Legends we lost in 2023: Paul O'Grady

If we look back at those who have left us in 2023, there are few losses who have rocked the British public quite like that of Paul O'Grady. The comedian, actor, and all-round entertainer died in March 2023, leaving behind grieving fans and royal friends.

Paul O'Grady died aged 67. The news shocked the entertainment industry. The comedian, actor, and all-round entertainer has been missed by many, including those who had special relationships with him.

O’Grady died "unexpectedly and peacefully" on Tuesday 28th March 2023. His husband Andre Portasio (image) broke the news in a statement: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away."

"He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals, and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit, and compassion," the statement continued.

It certainly appears true - that Paul O’Grady was a marvellous addition to humanity and brought an aura of energy and light with him. His love of animals was clear and often referred to his four-legged friends on the screen.

According to The Guardian, O’Grady and Portasio shared their Kent farmhouse with four dogs, goats, sheep, chickens, and barn owls. But at one point, there was also a cow that broke into his home.

One of our favourite animal stories O’Grady shared with the public was that of his cow, Dot, one day entering his kitchen and eating last night’s leftover fish. Paul O’Grady was disrupted from his peaceful toilet break as he heard the commotion in the kitchen.

The cow then proceeded to try and get in the fridge and O’Grady, with his trousers round his ankles lured the cow out of the house. "I'm going down the garden and thinking, I hope nobody walks in now as I'm [clothe-less] from the waist down with a cow,” he said to This Morning on ITV.

But his love for animals really brought him closer to people - one being the Queen Consort Camilla.

O’Grady previously spoke about his bond with Camilla - at the time, the Duchess of Cornwall. They clearly had a connection which was televised in a television special of ‘For the Love of Dogs’ for Battersea’s 160th anniversary.

The royal family's official Twitter account had even paid tribute to O'Grady, posting an image of Camilla with the star.

It read: "Deeply saddened to hear of the death of Paul O'Grady, who worked closely with Her Majesty in support of @Battersea-, providing lots of laughter and many waggy-tailed memories"

The Queen Consort is not the only one who will have fond memories of the star who was best known for hosting 'The Paul O’Grady Show,' 'Blind Date,' and 'Blankety Blank' as well as the ITV celebrity game show 'Paul O’Grady’s Saturday Night Line Up.'

The entertainer started out his career as part of a drag duo - where the persona and character Lily Savage was born. Among those who paid tribute was Magician Uri Geller who said the world "was blessed" by O’Grady and Lily Savage.

ITV also remembered him as a "huge, inimitable talent delighting our viewers through his comedy and entertainment with a warmth, humour and joy that audiences of all generations related to and connected with."

It seems nothing short of positive words were shared about the tragic passing of this beloved entertainer. Piers Morgan wrote: "RIP … A wonderfully warm, mischievous, hilarious guy with a sublime natural talent for broadcasting and making people laugh."

Some might suggest that his drag character is not the most flattering one to remember him by, but the entertainer doesn’t really mind how he would like to be remembered. In an interview with The Guardian in November 2021, he responded to the question by saying: "I don't care, because I won't be here."