Paul O'Grady posted about his grief for one of his beloved pets just days before he died on Tuesday evening, aged 67.
The national treasure, legendary comedian and creator of iconic drag queen persona, Lily Savage, died ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’ this week.
O’Grady’s love for all things furred or feathered was well-known. He lived in a farmhouse in Kent with his husband and a menagerie of animals including four dogs, goats, sheep, chickens and barn owls.
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The well-loved comedian's final social media post a few weeks ago was fitting, saying a lot about his love for his pets.
He revealed to his 700,000 followers that he was mourning the death of one of his beloved pigs, Tom Tom.
He wrote alongside the video: "Got back from a week in Newcastle playing Miss Hannigan in Annie to find that Tom Tom, one of my pigs had been put to sleep.
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"I knew it was coming as he’d been diagnosed with a tumour but even so it’s awful when you lose a pet.
"He was the cheekiest of the gang and one of the other pigs who was obviously very fond of him is now depressed and gone into mourning and there’s those who say that animals don’t have feelings.
"On a lighter note I’m thoroughly enjoying playing Hannigan again after so long especially with a truly amazing and lovely cast. Next stop Edinburgh."
O'Grady was an ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and the organisation have paid tribute to him as both a ‘devoted animal lover and a champion for the underdog’.
The organisation praised his ‘razor-sharp humour and perpetual generosity and warmth’.
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In a statement that was shared with the PA news agency, Battersea chief executive, Peter Laurie, expressed his feelings: "Battersea will forever remember Paul as a devoted animal lover with the biggest heart, who fell head over heels in love with every dog he met at our centres.
"Paul will always be associated with Battersea and we are truly saddened to have lost such a true friend and huge part of our charity.
"Paul had an extremely hands-on approach as a Battersea Ambassador and has been fundamental in helping our charity to communicate important campaign messages.
"He was a champion for the underdog and would do anything to ensure all animals live a healthy and happy life. He will be dearly missed."
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The animal activist's husband, Andre Portasio, broke the news of O'Grady's passing in a statement: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.
"We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.
"He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
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"| know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years."
Tributes have poured in in their thousands from famous faces and fans across the globe alike, including Carol Vorderman and Lorraine Kelly.
Fans have expressed their sorrow and disbelief in the comments of O'Grady's final post.
One said: "Rest in peace, Paul. Tom Tom is waiting for you with all your animal angels."
While another commented: "I shed a few tears this morning upon hearing the sad news and this is only the second time that I can remember doing so for someone who wasn't a blood relative, such is the impact that you had on many of us and the legacy that you left us with. Another national treasure has left us, but left us with a lot of fond memories and a much needed example of what a good person is. R.I.P. to a hilariously funny, salt of the earth man with a very big heart."
The well-loved comedian became an ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2012, following filming of the first series of ITV’s multi-award-winning For The Love Of Dogs at the organisation.
The show then ran for eleven series, during which time he laid bare his ‘passion for all things dog’, the charity said.
O’Grady was recognised at the 2018 National Television Awards for the impact For The Love Of Dogs had on helping rescue animals find forever homes across the UK.
Speaking in September 2012, he said it was ‘hand on heart… one of the nicest jobs I’ve ever had’ and he personally took in several dogs including Eddie, a Chihuahua Jack Russell-cross puppy, Boycie, a Shih Tzu in 2014, Conchita, a Maltese in 2015, Arfur and Nancy, both mongrel puppies in 2017 and 2020 respectively and Sausage, a wire-haired Dachshund, in 2021.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@paulogradyTopics: Celebrity, News, Animals