Izzard: Paul O’Grady’s impact on humanity and culture resonates worldwide

Paul O’Grady made life “simpler” for LGBT community and its impact on “culture, existence and humanity” resonates in the UK and the world, a fellow comedian Eddie Izzard said.

The TV host, who rose to nightclub fame as the saucy Lily Savage in a platinum wig, died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday night at the age of 67, his partner Andre Portacio said in a statement.

He was “laughing, smiling and full of life” shortly before his death, said close friend and radio producer Malcolm Prince. The Queen Consort and Ken Bruce joined those who pay their respects.

ITV changed its schedule on Wednesday night to rerun a special one-off episode of For The Love Of Dogs, where it was joined by Camila.

Izzard told the Pennsylvania news agency, “If you track how LGBTQ people have been seen over the decades … it’s gradually gotten easier and easier and easier, and he’s definitely played a good role in saying, ‘I’m a drag queen.’

The stand-up comedian, who came out as gender fluid, told PA: “The fact that he was openly gay was cool and everybody, everybody started to calm down because obviously other people who are LGBTQ have been coming out for years, but he was a big part of it.

“He was just very human. . . . It’s great that he added so much to the culture, existence and humanity of the United Kingdom and it resonates around the world.”

Bruce, who left BBC Radio 2 in March for a new morning show on Bauer’s Greatest Hits Radio, told PA: “It always amazed me how easily Paul got into the style of broadcasting because, you know, he was a comedian and an actor and they weren’t always work together.

“But Pavel came, and there was such an impression that he spent his whole life in the radio studio.

“He was a wonderful communicator; that was the secret for Paul, he could express his point of view and his personality in just a few words.’

He added that O’Grady had an “innate kindness and lack of nastiness” who was “a much softer, gentler and kinder person” than his alter ego Savage.

Prince, who worked with O’Grady at both Radio 2 and Boom Radio – an independent station aimed at baby boomers – said he was devastated by the loss, adding on Twitter: “I popped in to see Paul yesterday afternoon for the old good catch – up.

“Surrounded by his beloved dogs, he was laughing, smiling and full of life.”

He said O’Grady, who toured as Miss Hannigan in the musical Annie, was “very proud” of the role, adding: “He was looking forward to so many new projects. And now he is gone.

“I can’t believe it. We have lost a unique talent – ​​and I have lost a dear friend. We are all lucky to have Paul in our lives. My heart goes out to Andre, Paul’s family and friends. Oh, how I will miss him.

Last August, O’Grady left his Radio 2 Sunday afternoon slot after nearly 14 years following a schedule change that saw him regularly swapping with comic Rob Beckett.

He and Prince, known to fans as #TeamPOG, appeared on Boom Radio for a Christmas special and were due to return to the station for a one-off show on Easter Sunday.

The Royal Family’s official Twitter account also paid tribute by posting an image of O’Grady with Camilla after they worked closely together in support of Battersea Cats and Dogs Home.

The message read: “Deeply saddened by the death of Paul O’Grady who worked closely with Her Majesty in support of @Battersea_ which brought many laughs and many fond memories.”

Camilla will share her sympathies with the O’Grady family in private, Buckingham Palace added.

O’Grady and Mr Portasio married in a low-key wedding ceremony in 2017, and a statement from Mr Portasio said: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul passed away unexpectedly but peacefully last night.

“We ask that at this difficult time, as 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 who enjoyed his humor, wit and compassion.

“I know he would want me to thank you for all the love you’ve shown him over the years.”

During his career he has hosted The Paul O’Grady Show, Blind Date and Blankets Blank and won many ITV awards for The Love Of Dogs.

Following the news, ITV confirmed that the upcoming 11th series of For the Love of Dogs will still air on April 13 as planned.

Last year the Queen Consort took part in a program to mark the 160th anniversary of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, an organization for which O’Grady was an ambassador.

In a statement released to the PA, the charity paid tribute to O’Grady as a “dedicated animal lover” and “champion for the underdog.”

The organisation’s chief executive Peter Laurie said: “Battersea will always remember Paul as a dedicated animal lover with a big heart who fell head over heels in love with every dog ​​he met at our centres.

“Paul will always be associated with Battersea and we are deeply saddened by the loss of such a true friend and a large part of our charity.”

Annie the Musical’s official Twitter account said its cast and crew were “stunned and saddened” by the news.

The production, which saw O’Grady share his role with a rotating cast including Craig Revell Horwood, is currently on a week’s break, but bosses said further news would be released in due course.

Born in Birkenhead, on the River Wirral, Merseyside, O’Grady’s mother’s maiden name was Savage, which is believed to have inspired his famous drag alter ego.

He began his career playing Lily Savage in the 1970s while working as a medical aid officer for Camden Council in London.

O’Grady’s career as Savage began appearing on television and radio, and eventually he was asked to replace Paula Yates as host of The Big Breakfast as Savage from 1995 to 1996, leading to his own shows on ITV and Channel. 4.

In 2008, he was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honors for services to entertainment.

He attended the ceremony with his daughter Sharyn Mousley, a child from a brief relationship he had when he was 17.