Paul O’Grady’s widower explains why he shared video presenter recorded 20 minutes before death
Paul O'Grady's widower has explained why he shared a video of the popular presenter which was taken just 20 minutes before his death.
Yesterday (28 March), Andre Portasio posted the 'bittersweet' clip to Instagram which he said was filmed a short while before his husband 'unexpectedly' passed away.
O'Grady died at the age of 67 in March 2023 after suffering a sudden cardiac arrhythmia at his home in Kent.
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The Brazilian former professional ballet dancer, who married O'Grady in 2017, has previously admitted that his husband 'smoked a spliff' just moments before his death.
And two years on from his passing, Portasio shared a previously unseen video of O'Grady on the comedian's social media, which shows the Birkenhead-born star with two of his dogs, while he thanks the public for their support on his 2021 book Eddie Albert and the Amazing Animal Gang.
In the caption of the post, Portasio penned: "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."
Portasio went on to say: "It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since his passing.
"He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
"I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years."
Portasio has continued to post regularly from O'Grady's account in the two years since his death, but he's revealed exactly why he wanted to share the comedian's last video to the public.
He told 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."
Portasio added: “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."
O'Grady first rose to fame in the 1980s thanks to his effortlessly funny drag persona Lily Savage, and he went on to host several TV shows, including his own Paul O'Grady Show from 2004 to 2015, as well as the award-winning series For the Love of Dogs.
Topics: Celebrity, Paul O'Grady
James Moorhouse