best known for his work as drag queen Lily Savage before transitioning into a beloved comedian and television presenter in Britain, has passed away. He was 67.

A performer who emerged from the alternative homosexual comedy scene and rose to become a national treasure was paid tribute to by Britain's queen consort, who partnered with O'Grady to support animal charities.

O'Grady passed away on Tuesday night "unexpectedly but peacefully," according to his partner, Andre Portasio.

In a statement, Portasio said, "He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals, and all who appreciated his humor, wit, and compassion.

O'Grady, who was born in Birkenhead, close to Liverpool, in 1955, was a local government care worker when he started performing as Savage, a fiery Liverpool drag queen.

Savage established himself as a mainstay as a stand-up comedian and talent show host at the venerable homosexual bar Royal Vauxhall Tavern in London. At the height of the AIDS epidemic, when the Conservative government of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was enacting anti-gay laws, O'Grady used his position to advocate for LGBT rights.

In the 1990s, Lily Savage transitioned to television and spent time hosting the talk programme "The Lily Savage Show."

Later, he presented talk shows and gameshows under the name Paul O'Grady, including "The Paul O'Grady Show," "Blind Date," and "Blankety Blank," in addition to a popular BBC radio programme.

He also gave a presentation titled "For the Love of Dogs," which highlighted the efforts of the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, an organisation dedicated to animal rehabilitation. The royal consort Camilla appeared as a guest on the programme last year.

"Deeply saddened to hear of the death of Paul O'Grady, who worked closely with Her Majesty in support of @Battersea_, providing lots of laughter and many waggy-tailed memories," the official royal family Twitter account wrote alongside a photo of O'Grady and Camilla.

O'Grady "wasn't just a brilliant comedian and broadcast personality but a much-admired campaigner for LGBT+ equality and animal rights," according to seasoned homosexual rights activist Peter Tatchell.

Tatchell remarked that Paul was among the most endearing individuals she had ever encountered. Everyone whose lives he touched, as well as those who loved his wit and respected his compassion, will mourn him dearly.

Portasio, whom he married in 2017, and O'Grady's daughter from a prior relationship are his only survivors.