Paul O’Grady’s husband recalls devastating battle to save star’s life one year on from his death
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Exactly one year had passed since the world lost the beloved TV host and drag icon, Paul O’Grady. The anniversary of his death brought back a flood of memories for his husband, André Portasio, who shared the heart-wrenching details of his final moments in a recent interview with The Mirror.
The day Paul O’Grady passed away started like any other. He had just returned home from a tour and was catching up on work with producer Malcolm Prince for his BBC Radio 2 show. André Portasio recalled how O’Grady looked handsome in a white shirt that morning, and even joked with him when complimented on his appearance. Little did they know that it would be their last lighthearted moment together.
After their meeting, the couple took their five dogs for a walk before settling in for the evening. Everything seemed normal as they watched the news on TV, but then tragedy struck. O’Grady got up to make a cup of tea, and Portasio heard a loud noise from the kitchen. Rushing to see what had happened, he found O’Grady lying on the floor with a cut on his forehead.
In a panic, Portasio called for an ambulance and was instructed to perform CPR to keep O’Grady alive until help arrived. As he desperately tried to revive his husband, their dog Arfur, one of O’Grady’s favorites, escaped and nuzzled his face in a heartbreaking attempt to wake him up. Despite their efforts, O’Grady could not be saved, and he was pronounced dead shortly after the paramedics arrived.
The loss of O’Grady left a void in Portasio’s life that he is still struggling to come to terms with. In an effort to cope with his grief, Portasio has chosen to be far away from the UK on the anniversary of O’Grady’s passing, seeking solace in New Zealand. He expressed his determination to carry on O’Grady’s work and legacy, even as he grapples with the pain of being without him.
As Portasio continues to navigate life without his beloved husband, he finds comfort in focusing on the future and the challenges that lie ahead. He is determined to honor O’Grady’s memory by moving forward and finding a sense of purpose in carrying on his work.
Meanwhile, fans of Paul O’Grady can look forward to seeing him in a new two-part series, “Paul O’Grady’s Great Elephant Adventure,” airing on ITV1 on Easter Sunday. The series will be followed by a special airing of “The Life and Death of Lily Savage,” giving viewers a chance to reminisce about the iconic drag alter ego created by the late comedian.
The anniversary of Paul O’Grady’s death serves as a poignant reminder of the impact he had on the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. His legacy lives on through his work and the memories he shared with those who loved him. As André Portasio continues to heal from the loss of his husband, he remains steadfast in his commitment to preserving O’Grady’s legacy and carrying on his work for years to come.
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Paul O’Grady
