O’Grady, from Birkenhead, who rose to fame as drag queen alter-ego Lily Savage before hosting a string of popular TV programmes, 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 to mark two years since his passing.
It shows O’Grady thanking fans for reading his book Eddie Albert And The Amazing Animal Gang: The Amsterdam Adventure, while petting his beloved dogs.
Posted earlier today (March 28), Portasio wrote: “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!”
Paul O’Grady became an ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2012. (Image: PA Images)
How people have responded to the video online
More than 1000 comments have since been added underneath the post, with EastEnders actress Michelle Collins saying “we have to really embrace life like Paul did”.
While radio and TV presenter Gaby Roslin wrote: “This is special and precious. Big love Andre.”
One fan wrote: “He was such a lovely, kind and compassionate man. His little dog knew he wasn’t well. Dogs are so intuitive.”
Another added: “Utterly heartbreaking. We miss you so much Paul.”
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.”
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How did O’Grady and Portasio meet?
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.