The star’s husband’s shared a heartbreaking video that was shot just 20 minutes before he passed away to celebrate his ‘heavenly birthday’ in Paul O’Grady’s honor.
Final video of Paul O’Grady’s life was shot shortly before his passing.
The TV presenter’s husband’s video, which was only 20 minutes before he passed away, has been shared by Paul O’Grady’s husband. Paul, 67, a beloved presenter, passed away in March 2023 from sudden cardiac arrhythmia.
To mark Paul’s ‘heavenly’ birthday this week, his widower Andre Portasio shared a video taken shortly before his sudden death. The video shows Paul sitting in his armchair, cuddling one of his much-loved dogs. The presenter seemed in great spirits as he thanked fans for their support.
Posting the clip to Instagram, 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. 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. Happy heavenly birthday! #paulogrady.”
Speaking in the video, Paul said: “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.”
Paul, who became famous in the 1980s as his alter-ego Lily Savage, was also known for his animal-loving demeanor. By the way, this is Eddie, this is my dog, he continued. Don’t you, guys? You are well-known. And this little one serves as the basis for Butch in the book. You’re not being very quiet today, are you? Anyway, thanks a lot once more. It’s really appreciated. Take good care of yourself.
Paul had planned to receive an award for his book Eddie Albert and the Amazing Animal Gang, so he set up the video so it could be viewed in his absence.
The Mirror spoke to Andre last year who heartbreakingly told how another of Paul’s dogs, called Arfur, nuzzled Paul after he died.
The saddest part of this is that, “Andre said,” as I was attempting to revive him, Paul’s favorite dog Arfur escaped and nuzzled his face as if he wanted to “wake up.” It was “heartbreaking.”
Several of Paul’s friends and fellow celebrities had noticed the post and took to the comments section to pay tribute. Presenter Gaby Roslin described the clip as “special and precious”, whilst ‘EastEnders’ icon Michelle Collins felt “sad” at the realisation of just how “fragile” life can be.
She said, “This is unbelievable, sad reminds you of how wonderful person he was, life can be fragile, and we must accept it like Paul did, and we must wish there were more like him x.
One commenter shared, “It’s frightening to think he passed away just after this video. We all had a great time with him, and I can’t imagine how you would be without him. Another added that it’s still incredibly bizarre for him to be gone. The only person ever permitted to cross the Rainbow Bridge. He’ll be a safe place for our pets.
“I’m so sad he’s gone. Just shows how close life and death is just on a silk thread. My heart goes out to you,” another shared, with one writing: “How life changes in an instant @andre_portasio thank you for having the strength to share this for the fans. You know I lost my darling dad very suddenly 2 months before Paul died so it’s all very poignant. Sending you continued love and strength and happiness.” One wrote: “thankyou for sharing such a lovely video in what was Paul’s last moments. He truly was the most wonderful human beingas a fan I miss him and his fantastic humour and wit ,I dread to think how much of a huge loss you feel. Xxx.”
One fan wrote, “I can’t believe he passed away just after this,” while others expressed their grief over Paul’s sudden death shortly after the video was released. What a wonderful person he was. I can’t believe it’s been two years! Andre, I’m thinking of you. Even though Paul looked so well and was in such good health, “Another said it was” so sad and shocking.
Source: Mirror
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