Paul O’Grady’s husband has shared a heartbreaking video of the TV presenter taken just 20 minutes before he died. Beloved presenter Paul died in March 2023 from sudden cardiac arrhythmia at just 67-years-old.
To mark Paul’s ‘heavenly’ birthday this week, his widower Andre Portasio shared a video taken shortly before his sudden death. The video shows Paul sitting in his armchair, cuddling one of his much-loved dogs. The presenter seemed in great spirits as he thanked fans for their support.
Posting the clip to Instagram, Andre wrote: “It’s incredible how our minds can shield us from the pain of loss in moments of shock. Today, my iPhotos reminded me of a lost video I recorded of Paul just 20 minutes before he sadly passed – what became the last recording he ever made to camera. In this bittersweet moment, you see him as the genuinely kind man he was, expressing heartfelt gratitude to everyone for supporting his book, which he recorded for an award ceremony he couldn’t attend.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since his passing. All the while, he’s surrounded by his beloved dogs. We miss you dearly @paulogrady. Happy heavenly birthday! #paulogrady.”
Speaking in the video, Paul said: “Hello everybody, I’m Paul O’Grady and I just want to say a massive thank you for reading my book, and also for voting for it. I’m absolutely delighted with my award so thank you very much.”
Paul – who shot to fame as his alter-ego of Lily Savage in the 1980s – was also known for his love of animals, and cuddled up with his corgi. He added: “And by the way, this is Eddie, this is my dog. Aren’t you? You’re famous. And Butch in the book is based on this little one. You’re being very quiet today aren’t you? Anyway, once again, thank you so much. I really appreciate it. Look after yourselves.”
Paul had been due to pick up an award for his book Eddie Albert and the Amazing Animal Gang and filmed the video to be played in his absence.
The Mirror spoke to Andre last year who heartbreakingly told how another of Paul’s dogs, called Arfur, nuzzled Paul after he died.
“The saddest part of this all is that when all of this happened, and as I was trying to resuscitate him, I was trying to keep the dogs out of the room,” Andre said, “But somehow Paul’s dog Arfur, who is one of his favourites, escaped and he nuzzled his face as he always did on Paul’s shoulder, as if to say ‘wake up’. It was just heartbreaking.”
Several of Paul’s friends and fellow celebrities had noticed the post and took to the comments section to pay tribute. Presenter Gaby Roslin described the clip as “special and precious”, whilst ‘EastEnders‘ icon Michelle Collins felt “sad” at the realisation of just how “fragile” life can be.
She said: “This is unbelievable, so sad makes you realise what a wonderful person he was life can be so fragile we have to really embrace it like paul did , such a loss wish there were more like him x”
Fans also rushed to comment on the video, with one sharing: “It is scary to think that he passed away just after this video. He was loved by so many of us and cannot imagine how you are coping without him.” Another added: “Him being gone is still so surreal. The only human ever allowed over rainbow bridge. Our pets will be safe with him.”
“I’m so sad he’s gone. Just shows how close life and death is just on a silk thread. My heart goes out to you,” another shared, with one writing: “How life changes in an instant @andre_portasio thank you for having the strength to share this for the fans. You know I lost my darling dad very suddenly 2 months before Paul died so it’s all very poignant. Sending you continued love and strength and happiness.” One wrote: “thankyou for sharing such a lovely video in what was Paul’s last moments. He truly was the most wonderful human beingas a fan I miss him and his fantastic humour and wit ,I dread to think how much of a huge loss you feel. Xxx.”
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