London (CNN) Paul O’Grady, Sun Britain The most famous TV personality, at the age of 67.
The Palestinian news agency Media reported that the star, also known as drag queen Lilly Savage, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday evening.
In the joint statement with the Palestinian Authority, Portasio said: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.
O’Grady rose to fame through his outspoken alter ego, Lily Savage.
“We ask that, at this difficult time, that as you celebrate his life, you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.
“He will be missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and everyone who enjoyed his sense of humor, wit and compassion.
“I know he wants me to thank you for all the love you’ve shown him over the years.”
Tributes poured in for O’Grady from the entertainment world.
“doctor whoStar John Barrowman chirp: “I am absolutely shocked and saddened to hear the horrific news of the passing of Paul O’Grady. An incredible talent spanning decades.”
He continued, “I will never forget his generosity, his warmth, and his spirit.”
Camilla, The Queen Consort and Paul O’Grady during a special edition of “For the Love of Dogs”
Piers Morgan chirp: “RIP Paul O’Grady, 67.
“A wonderful, mischievous, hilarious guy with a sublime natural talent for broadcasting and making people laugh.”
Born in Birkenhead, near the northern English city of Liverpool, O’Grady rose to fame in the 1990s as drag queen Lily Savage.
In 1997 “The Lily Savage Show” was shown briefly on the BBC’s Prior to that, and later that year O’Grady took on the role of presenting the revived version of the BBC game show “Blankety Blank”, which ran until 2002.
Two years later, he moved to ITV with ‘The Paul O’Grady Show’, which then moved to rival Channel 4.
His other TV credits included hosting the dating show ‘Blind Date’, which he co-starred in 2017 after the death of his close friend, Cilla Black.
O’Grady has received numerous awards during his career, including a TV BAFTA, and in 2008 he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to entertainment.
He and Portasio, who is a huge animal lover, lived on a farm with an array of animals, including four dogs, goats, sheep, chickens, and barn owls, according to PA.
O’Grady has also hosted ‘For The Love Of Dogs’ on ITV. In a special one-off at the show last year, O’Grady was joined by Camilla, The Queen Consort to celebrate the 160th anniversary of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, an organization he was an ambassador for.
The royal family paid tribute to him Official Twitter accountwriting: “So sad to hear of the passing of Paul O’Grady, who has worked closely with Her Majesty the Queen to support…
Battersea_, provides many laughs and many cliched memories. ”
Future teen idol. Typical social media ninja. Alcohol buff. Explorer. Creator. Beer advocate.”