Paul O'Grady

Paul O'Grady (14 June 1955 – 28 March 2023) was an English comedian, broadcaster, drag queen, actor, and writer. He rose to prominence in the London gay scene during the 1980s with his drag persona Lily Savage. O'Grady gained wider popularity in the 1990s and eventually dropped the character, becoming the presenter of various television and radio shows, including The Paul O'Grady Show. Born to a working-class Irish migrant family in Tranmere, Cheshire, O'Grady started his career as a peripatetic care officer for Camden Council before developing his drag act. He toured as part of a drag mime duo before going solo as a stand-up comedian. O'Grady was highly regarded in the entertainment industry.