Paul O’Grady’s widower Andre Portasio has shared a heartbreaking final video of the beloved TV star, recorded just 20 minutes before his death.
The poignant clip was posted on Instagram today, marking the second anniversary of O’Grady’s passing on March 28, 2023.
In the bittersweet footage, discovered recently in Andre’s phone photos, the 67-year-old presenter is seen in good spirits surrounded by his beloved dogs.
The video shows O’Grady’s final moments before he died unexpectedly from sudden cardiac arrhythmia at his home in Kent.
In the video, O’Grady is seen thanking fans for supporting his children’s book Eddie Albert and the Amazing Animal Gang, for which he had received an award.
The much-loved entertainer, who first found fame as drag queen Lily Savage in the 1980s, appears relaxed and happy in the footage.
He is shown cuddling his corgi Eddie, who he affectionately introduces in the clip.
The dog, who inspired a character in O’Grady’s book, is notably quiet during the recording, with Paul commenting on this to his pet.
The video was intended for an award ceremony that O’Grady was unable to attend in person.
Speaking in the video, O’Grady says: “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.”
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Paul O’Grady died two years ago
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He continues: “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?”
The clip ends with his poignant final words: “Anyway, once again, thank you so much. I really appreciate it. Look after yourselves.”
In the caption accompanying the video, Andre wrote: “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.”
He continued: “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!”
The post prompted an outpouring of emotional responses from celebrities and fans alike.
EastEnders actress 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.”
TV presenter Gaby Roslin described the clip as “special and precious”, adding: “Miss him so much. Big love, Andre.”
Paul O’Grady’s widower Andre Portasio shared the clip
Fans also expressed their grief, 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 added: “Him being gone is still so surreal. The only human ever allowed over rainbow bridge. Our pets will be safe with him.”
O’Grady died “unexpectedly but peacefully” at his home on March 28, 2023, at the age of 67.
His cause of death was recorded as sudden cardiac arrhythmia, which occurs when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions.
In a previous interview with The Mirror, Andre shared a heartbreaking detail about the moments after Paul’s death.
“The saddest part of this all is that when all of this happened, and as I was trying to resuscitate him, I was trying to keep the dogs out of the room,” he said.
“But somehow Paul’s dog Arfur escaped and he nuzzled his face as he always did on Paul’s shoulder, as if to say ‘wake up’. It was just heartbreaking.”
O’Grady was known for his deep love of animals, becoming an ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in 2012.
Paul O’Grady (left) was famous for his love of animals, particularly dogs
PA
He spent 11 years hosting ITV’s For The Love Of Dogs, which showcased the charity’s work.
Last year, it was revealed that O’Grady had left £15.5 million in his will, including £125,000 set aside for his five pet dogs.
He also left £500,000 to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and donations to other animal charities.
O’Grady and Andre married in 2017 after meeting in 2006, sharing their Kent home with numerous rescue animals including dogs, pigs, alpacas, chickens, sheep and goats.
