Remembering Paul O’Grady
Paul O'Grady was a legendary British television presenter, comedian, actor, and author, who had a long and illustrious career in the entertainment industry. Born on June 14, 1955, in Birkenhead, he was known for his irreverent humour, quick wit, and his unwavering dedication to animal welfare causes.
Revered by residents of Birkenhead, in 2015, he told a reporter that despite his wealth, he still felt "very much" working-class; "I know that probably sounds strange. Mentally, I still am. I'm still thinking, have I got the rent for Friday?"
O'Grady's early career was spent performing in the cabaret and club circuits, under the stage name Lily Savage. He was a popular drag act, known for his bawdy humor and outrageous costumes, and he quickly became a fixture in the London entertainment scene. He quickly became a fan favourite, and his appearances on the Big Breakfast made him a household name in the UK. He also presented his own game show, Blankety Blank, and hosted a number of award shows and charity events.
O'Grady's greatest success, however, came in 2004 when he was given his own daytime talk show, The Paul O'Grady Show, on ITV. The show quickly became a ratings hit, thanks in large part to O'Grady's natural charisma and easy rapport with guests. The show ran for ten years, and during that time, O'Grady interviewed countless celebrities, musicians, and politicians, and became known for his heartfelt interviews with ordinary people facing difficult circumstances.
In addition to his work on television, O'Grady was also a successful author, penning a number of best-selling autobiographies, including "At My Mother's Knee... And Other Low Joints" and "Open the Cage, Murphy!". He also wrote a series of children's books, inspired by his beloved dog, Buster. Perhaps O'Grady's greatest passion, however, was his work with animal welfare charities. He was a patron of the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, and he presented several television shows dedicated to raising awareness about animal welfare issues. He also wrote a book, "The Love of Dogs," about his experiences working at the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
O'Grady was known for his warmth, humour, and generosity of spirit. He was a tireless advocate for animal welfare causes and a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights. He was openly gay and spoke candidly about the challenges he faced growing up in a time when homosexuality was still illegal in the UK. Throughout his career, O'Grady received numerous accolades and awards, including a BAFTA for Entertainment Performance and an OBE for his services to entertainment. He was also awarded an honourary doctorate from Liverpool John Moores University in recognition of his achievements.
Paul O'Grady was an icon of British television, beloved by millions for his wit, charm, and genuine passion for animal welfare. His legacy will live on through his numerous television shows, books, and charitable endeavors, and he will always be remembered as a true original who brought joy and laughter to the lives of so many. His death is mourned by fans and colleagues alike, who paid tribute to his talent, humour, and compassion.