Paul James O'Grady, MBE DL (14 June 1955 - 28 March 2023) was a multifaceted English entertainer renowned for his comedic flair, television hosting, acting, writing, and radio work. He garnered widespread acclaim through his iconic drag persona, "Lily Savage," before transitioning to a successful career as himself, notably hosting The Paul O'Grady Show. Hailing from a working-class Irish family in Birkenhead, O'Grady's early education took place at Blessed Edward Campion Secondary Modern School in Cheshire.
In the late 1970s, he relocated to London, where he worked as a care officer and began crafting his drag act, drawing inspiration from the strong women in his family. O'Grady initially performed as part of the drag duo, the Playgirls, before establishing himself as a solo stand-up comedian. His eight-year tenure at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern earned him a loyal following, and he used his platform to advocate for LGBT rights.
His breakthrough came in 1992 with a Perrier Award nomination, leading to appearances on various television and radio programs, including The Big Breakfast and Blankety Blank. In 2004, O'Grady launched The Paul O'Grady Show on ITV, which he later continued on Channel 4 as The New Paul O'Grady Show until 2009. He also hosted Paul O'Grady Live and was passionate about animal welfare, evident in shows like Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs. O'Grady published four volumes of autobiography and received numerous accolades, including an MBE in 2008. He passed away on 28 March 2023 at the age of 67, leaving behind a rich legacy in entertainment.
