Paul James O'Grady, a renowned figure, was born on June 14, 1955, in Birkenhead, England. His early life was marked by his attendance at St Anselm's Christian Brothers School, where he laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
Following his graduation, O'Grady embarked on a career as a clerk in a magistrate's court. During this period, he crossed paths with a woman named Diane Jansen, and their brief affair resulted in the birth of their daughter, Sharyn, in 1974. However, O'Grady felt that he was too young to assume the responsibilities of fatherhood and decided to seek new experiences in Europe.
O'Grady's travels took him to various countries, where he worked in diverse occupations, including his stint as a waiter in a brothel in Manila. This chapter of his life came to a close when he returned to England in the 1980s.
In 1985, O'Grady debuted his iconic drag character, Lily Savage, in the gay bars and clubs throughout London. The character's immense popularity led to the creation of his own television show, Live from the Lilydrome, which premiered in 1995. Lily Savage remained a beloved figure until O'Grady retired the character in 2000, opting to appear on television solely as himself.
Tragedy struck in 2002 when O'Grady suffered a heart attack in his London flat. He subsequently relocated to a farm near Kent, England, where he devoted himself to his daughter and other pursuits.
Paul O'Grady's life was marked by both triumph and adversity. He passed away in 2023, at the age of 67, due to undisclosed causes, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
