Heartwarming tales from the life of Paul O’Grady, who passed away aged 67 on March 28, are circulating online as people pay tribute.
Known for his iconic drag persona Lily Savage, many have commented on his generosity. Actor John Barrowman said he was ‘shocked’ at the news and would "never forget his warmth and humour", reports The Mirror.
The Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, of which Paul was an ambassador, said he would be remembered for his "razor-sharp humour and perpetual generosity and warmth’" Also known for his work with Save the Children, his quiet acts of kindness have also been noted.
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In 1977, he married a Portuguese woman named Teresa Fernandes. An openly gay man, Paul met her in a gay bar where they both worked and decided to marry her out of "convenience".
The couple lost contact, and only legally divorced in 2005 after 28 years of marriage. He told the story to the Mirror, stating: “Teresa, I call her the lesbian Portuguese barmaid, was lovely. She looked like David Cassidy.
“"We worked in a club in Westbourne Grove, London, when I was 22. She was from a very strict Catholic family and was always being hassled by them: 'Why aren't you getting married?'
“So I said: 'Come on then, we'll get married', and we did. We were married for 28 years."
He also admitted he had forgotten he was married until his manager reminded him. After divorcing, the Radio 2 star went on to marry Brazilian ballet dancer Andre Portasio.
It was fellow actor Julian Clary that inspired him to tie the knot, with Paul explaining: "Julian put the seed in my head. He said, 'I've got married. You should'."
He continued: "You feel more committed. You have made a vow, you have to stick to it. But we still fight like cat and dog.
"Married life is the same as before. We have known each other so long. Nothing has changed, really.
"And it's nice. I like saying I'm married – better than saying I'm a divorcee, which I was before."
Paul also had a daughter, Sharon, with his close friend Diane Jansen, in 1974. He also had a grandson, Abel and a granddaughter, Halo.
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