Early Life and Education of Paul O'Grady: A Complete Timeline
How education and upbringing influenced the life of Paul O'Grady. A timeline of key moments.
Paul O'Grady was a multifaceted English entertainer known for his work as a comedian, broadcaster, actor, and writer. He initially gained fame in the 1980s London gay scene as his drag persona, Lily Savage, achieving mainstream popularity in the 1990s. Later, he transitioned from the Lily Savage character to become a successful television and radio presenter, most notably with 'The Paul O'Grady Show.' His career spanned various entertainment mediums, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in British pop culture.
1912: Birth of Patrick Grady
In 1912, Patrick "Paddy" Grady, Paul O'Grady's father, was born in County Roscommon, Ireland.
1916: Birth of Mary Savage
In 1916, Mary "Molly" Savage, Paul O'Grady's mother, was born in England to Irish immigrants.
1936: Patrick Grady Moves to England
In 1936, Patrick "Paddy" Grady moved from Ireland to England and settled in Birkenhead.
1941: Birth of Brendan
In 1941, Brendan, Paul O'Grady's brother, was born.
June 1955: Birth of Paul O'Grady
In June 1955, Paul James O'Grady was born. He later became a well-known English comedian, broadcaster, drag queen, actor, and writer.
June 1955: Paul O'Grady's birth
In June 1955, Paul O'Grady was born at St. Catherine's Hospital in Birkenhead, Cheshire (now Merseyside).
1974: Birth of daughter
In 1974, Paul O'Grady had a daughter with his friend Diane Jansen.
May 1977: Marriage to Teresa Fernandes
In May 1977, Paul O'Grady married Teresa Fernandes to prevent her deportation.
1977: Marriage to Teresa Fernandes
In 1977, Paul O'Grady entered into a marriage of convenience with Teresa Fernandes.
1978: Development of Lily Savage Character
In 1978, Paul O'Grady developed his drag act and created the character of Lily Savage, basing her traits on his female relatives.
1981: Toxteth Riots
In 1981, Paul O'Grady and his friend Vera, performing as the Playgirls, were caught up in the Toxteth riots while performing in Liverpool.
April 1988: March Against Section 28
In April 1988, Paul O'Grady participated in a march against Section 28, speaking out on issues affecting the gay community.
1990: Mother's Death and Role in Chimera
In 1990, just before filming an episode of The Bill, Paul O'Grady's mother died. He also appeared in the ITV miniseries Chimera as a social worker in 1990.
1992: Australian Tour and Los Angeles riots
In 1992, Paul O'Grady embarked on an Australian tour and proceeded to Los Angeles, where he witnessed the 1992 riots.
1994: Media Scandal over Daughter's Existence
In 1994, the Daily Mirror treated the existence of O'Grady's teenage daughter as a headline scandal. O'Grady criticized the media for referring to him solely as a drag queen, highlighting the homophobia in the industry.
1999: Purchased a House in Kent
In 1999, O'Grady purchased a house in Aldington, Kent from comedian Vic Reeves, decorating it in an art nouveau style and establishing a smallholding.
April 2002: Heart Attack
In April 2002, O'Grady had a heart attack attributed to a combination of congenital heart problems, stress, smoking, and caffeine.
2002: First heart attack
In 2002, Paul O'Grady suffered his first heart attack.
2005: Divorce from Teresa Fernandes
In 2005, Paul O'Grady legally divorced Teresa Fernandes.
2005: End of marriage to Teresa Fernandes
In 2005, Paul O'Grady's marriage of convenience with Teresa Fernandes ended.
June 2006: Second Heart Attack
In June 2006, O'Grady suffered a second heart attack and underwent an angioplasty.
2006: Admission of smoking contributing to heart attacks
In 2006, Paul O'Grady admitted in an interview that smoking contributed to his two heart attacks.
2006: Second heart attack
In 2006, Paul O'Grady suffered his second heart attack.
2006: Relationship with André Portasio began
In 2006, Paul O'Grady's relationship with his future-husband André Portasio, a ballet dancer, began.
2008: Ambassador for Save the Children
From 2008 onwards, Paul O'Grady was an ambassador for Save the Children.
October 2009: Deal with ITV
In October 2009, O'Grady agreed to an £8 million deal with ITV to host Paul O'Grady Live, a prime-time chat show.
November 2009: Death of Buster
In November 2009, Paul O'Grady's dog Buster was euthanised due to cancer.
2012: Ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
In 2012, Paul O'Grady became an ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home following his series For the Love of Dogs.
2013: The Paul O'Grady Show Revived and Heart Surgery
In 2013, ITV revived The Paul O'Grady Show and in November, O'Grady suffered an angina attack and underwent further heart surgery.
2013: Support for the Labour Party
In 2013, Paul O'Grady expressed his support for the Labour Party and criticized the Cameron-Clegg coalition government.
2013: Olga's cancer diagnosis
In 2013, it was revealed that Paul O'Grady's dog Olga was undergoing chemotherapy due to cancer.
2014: Third heart attack
In 2014, Paul O'Grady suffered his third heart attack.
August 2017: Marriage to Portasio
In August 2017, Paul O'Grady married André Portasio in a ceremony at London's Goring Hotel.
2017: Marriage to André Portasio
In 2017, Paul O'Grady married André Portasio.
April 2018: Death of Olga
In April 2018, Paul O'Grady's dog Olga was euthanised after suffering from kidney failure.
2022: Deputy Lieutenant of Kent
In 2022, Paul O'Grady accepted the unpaid position of Deputy Lieutenant of Kent.
April 2023: Funeral and Burial
In April 2023, Paul O'Grady's funeral was held at the Church of St Rumwold, Bonnington, Kent, and he was buried there.
