Paul O'Grady's widower shares heartbreaking video shot 20 minutes before his death
Paul O'Grady's widower, Andre Portasio, has shared a heartbreaking video of the late TV star, filmed 20 minutes before his death.
The British presenter passed away 'unexpectedly' on 28 March, 2023, at the age of 67.
His cause of death was sudden cardiac arrhythmia, a condition where the heart's electrical system malfunctions.
In his final moments, O'Grady was at his home in Kent, enjoying a quiet evening with his dogs, before or after reportedly smoking a spliff.
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In the video posted on Instagram by Andre today (28 March), O'Grady thanked fans for supporting his children’s book, which he won an award for.
"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," he said in the clip.
Watch below:
"I’m absolutely delighted with my award. So thank you very much," O'Grady continued.
"And by the way, this is Eddie. This is my dog. And Buster in the book is based on this little one."
"You’re very quiet today, eh?" he told Eddie.
"Anyway, once again, thank you so much. I really appreciate it. Look after yourselves."
Paul’s widower, Andre, wrote an emotional caption alongside the video. The pair started dating in the mid 2000s and got married in 2017.
"It’s incredible how our minds can shield us from the pain of loss in moments of shock," he penned.
"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."
Andre 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.
"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."
Commenting on the post, one fan said: "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 wrote: "Warms my heart just to see Paul on video.
"An amazing man missed by many. Thinking of you Andre today and everyday.
"I lost my soul dog five years ago today and it’s still not easy."
A third person added: "Love and miss you always Paul you were a beautiful soul gone too soon."
O'Grady was best known for his drag persona, Lily Savage, and his work on the ITV show For the Love of Dogs.
Topics: Paul O'Grady, Celebrity
Anish Vij