Paul O’Grady, the British comedian and television personality, has never been one to mince words. In his recently released memoir, “Open the Cage, Murphy!” he takes aim at an unlikely target: pop icon Madonna. O’Grady, who once worked as a DJ at a nightclub frequented by the Material Girl, described her as “rude” and “grubby” in his book, reigniting a long-standing feud between the two celebrities. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of their quarrel and the reasons why O’Grady was so unflattering in his characterization of one of the biggest stars in pop music history.
Paul O’Grady, also known by his drag queen persona Lily Savage, was a beloved comedian and television presenter who passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on March 28, 2021. His death was announced by his husband Andre Portasio. Prior to his passing, Paul rubbed shoulders with many Hollywood stars and had many memorable experiences throughout his career.
In extracts from his memoir, published by The Mirror, Paul shared his encounter with pop star Madonna, with whom he had a negative experience. At a very trendy party just off Times Square, Paul sat next to author Armistead Maupin on a long, white leather sofa. Madonna showed up dressed in a grubby vest and combat trousers, with soles of her feet which were filthier than a potato-picker’s who’d forgotten to bring their wellies to work. Though she lowered aviator dark glasses over her eyes, Madonna threw her head back dramatically and let out a long sigh. Paul branded the pop star ‘rude’ and ‘grubby’.
A legend in the entertainment industry, Paul was made a BME for services to entertainment in 2008. He first started performing as Lily Savage in the 1970s and went on to launch The Lily Savage Show on the BBC in 1997. He also revived Blankety Blank until 2002 and presented a number of chat shows including ITV’s teatime programme The Paul O’Grady Show from 2004 to 2005, and Channel 4’s Paul O’Grady Live. He took over from Cilla Black on Channel 5’s Blind Date reboot in 2017 and played Miss Hannigan in the stage musical Annie.
Paul was also known for his love and dedication to animals. He was an ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and featured the charity on his show Paul O’Grady: For The Love of Dogs, which documented his time volunteering at the shelter. Upon his passing, the charity set up a tribute fund in his name, which has now raised over £100,000. In a statement, Battersea said they will “forever be indebted to him for his endless generosity and support”.
Paul’s passing was met with an outpouring of grief and condolences from friends, colleagues, and fans alike. His long-time radio producer Malcolm Prince tweeted that he had visited Paul earlier that day and that he was happy and looking forward to new projects. In response to the news of his passing, Prince said they had lost a unique talent and that he had lost a dear friend. Paul’s husband Andre Portasio released a statement expressing his sadness and thanking fans for all the love they had shown Paul over the years.
Despite the sadness of his passing, Paul’s legacy will live on through his work in the entertainment industry and his dedication to animal welfare. His contribution to the industry and his impact on those who knew him will not be forgotten. He will be remembered as a true talent and a warm-hearted individual who touched the lives of many.
In conclusion, Paul O’Grady’s memoir offers a candid insight into his life and encounters with some of the biggest names in showbiz. His comments about Madonna may have sparked controversy, but it’s not the first time someone in the industry has voiced their opinion about her. Whatever your thoughts on the Queen of Pop, one thing is for sure – Paul O’Grady’s memoir is an entertaining and humorous read that offers a glimpse behind the glitz and glamour of the celebrity world.
