Paul O’Grady is a renowned English television personality, comedian, actor, and writer, known for his quick wit, sharp humor, and larger-than-life personality. Paul’s former marriage was with Teresa Fernandes, a Portuguese model whom he met in 1976 while working at the Showplace, a homosexual bar. They got married in May 1977.
Born on June 14, 1955, in Tranmere, Cheshire, England, he began his career as a drag queen, performing under the name Lily Savage in local pubs and clubs in London. His talent soon caught the attention of television producers, and he became a regular fixture on popular TV shows such as “Blankety Blank,” “The Bill,” and “The Big Breakfast.”
Paul O’Grady, a comedian, and presenter passed away at the age of 67
In a statement released by his partner, Andre Portasio, it was revealed that Paul O’Grady, famous for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on Tuesday evening. O’Grady was known for hosting various light entertainment shows, including the game show Blankety Blank, as well as several discussion shows where he expressed his love for dogs. He recently finished a tour where he played Miss Hannigan in the musical Annie and was scheduled to appear on Boom Radio on Easter Sunday.
O’Grady’s partner, Andre Portasio, released a statement confirming his death, stating that it was “unexpected but peaceful” on Tuesday evening. The statement also requested privacy for the family and loved ones during this difficult time while asking people to celebrate O’Grady’s life. The statement expressed gratitude for the love that people have shown him over the years.
“We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss,” Portasio said in a statement.
“He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
“I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”
Source:thegurdain
Tributes poured in early on Wednesday, with TV presenter Lorraine Kelly remembering him as “funny, fearless, brave, kind, and wise.” LGBTQ+ rights campaigner Peter Tatchell called O’Grady “one of the loveliest people you could ever meet” and remembered him for his wit and compassion. O’Grady will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, and all those who enjoyed his humor and wit.
Paul O’Grady was known for drag act Lily Savage and The Paul O’Grady Show
O’Grady was born in Tranmere, Cheshire, England, in 1955, and it is believed that his mother, whose maiden name was Savage, served as the inspiration for his well-known drag act. He began appearing as Lily Savage in the 1970s and later gained notoriety for her solo performances where she spoke out about LGBT issues. He then went on to host The Lily Savage Show and later revived the game show Blankety Blank.
O’Grady hosted The Paul O’Grady Show on ITV from 2004 to 2005 and then transferred to Channel 4 with the show. He received numerous awards during his career, including a TV Bafta, a British Comedy Award, and a National Television Award for The Paul O’Grady Show. In 2008, he was awarded an MBE for his contributions to entertainment as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
O’Grady was chosen in November to serve as one of Kent’s deputy lieutenants and resided in Aldington, a town close to Ashford. The position is responsible for representing the Monarch at local events.
O’Grady’s passing is mourned by his loved ones, friends, family, animals, and all those who enjoyed his humor, wit, and compassion. In a statement, Portasio thanked everyone for the love shown to O’Grady over the years and expressed how greatly he would be missed.
Paul O’Grady’s Former Marriage, Secret Husband, and Children
Paul O’Grady, a beloved British TV personality, has captured the hearts of many through his famous show “Love of Dogs.” At the age of 66, Paul is happily married to Andre Portasio, a ballet dancer whom he considers his soulmate. However, before finding love with Andre, Paul was involved in a “marriage of convenience.”
Paul O’Grady Marriage with Teresa Fernandes
Paul’s former marriage was with Teresa Fernandes, a Portuguese model whom he met in 1976 while working at the Showplace, a homosexual bar. They got married in May 1977 to prevent Teresa from being deported. However, Paul and Teresa soon lost touch, and they only got divorced in 2005, after being married for 28 years.
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Despite being married for almost three decades, Paul and Teresa did not have a romantic relationship, and their marriage was purely a formality. It was a “marriage of convenience,” which served the purpose of keeping Teresa in the UK.
Paul O’Grady’s daughter with his Friend Diane Jansen
Despite never having children with his “wife,” Teresa, Paul had a daughter and two grandchildren with another woman, whom he welcomed with open arms. Paul and his close friend Diane Jansen had their daughter Sharon in 1974.
Paul shares a strong bond with his only child, Sharon, who is now a TV personality herself. He even had the honor of giving her away at her wedding to Philip Moseley, a boyhood acquaintance. Reflecting on the special day and their unique relationship, Paul described it as “amazing.” He praised Sharon’s beauty and Philip’s character, saying they were a perfect match. He also noted their strong connection, comparing them to a lid and a pan that fit perfectly together.
Paul Got married to 25 years younger Andres Portasiso
In 2017, Paul tied the knot with Andre Portasio, who is 25 years younger than him. Andre is often referred to as Paul’s “toyboy,” but the couple’s love for each other has stood the test of time. They have been married for over five years and now until the time of his death.
Paul and Andre do not have any children together. However, Paul has been a foster parent to several children in the past and has spoken openly about his love for them. He also has a soft spot for animals, which is evident through his show “Love of Dogs.”
Paul First meets with his husband Andre Portasio
Paul and Andre Portasio first met at Showplace, a gay bar in London, where they struck up a friendship that eventually led to their marriage in 2017. Andre, a former dancer with the English National Ballet, performed in various productions, including Swan Lake and The Nutcracker.
After their beautiful wedding ceremony at the Goring Hotel in London, guests gathered on a private lawn for a champagne and canapé reception, which was attended by celebrities like Ian McKellen and Julian Clary.
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Although the couple usually lives apart, they moved in together during the Covid-19 lockdowns to be closer to each other. However, they still maintain separate bedrooms and bathrooms as Paul doesn’t like to share a bed.
Despite their significant age difference of 25 years, with Andre in his early 40s and Paul turning 67 in June, their love for each other remains strong and age has never been a problem for them.
