Who Is Paul O'Grady? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Paul O'Grady was born on June 14, 1955, in Tranmere, Wirral, United Kingdom. He rose to fame in the early 2000s through his acclaimed television show "The Paul O'Grady Show," where he charmed audiences with his wit and warmth. O'Grady's career spanned decades, and besides being a celebrated television presenter, he was also a talented comedian and actor, known for his iconic drag persona, Lily Savage.
O'Grady's contributions to the entertainment industry earned him numerous awards and solidified his status as a beloved figure in British culture. Sadly, Paul O'Grady passed away on March 28, 2023, but his legacy continues to influence new generations.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 14, 1955 |
| Age | 67 Years |
| Birth Place | Tranmere, Cheshire, England |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 28 March, 2023 |
| Died Place | Aldington, Kent, England |
Popularity
Paul O'Grady's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Paul O'Grady stood approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall and was known for his slender build. While specific weight measurements were not consistently disclosed, O'Grady was recognized for his charismatic presence rather than conventional body statistics. His larger-than-life personality often overshadowed the numbers, making him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
The show first aired in October 2004 from 5 pm to 6 pm and saw O'Grady interviewing celebrity guests; it represented "a glorious mix of seemingly unscripted banter, chat and slapstick humour". In producing the show, O'Grady worked with many old friends, including warm-up man Andy Collins.
The series was a hit, attaining between 2.5 and 2.7 million viewers daily. According to O'Grady biographer Neil Simpson, the series was "a riotous, endearingly kitsch romp with no pretensions to be anything other than pure entertainment.
In some ways it was pure vaudeville[...] There were novelty acts, talking dogs, whistling goldfish, extraordinary stories. His audience laughed like drains at his anecdotes and were brought right into the heart of the show." The inclusion of his dog, Buster, on the show proved particularly popular with audiences.
The show gained a devoted following, with many fans attending the screenings; often, as many as a hundred had to be turned away.
Describing those attending the screenings, Simpson noted that "Groups of middle aged women dominate—but they are joined by beautiful twenty-something women with flawless make-up, flash City boys with Louis Vuitton briefcases, hip-looking students out for a good time and pensioners just wanting a laugh in the afternoon."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Paul O'Grady was known to keep his personal life relatively private. He had a long-term relationship with his partner, Andre Portasio, whom he met in the early 2000s. The couple often shared their affectionate bond publicly, with Andre being a significant support in O'Grady's life and career. Their partnership was characterized by love and mutual respect, showcasing a beautiful connection that resonated with fans.
O'Grady was previously married to Teresa Fernandes in 1977, but the couple separated after a few years. His first marriage did not last, but he retained a close relationship with his adopted daughter, Sharyn, who has been an important part of his family life.
Catherine's Hospital in the Tranmere area of Birkenhead, Cheshire (now Merseyside). His father, Patrick "Paddy" Grady (1912–1973), was Irish and had grown up in Ballincurry, County Roscommon, before moving to England in 1936 and settling in the working-class area of Birkenhead.
His name was changed from "Grady" to "O'Grady" in a paperwork mistake when he joined the Royal Air Force, and he kept the new name. Paul was their third child; his birth came over a decade after those of brother Brendan (born 1941) and sister Sheila (born 1944).
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Paul O'Grady’s net worth was estimated to be around £8 million. His wealth stemmed from a successful career in television, comedy, acting, and various business ventures. He was well-compensated for his work on shows, public appearances, and other engagements throughout his career. O'Grady's legacy continues through the various projects he was involved in, ensuring that his impact on the entertainment industry remains lasting.
Briefly working as an assistant clerk at Liverpool Magistrates' Court, O'Grady subsequently worked as a barman at Yates's Wine Lodge, supplementing the income with the occasional night at the Bear's Paw.
Realising this wage was insufficient to support both himself and his daughter, he travelled to London, lodging in Westbourne Green, but found only poorly paid work as a barman. In London, he began associating with drag queens, particularly a couple who used the stage name of the Harlequeens.
Although making friends in the city, O'Grady was homesick and returned to Birkenhead. Employed as an accountant in a FMC Meats Merseyside abattoir, he then worked for three years at the Children's Convalescent Home and School in West Kirby, a home for disabled and abused children.
Career, Business, and Investments
Paul O'Grady's career began in the late 1970s when he adopted his drag persona, Lily Savage. He quickly gained popularity in the cabaret scene before transitioning to television. His breakthrough came in the early 2000s when he launched "The Paul O'Grady Show," which ran for several successful seasons, showcasing his humorous interviewing style and his love for animals.
Beyond traditional media, O'Grady was involved in various business ventures, including producing programs that highlighted animal welfare, such as "Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs." His influence extended to charitable endeavors, particularly in animal rescue and welfare, demonstrating his passion for giving back to the community.
Wishing to diversify from Savage, O'Grady starred in the BBC One sitcom Eyes Down (2003–2004) and presented two travel documentaries for ITV. In 2004, he began presenting ITV's daytime chat show The Paul O'Grady Show.
After the network refused to transfer creative control of the series to O'Grady's production company Olga TV, he moved to Channel 4 in 2006, where the show was rebranded as The New Paul O'Grady Show, airing until 2009.
O'Grady presented the late night ITV show Paul O'Grady Live (2010–2011) and BBC Radio 2's Paul O'Grady on the Wireless (2009–2022). Additional television shows included Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs (2012–2023), Paul O'Grady's Animal Orphans (2014–2016), Blind Date (2017–2019), and Paul O'Grady's Great British Escape (2020).
He also published several books, including a four-volume memoir.
Social Network
O'Grady was active on social media platforms, including Twitter and Instagram, where he shared insights into his life and career with fans. His social media presence was marked by humor, relatable anecdotes, and calls for awareness on animal rights issues. Following his passing, his accounts have remained a touching tribute to his legacy, where fans continue to celebrate his iconic contributions to entertainment and the care of animals.
In 1998, the BBC produced a six-week Sunday series titled The Lily Savage Show, during which he interviewed guests like Elton John, Alan Yentob, and Anthea Turner. O'Grady found the scripted, non-spontaneous nature of the series difficult, and it was not well received.
As Lily, O'Grady was invited on to other television chat shows, such as Richard and Judy; he appeared in a Christmas special of cookery show Ready, Steady, Cook. He went on an eight-week tour as Lily, before starring as Miss Hannigan in a West End revival of the musical Annie.
He subsequently accompanied the show's tour of the UK, before appearing in pantomime in Birmingham.
Education
Paul O'Grady attended the local Catholic school and later went to secondary school in nearby Liverpool, where he developed a love for performing arts. Though he did not pursue a formal college education, his life experiences and early exposure to various artistic avenues honed his skills and shaped his career in the entertainment industry.
Born to a working-class Irish migrant family in Tranmere, Cheshire, O'Grady moved to London in the late 1970s, initially working as a peripatetic care officer for Camden Council. He developed his drag act in 1978, basing the character of Lily Savage upon traits found among female relatives.
Touring England as part of drag mime duo the Playgirls, O'Grady then went solo as a stand-up comedian in the early 1980s. Performing as Savage for eight years at a South London gay pub, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern (RVT), he gained a popular following among London's gay community and used his character to speak out for gay rights.
After being nominated for a 1992 Perrier Comedy Award, O'Grady attracted mainstream attention and made various television, radio, and theatrical appearances. As Savage, he presented the television shows The Big Breakfast (1995–1996), Blankety Blank (1997–2002), and Lily Live!
(2000–2001), earning various awards and becoming a well known public figure.
