The late Paul O'Grady gave a frank response when he was previously asked how he'd like to be remembered after his passing. He was speaking to the The Guardian in November 2021 when he gave the typical humorous response.
"I don't care, because I won't be here," he said. The Mirror reports how Paul opened up on his "bad heart attack" 20 years ago in the interview. He also revealed his biggest fear would have been finding a rat swimming in his toilet.
The comedian-turned-presenter died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on Tuesday evening, his partner Andre Portasio said in a statement. Paul will be most remembered for his role as drag queen Lily Savage, which he began in the 1970s while he was working as a peripatetic care officer for Camden Council.
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He went on to tour northern England as part of drag duo the Playgirls. His love of dogs will also love on in the memory of those who knew him. He was often the face of charities including Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, an organisation for which he was an ambassador.
His devotion to his animals was evident as he presented programmes such as Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs, while he also had members of his canine family on the desk with him on his previous tea time show, The Paul O'Grady Show.
Announcing Paul's death overnight, partner Andre said: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.
"We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion. I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years."
Paul had heart attacks in 2002, 2006 and 2014. The star also had kidney failure and a coronavirus scare in recent years. Following the news of Paul's death, famous faces joined the masses of fans taking to social media to pay their respects.
Among them was TV presenter Lorraine Kelly who wrote on Twitter: "Such sad news. Paul O’Grady - funny, fearless, brave, kind and wise. Will be sorely missed. A really special man."
Carol Vorderman also tweeted: "Paul O'Grady. Already giving them raucous, ripping up the rulebook, mischief making, calling it out, loving hell in heaven. Paul, what are we meant to do without you?"
And human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell added: "Paul wasn’t just a brilliant comedian and broadcast personality but a much admired campaigner for LGBT+ equality and animal rights."
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