Paul O'Grady's Emotional Farewell: Celebrities, Fans, and Furry Friends Gather at Funeral
The UK entertainment industry was left in shock last month with the untimely death of beloved comedian and presenter Paul O'Grady. Fans of the star, who was known for his quick wit, love of dogs, and drag alter ego Lily Savage, were devastated by the news.
Yesterday, mourners gathered in the village of Aldington, near O'Grady's Kent home, to pay their respects and bid farewell to the much-loved entertainer. And it wasn't just people who turned out for the occasion - many brought their furry friends along too.
As O'Grady's horse-drawn carriage made its way through the village, hundreds of mourners, and their pets, lined the streets to pay their respects. O'Grady's husband Andre Portasio sat in dignified silence at the front of the carriage, accompanied by their dog Conchita. A dog-shaped floral tribute to O'Grady's beloved Buster could be seen through the back window of the hearse.
Fellow comedians Julian Clary and Michael Cashman delivered readings during the private service, while O'Grady's daughter Sharyn Mousley entered the church carrying the wig of her father's drag alter ego. The coffin was placed next to the grave of O'Grady's former partner Brendan Murphy, who died in 2005.
The funeral was attended by a host of stars from the worlds of entertainment and beyond. Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, actress Dame Sheila Hancock, and comics Alan Carr and Jo Brand were among the mourners. EastEnders actresses Cheryl Fergison and Linda Henry, Coronation Street's Sally Lindsay, and TV presenter Gaby Roslin were also in attendance.
But it wasn't just the A-listers who turned out to pay their respects. Members of the public, many with their dogs in tow, lined the streets to say goodbye to the much-loved star. One woman, Laura Morrison, had traveled from London with her two daughters to attend the funeral. She said, "That was amazing. I had to be here to say goodbye. And I'm so glad I did."
It wasn't just flowers and tears that were on display - there were plenty of dogs too. Ernie, a dog from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, where O'Grady filmed his ITV series, was on hand to greet mourners arriving for the funeral. Ali Taylor, head of canine behaviour at Battersea, said, "We're here to really honour Paul and everything he has done for everyone, all the different communities, and especially Battersea."
As the funeral drew to a close, the crowd erupted in applause. It was a fitting tribute to a man who had brought so much joy to so many people over the years. The outpouring of love and affection for Paul O'Grady was a testament to the impact he had on the lives of those around him. His legacy will live on in the memories of all those who were lucky enough to have known him, and the many more who were touched by his work.
Fans and mourners gathered in Aldington, Kent, to pay their final respects to the late entertainer Paul O'Grady, who passed away in March at the age of 66. The much-loved star, known for his roles as Lily Savage, hosting chat and game shows, and most recently as the host of For The Love of Dogs, was remembered by a gathering of friends, family, and fans.
The funeral procession was a fitting tribute to O'Grady, with a selection of varied music, including his favourite Meditation from the opera Thais by French composer Jules Massenet. Pupils from Aldington Primary School paid their respects by displaying banners and pictures, while mourners brought their dogs to honour O'Grady's role as an ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
Reverend Canon Roger Martin, who presided over the funeral, described the service as "a very fitting send-off," and noted the jolly mood of the occasion. Fellow comedian Julian Clary delivered a "very entertaining" eulogy, while actor Lord Cashman recited Shakespeare's Sonnet 18. The service was soundtracked by a range of music, including You Gotta Get A Gimmick from Stephen Sondheim's 1959 musical Gypsy, which O'Grady famously performed as Lily Savage alongside Cilla Black and Dame Barbara Windsor at the 2001 Royal Variety Performance. The closing music was Looking For Trouble by Elvis Presley.
The funeral procession was briefly interrupted by a car alarm that had been set off by fans trying to get a better view. The interruption was short-lived, and the procession continued, a fitting tribute to a man who was loved by so many. O'Grady's work with Battersea Dogs and Cats Home was a significant part of his legacy, and mourners brought their dogs to the service to honour his commitment to animal welfare.
As a community, the people of Aldington and beyond took O'Grady into their hearts, and he took them into his. His contribution to rehoming dogs and his advocacy for the LGBT community will be remembered for years to come. Following his death, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home set up a tribute fund, which has raised more than £270,000 for the charity. The fund is a testament to the impact O'Grady had on the world and the lives he touched.
The funeral service was a moving occasion, a fitting tribute to a man who brought laughter and joy to so many. His loss will be felt by many, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Paul O'Grady will be greatly missed, but his legacy will endure.