Latest news with #PaulO'Grady
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Paul O'Grady's widower shares ‘bittersweet' video of star just 20 minutes before his death
This final video of Paul O'Grady has been shared by his widower, who called the footage filmed shortly before the comedian and presenter's death 'bittersweet'. In the clip, recorded 20 minutes before he died, O'Grady thanked his fans for reading his book. O'Grady died at his home 'unexpectedly but peacefully' in March 2023 at the age of 67. His official Instagram account, which is managed by his husband, Andre Portasio, shared the video. The Friday post added: '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.'
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Paul O'Grady's husband shares heartbreaking video of star 20 minutes before he died
The husband of Paul O'Grady has shared a poignant video of the beloved TV presenter taken just 20 minutes before his passing. The much-adored TV legend, known for his work as Lily Savage and hosting ITV show For The Love of Dogs, sadly died in March 2023 due to sudden cardiac arrhythmia at the age of only 67. His widow Andre Portasio posted a moving video on Instagram that was recorded shortly before Paul's unexpected death. READ MORE: BBC The Apprentice star favourite to replace Sara Davies on Dragons' Den READ MORE: BBC star dies aged 43 after 'condition worsened' following diagnosis Read more Midlands TV star who worked alongside Anthea Turner dies In the video, Paul can be seen sitting in his armchair, holding one of his cherished dogs and looking cheerful as he expressed his thanks to his supporters. Andre captioned the Instagram post with: "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." Andre added: "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." Paul had been set to receive an award for his recent book 'Eddie Albert and the Amazing Animal Gang' and recorded a heartfelt video in lieu of attending the event. In the emotional video footage, 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. "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." EastEnders star Michelle Collins commented: "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 shared their sadness, with one writing: "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 commented: "Him being gone is still so surreal. The only human ever allowed over rainbow bridge. Our pets will be safe with him."
The Independent
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Paul O'Grady's widow shares ‘bittersweet' video of star just 20 minutes before his death
This final video of Paul O'Grady has been shared by his widower, who called the footage filmed shortly before the comedian and presenter's death 'bittersweet'. In the clip, recorded 20 minutes before he died, O'Grady thanked his fans for reading his book. O'Grady died at his home 'unexpectedly but peacefully' in March 2023 at the age of 67. His official Instagram account, which is managed by his husband, Andre Portasio, shared the video. The Friday post added: '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.'
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Bittersweet' final video of Paul O'Grady shared by his widower
A final video of Paul O'Grady has been shared by his widower, who called the footage filmed shortly before the comedian and presenter's death 'bittersweet'. O'Grady, who rose to fame as drag queen alter-ego Lily Savage before hosting a string of popular TV programmes – including For The Love Of Dogs, died at his home 'unexpectedly but peacefully' in March 2023 at the age of 67. O'Grady's official Instagram account, which is managed by his husband, Andre Portasio, shared the video of the comedian thanking fans for reading his book Eddie Albert And The Amazing Animal Gang: The Amsterdam Adventure, along with him stroking his beloved pets. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Paul O'Grady (@paulogrady) The Friday post said: 'It's incredible how our minds can shield us from the pain of loss in moments of shock. 'Today, my (@andre_portasio ) 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!' Reacting to the post, EastEnders star Michelle Collins wrote: '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.' 'Miss him so much,' radio and TV presenter Gaby Roslin wrote. 'This is special and precious. Big love Andre.' In the clip, Birkenhead-born O'Grady says: 'Hello everybody, I'm Paul O'Grady, and I just want to say a massive thank you for reading my book, Eddie Albert And The Amazing Animal Gang, and also for voting for it. 'I'm absolutely delighted with my award. So thank you very much. 'And by the way, this is Eddie. This is my dog. And Butch in the book is based on this little one. 'You're very quiet today, eh (Eddie)? Anyway, once again, thank you so much. I really appreciate it. Look after yourselves.' Portasio met the former BBC Radio 2 presenter in 2006 before they tied the knot in an intimate London ceremony in 2017. O'Grady was known for his fondness of dogs and became an ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in 2012, following the success of ITV's multi award-winning For The Love Of Dogs, which was filmed at the charity. He also presented a string of shows across the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, including Blankety Blank, The Big Breakfast, Blind Date and The Paul O'Grady Show.
Chicago Tribune
20-02-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Around the Southland: Orland food pantry gets boost from sheriff's office, more
Sheriff's office helps fill food pantry in Orland A donation from the Cook County sheriff's office helped fill the shelves of the Orland Township Food Pantry after a food drive last month. This year's drive, which involved efforts from sheriff's office personnel, including officers who patrol the township's unincorporated areas, yielded a large number of nonperishable food items. 'Our community thrives when we come together to support one another, and I can't thank Sheriff Tom Dart and his team enough for their commitment to helping those in need,' Orland Township Supervisor Paul O'Grady shared in a news release, adding that the sheriff's annual food drive 'is a shining example of partnership and compassion, and the impact of their donation will be felt by many families across Orland Township.' The pantry always needs donations of food, pet items, hygiene products and financial contributions. Information is at or 708-403-4222. 103rd Street Metra station reopens as 95th Street station closes After more than a year of construction, the 103rd Street/Rosemore Station on the Metra Electric Line will reopen to customers. That same day, the 95th St./Chicago State University station will close for about two years for its own $33.4 million rehabilitation and expansion. The 103rd St./Rosemore station is the second to reopen under a $33.9 million contract for three stations: 79th Street/Chatham, 87th Street/Woodruff and 103rd Street/Rosemore. The 79th Street/Chatham station has reopened and work has begun at the 87th St./Woodruff station. After completion, all three stations will have enclosed lobbies with elevators and ADA-accessible entrances, new stairs and headhouses, new lighting and signs, and new composite deck platforms. The 95th Street station project, which has a completion date of the third quarter of 2027, will improve its accessibility and connection to Chicago State University. It's being funded through the Rebuild Illinois capital program, Cook County and a Federation Transit Administration All Stations Accessibility Program grant. The work includes a new tunnel entrance and walkway and bike lane connecting to a new commuter parking lot, as well as new headhouse, platform and stairs, new street-level entrance on 95th Street with an enclosed entrance, new elevator and a full-length canopy on the platform. In other Metra news, the board approved a $8.69 million contract to renovate the 115th Street/Morgan Park Station on the Rock Island Line. Work is expected to begin later this year at the station to replace the existing platform shelters, create a new plaza and sidewalks, and address stormwater management needs. The project will also include resurfacing the station's two parking areas and new lighting. H-F park district earns Champions for Change award The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District had to make space for another award after winning the Illinois Park and Recreation Association and Illinois Association of Park District's Champions for Change Award during the annual Soaring to New Heights conference awards luncheon held recently at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago. The award is given to an agency that has 'unique and exemplary practices of increasing access and fostering diversity and inclusion within its community or organization,' a district news release noted. Such practices result in positive social change and remove barriers, as well as encouraging others to follow in their path. 'At HFPD, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – or DEI – are not just initiatives; they are part of who we are,' Irwin Center manager Oralethea Davenport, chairman of the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District DEI Committee, shared in the news release. The district's board-approved DEI goals in the last two years include annual training, program and event reviews, and creating a HFPD DEI logo for display at facility entrances. The district's scholarship fund has offered recreational opportunities for families in financial need, and its collaboration with the South Suburban Special Recreation Association has boosted accessibility for programming, allowing people with special needs to participate in activities that might otherwise be available. In addition, events and programs such as the annual PRIDE Fest held with the villages of Flossmoor and Homewood help enhance community bonds and promote equity. Diaper drive this month benefits Together We Cope Together We Cope benefits from a diaper drive held through Feb. 28 at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, 8100 W. 119th St., No. 100, Palos Park. New, opened and partial packages of diapers, training pants and adult briefs will be accepted. All brands and sizes are welcome, especially for larger children and adults. Monetary donations in cash or checks made payable to Together We Cope also are welcome. Palos Islamic Center hosts day to learn about Ramadan Learn about Ramadan during Open Mosque Day from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 23 at Palos Islamic Center, 123400 S. 80th Ave., Palos Park. All are welcome to connect with Muslim neighbors and explore Ramadan, which is celebrated Feb. 28 through March 29. During the holiday, Muslims fast daily from dawn to sunset, eating and drinking nothing, including water, as well as attend prayer services. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam; the others are prayer, almsgiving, pilgrimage and the profession of faith. Families and friends gather to break their fast. The holiday Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. Information sessions, traditional cuisine, henna, calligraphy and festive decor will be offered at the center. Information is at or 708-888-7074. Church's chili cook-off benefits youth work trip to Appalachia A chili cook-off and dinner is planned from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 26 in Fellowship Hall at Flossmoor Community Church, 2218 Hutchison Road, Flossmoor. The event, hosted by the board of Lay Ministries, benefits the youth work trip to Appalachia. Lay Ministries will supply cornbread and traditional chili toppings. Macaroni and cheese also will be served. Attendees will eat, judge and enjoy fellowship. The suggested donation is $10 per person. It's free to enter the contest. Register at or call 708-798-2800.
