Paul O’Grady was “a true legend”, a Camden politician has said, as he joined those paying tribute to the comedian who previously lived and worked in the borough.
O’Grady, who rose to fame with his drag act persona Lily Savage, died at the age of 67 yesterday evening (March 28).
Camden Cllr Jonathan Simpson MBE posted on Twitter that he was “very sad to learn that Paul O’Grady has passed away”.
He added: “Anyone that got to see Lily Savage live will never forget the drag legend’s humour. More locally, Paul worked for Camden Council as a social worker.”
Very sad to learn that Paul O’Grady has passed away. Anyone that got to see Lily Savage live will never forget the drag legends humour. More locally, Paul worked for @CamdenCouncil as a social worker. A true legend. pic.twitter.com/Ict3qKlQS2
— Jonathan Simpson (@CamdenJonathan) March 29, 2023
O’Grady began his career performing as Lily Savage in the 1970s while working as a peripatetic care officer for Camden Council.
He often performed at popular drag cabaret pub The Black Cap in Camden High Street during this time.
The founder of TuckShop, a leading producer of drag in the UK, paid tribute to O’Grady online, describing him as “an activist, an entertainer, a legend.”
Chris Clegg added: “Part of my start in the drag industry was performing and running my own nights at the legendary Black Cap in Camden Town.
“The legends, stories, and performers that filled that space gave the place a real gravitas and felt like we were part of queer history.”
Part of my start in the Drag industry was performing and running my own nights at the legendary Black Cap in Camden Town. The legends, stories, and performers that filled that space gave the place a real gravitas and felt like we were part of queer history.
— That Awful Chris Clegg (@chrisdclegg) March 29, 2023
A Camden council spokesperson said: “We are very sad to hear that Paul O'Grady has passed away.
“Paul worked for Camden Council and lived in the borough. He often performed in Camden Town’s famous local LGBTQ venue the Black Cap where he perfected his drag act. As Lily Savage, he became a prime-time television trailblazer for drag performance.
“He was a campaigner for LGBTQ equality, for the fight against HIV and AIDs and for LGBTQ nightlife and community venues. We are proud that Paul O’Grady is part of Camden’s history and of the legacy that he leaves.
“We would like to send our condolences to all his family and friends at this time.”
Throughout his career O’Grady won numerous accolades including a TV Bafta, a British Comedy Award and a National Television Award for The Paul O’Grady Show.
He was made an MBE in the 2008 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to entertainment.
Among those who paid tribute to the comedian was Camilla, Queen Consort.
The royal family’s official Twitter account posted an image of O’Grady with Camilla, after they worked closely in support of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
Deeply saddened to hear of the death of Paul O’Grady, who worked closely with Her Majesty in support of @Battersea_, providing lots of laughter and many waggy-tailed memories. pic.twitter.com/N13aBuBYCm
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 29, 2023
Following his death, O’Grady’s partner, Andre Portasio, said: “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.”
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