Paul O’Grady MBE
About
Paul O’Grady, a celebrated comedian and television presenter, rose to prominence through his iconic drag persona, Lily Savage, and later cemented his reputation as a beloved host and entertainer.
Lily Savage: The Early Days
Paul moved to London in the late 1970s, working for Camden Council while developing his drag act. Inspired by traits of female relatives, he created the character Lily Savage, a sharp-witted and flamboyant persona that would propel him to stardom.
As Lily Savage:
- He hosted the revived Blankety Blank (1997–2002), which became a cultural staple.
- He gained critical acclaim, including a 1992 Perrier Award nomination, and made numerous appearances on TV, radio, and stage.
- Presented popular shows like The Big Breakfast (1995–96) and Lily Live! (2000–01).
Television Presenter
Transitioning from Lily Savage, Paul became a household name through mainstream television:
- In 2004, he began hosting The Paul O’Grady Show, a daytime chat show that quickly gained a loyal following.
- Starred in the BBC sitcom Eyes Down.
- Hosted two travel documentaries for ITV.
He continued to explore a range of projects:
- Hosted Paul O’Grady Live (2010–11) and the heartwarming series Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs (2012–2015).
- Presented Paul O’Grady’s Animal Orphans (2014–).
Radio & Writing
- In 2017, Paul celebrated Radio 2’s 50th anniversary with a two-part documentary, The Story of the Light, reflecting on the BBC Light Programme.
- Published several books, including a four-volume memoir, offering a glimpse into his life and career.
Accolades & Legacy
Paul O’Grady has been recognised for his contributions to entertainment with:
- Multiple awards for television.
- Honorary degrees.
- An MBE in the 2008 Birthday Honours.
From his groundbreaking work as Lily Savage to his cherished television roles, Paul O’Grady remains a trailblazer in British entertainment, celebrated for his humour, compassion, and lasting impact on audiences.