Entertainer Paul O’Grady, who achieved fame as drag queen Lily Savage before becoming much-loved comedian and host on British television has died. He was 67. Britain’s queen consort, who worked with O’Grady to support animal charities, led tributes to performer who emerged from alternative gay comedy scene and became national treasure. O’Grady’s partner Andre Portasio said he died “Unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening. “He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humor, wit and compassion,” Portasio said in statement. Born in Birkenhead near Liverpool in 1955, O’Grady was working as local-authority care worker when he began performing as Savage, tart-tongued Liverpudlian drag queen.

Savage became fixture as standup and talent-show host at London’s Royal Vauxhall Tavern, landmark gay venue. O’Grady used his platform to speak out about LGBT rights at height of AIDS crisis, time when Conservative government of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was passing anti-gay laws. Official royal family Twitter account posted picture of O’Grady and Camilla with message: “Deeply saddened to hear of death of Paul O’Grady, who worked closely with Her Majesty in support of @Battersea, providing lots of laughter and many waggy-tailed memories.” Veteran gay-rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said O’Grady “wasn’t just brilliant comedian and broadcast personality but much admired campaigner for LGBT+ equality and animal rights.”–Agencies

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 30 2023

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