Paul O'Grady, who has died at the age of 67, became a star for his comedy and presenting - not to mention his love of dogs. But one pre-fame story shows his role in fighting for LGBT rights. O'Grady was preparing to go on stage as his drag alter ego Lily Savage at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern in south London one Saturday night in January 1987, when a police officer burst into his dressing room. The raid sparked a backlash from the LGBT community and landlords of other gay pubs, while the Campaign for Homosexual Equality wrote to the home secretary to say they were worried "that some officers of the Metropolitan Police are embarking on a deliberate policy of harassment of gay pubs".
British comedian and TV host Paul O’Grady, who rose to fame as drag queen Lily Savage before becoming a national treasure, has died at the age of 67. O’Grady was a prominent figure in the alternative gay comedy scene and used his platform to speak out about LGBT rights during the AIDS crisis. He later hosted several talk shows and gameshows, including “The Paul O’Grady Show” and “Blind Date,” and was an animal lover who presented “For the Love of Dogs.” O’Grady is survived by his partner and a daughter.
Paul O'Grady, the comedian and TV presenter known for his drag alter ego Lily Savage and his love of animals, has died at the age of 66. O'Grady began his career as a social worker before becoming a successful comedian and TV personality, hosting shows such as Blankety Blank and The Paul O'Grady Show. He was also a passionate advocate for animal rights and an ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. O'Grady's death has been met with an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues alike.
Paul O’Grady, the beloved British TV host and comedian, has died unexpectedly at the age of 67. O’Grady, also known for his drag queen alter ego Lily Savage, won numerous accolades during his career, including a TV BAFTA, and was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to entertainment. He was a huge animal-lover and hosted ITV’s “For The Love Of Dogs.” Tributes to O’Grady poured in from the world of entertainment.
British comedian and TV host Paul O'Grady, who rose to fame as drag queen Lily Savage before becoming a beloved national treasure, has died at the age of 67. O'Grady was a vocal advocate for LGBT rights and animal charities throughout his career, and hosted several popular talk shows and game shows on British television. He is survived by his husband and a daughter from a previous relationship.
TV presenter and comedian Paul O'Grady, known for his iconic scouse drag queen persona Lily Savage and hosting various light entertainment programmes, has died at the age of 67 "unexpectedly but peacefully" according to his partner Andre Portasio.
TV presenter and comedian Paul O'Grady, known for his iconic drag queen persona Lily Savage, has died at the age of 67. His partner Andre Portasio confirmed the news, saying he passed away "unexpectedly but peacefully". O'Grady rose to fame in the 1990s and went on to host a number of chat shows, as well as being an ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. He won a TV Bafta, British Comedy Award and a National Television Award for The Paul O'Grady Show, and was made an MBE in 2008 for services to entertainment.
British presenter and comedian Paul O’Grady, known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, has died unexpectedly at the age of 67. O’Grady was a mainstay on British television, hosting shows such as “The Paul O’Grady Show” and “Blind Date” reboot. He was also a well-known animal lover and presented ITV’s “For the Love of Dogs.” O’Grady was performing in the touring musical “Annie” at the time of his death.