Beloved presenter and comedian Paul O’Grady was laid to rest after a private service attended by family and close friends. The news of his death had shocked fans and friends alike, and tributes poured in for the star, who had been a staple of British TV for many years. As the world mourns the passing of a beloved celebrity, we take a look back at the life and legacy of Paul O’Grady, and the impact he had on those who knew him.
The world of entertainment was saddened by the passing of Paul O’Grady, comedian and TV personality known for his drag queen alter ego, Lily Savage, on August 14th. O’Grady had been starring in a touring production of the musical Annie at the time of his death. Following a private funeral held at St Rumwold’s Church in the village of Bonnington in Kent, England on August 26th, O’Grady was laid to rest.
The funeral was conducted by Reverend Canon Roger Martin, and many family and friends turned out to pay their respects, including comedian Julian Clary, actress Dame Sheila Hancock, and Scott Mitchell, the widower of the late Dame Barbara Windsor. A bronze statue of O’Grady’s beloved late dog, Buster, was placed on top of a leopard-print throw during the service, which featured personal tributes to O’Grady.
A photograph of O’Grady, smiling, was placed at the front of the Grade I listed parish church, surrounded by arrangements of lilies in honour of his drag queen alter ego, Lily Savage. The Salvation Army Band played songs such as “Tomorrow” from the musical Annie, in which O’Grady had been starring in a touring production at the time of his death.
Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood and comedian Alan Carr were among the celebrity attendees. Ahead of the service, O’Grady’s husband, Andre Portasio, was emotional as he rode in the carriage drawn by two black horses and decorated with a wreath of their dog Buster, with one of their other dogs, Conchita, on his lap.
Following the service, mourners headed to a wake at Port Lympne Safari Park in Kent. O’Grady had been a patron of the Aspinall Foundation, which owns and manages the park, for over two decades. The charity is dedicated to the conservation of rare and endangered animals.
O’Grady himself had spoken of his love for animals and his support for conservation efforts. He had been a vocal opponent of animal testing and a patron of the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection. In an interview with The Guardian in 2019, he spoke of his concern for the future of the planet, saying, “If we don’t do something soon, we’ll be eating each other.”
O’Grady began his career in entertainment as a drag queen in bars and clubs in London in the 1980s, before gaining nationwide fame as Lily Savage on The Big Breakfast in the early 1990s. He went on to host his own chat show, The Paul O’Grady Show, and to present various other TV programmes, including For the Love of Dogs.
In addition to his work in entertainment, O’Grady was a dedicated philanthropist. He was a patron of numerous charities, including the Terrence Higgins Trust, a charity that supports people living with HIV, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
O’Grady was known for his wit, charisma, and larger-than-life personality, and he will be greatly missed by his fans and colleagues. His contribution to the world of entertainment, as well as his dedication to the causes he cared about, will be remembered for many years to come.
As we bid farewell to the beloved entertainer Paul O’Grady, we take comfort in knowing that he was laid to rest surrounded by the love and warmth of his closest friends and family. His legacy as a multi-talented performer and advocate for animal rights will continue to inspire and touch many lives. The world has lost a true icon, but his spirit and memory will live on forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Paul O’Grady.
