Paul O’Grady’s widower reveals why he shared heartbreaking video of star filmed just minutes before his death
PAUL O’Grady’s widower has revealed why he decided to share a video of the late TV star filmed just 20 minutes before his death.
Andre Portasio surprised Paul’s fans today when he shared a previously unseen final clip of the star thanking fans for supporting his children’s book, Eddie Albert and the Amazing Animal Gang.
Sitting in his Kent home, popular Paul was upbeat and in good spirits, however died from a sudden cardiac arrhythmia not long after.
Andre has now explained why he felt compelled to upload the clip, telling the Mirror: “I went to bed and I looked at my phone and it showed a featured picture. I didn’t recognise what it was, and then when it came up I was like ‘oh my god.’ I had totally forgotten about it.’ I thought it was a nice thing to share with his fans.
He continued: “I normally enjoy watching videos of him.
“Sometimes I get upset but mostly I laugh about them. He was so funny. It also helps me to remember how funny and genuine and upbeat he was.”
Even in his final moments, Paul was doing what he did best – spreading warmth, kindness, and gratitude.
In the bittersweet clip, discovered in Andre’s phone two years after Paul died in March 2023, the much-loved comedian and TV personality sat with his dog Eddie.
Animal lover Paul, who first found fame as Lily Savage, looked relaxed and happy as he said: “Hello everybody, I’m Paul O’Grady, and I just want to say a massive thank you for reading me 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 Buster in the book is based on this little one.”
Turning to Eddie, he said: “You’re very quiet today, eh?
“Anyway, once again, thank you so much. I really appreciate it. Look after yourselves.”
Andre, captioned the emotional post: “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!”
The post was met with an overwhelming response from fans and celebrities alike, who expressed their shock and sadness.
EastEnders actress 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.”
TV presenter Gaby Roslin added: “Miss him so much. This is special and precious. Big love, Andre.”
Another heartbroken fan commented: “I think maybe Eddie was quiet for a reason. Dogs know things. Paul, you are missed.”
A fourth added: “How was this 20 minutes before he died?! I cannot cope with this—I cannot even imagine how you have been… Sending so much love to you all who knew him, as the beautiful soul he is.”
Last year, it was revealed Paul had left a staggering £15.5million in his will – with £125,000 set aside for his five pet dogs.
He also left half a million pounds to the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Animal lover Paul left a total of £775,000 to organisations close to his heart, including donations of £50,000 to elephant and orangutan charities.
He also gave £50,000 to the Salvation Army, whom he’d been a lifelong fan of as a result of them helping the needy in his native Liverpool when he was growing up.
Prior to his death, Paul had spent 11 years at the helm of ITV1’s Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs, which focused on the tireless work at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
The comic had made an entire career while playing his drag queen alter-ego Lily Savage, who hosted Blankety Blank in the 90s.