Paul O’Grady admitted that he had “no fear” of dying as he eerily predicted his own death.
The veteran entertainer and drag queen tragically died at the age of 67 on March 28, 2023. His sudden and tragic death stunned the world of entertainment and saw hundreds of tributes from previous co-stars, guests and organisations he had worked with throughout his years.
At the time, husband André Portasio confirmed that Paul had passed “unexpectedly but peacefully”, triggering huge shock from family, friends and fans alike. It was later revealed that O’Grady had died from sudden cardiac arrhythmia, dying in his sleep at his Kent home.
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However before he tragically died, Paul was somehow able to predict his own death in a harrowing interview he had after he had the second of his three heart attacks. In the historic interview, the entertainer confessed that he wanted to at least reach the age of 60 – something that would be “amazing” for him.
(Image: PA)
At the time of the interview, Paul had already suffered two heart attacks – the first being in 2002, with the second coming just four years later. O’ Grady would have one more heart attack in 2014, as well as suffering from kidney failure – alongside complications that arose after developing COVID-19 in the midst of the pandemic.
Speaking to the Mirror at the time, Paul admitted that he “counts his blessings” for being able to reach his age, adding that he would love to reach 60. “I don’t fear anything nowadays,” he added.
Paul admitted that during one of his cardiac arrests, his heart stopped beating temporarily, and briefly passed away for a number of seconds before coming back to life. “Everyone asks: ‘Did you see anything?’ No, sorry. Nothing,” he explained. “No heavenly choirs, no light at the end of the tunnel.”
(Image: Getty Images)
However, he still kept a positive mental attitude, even after his health scares: “There has to be an angel out there. They are trying to steer me out of trouble 24 hours a day.”
The cheeky Scouser won over the hearts of the nation during the 1980s when his drag act Lily Savage became a huge talking point due to Lily’s portrayal of women and gay men at the time. After this, however, Paul became a household name, shooting to fame and landing himself a number of his own TV shows, including a chat show and the now-legendary Paul O’ Grady: For the Love of Dogs.
Ever the philanthropist, Paul tried to raise awareness of the causes of other people above himself – particularly the work done by Battersea Dogs Home. Many of the dogs Paul featured on his show were from the home itself, and upon his passing, the home paid tribute to the “devoted animal lover”, describing him as the “champion of the underdog”.
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
In a statement confirming his death, husband André appealed for privacy, adding: “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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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
