TL;DR
- Paul O’Grady honored with a rainbow plaque.
- Ceremony held at his former home in Vauxhall.
- Widower André Portasio unveiled the plaque.
- O’Grady celebrated for his contributions to LGBTQ+ culture.
- Upcoming play ‘Savage’ to honor his legacy.
In a heartwarming tribute that has the LGBTQ+ community buzzing, a rainbow plaque has been unveiled outside the former home of the late Paul O’Grady in Vauxhall, South London. This emotional ceremony took place on June 21, where friends, family, and fans gathered to celebrate the legacy of a true gay icon.
André Portasio, O’Grady’s widower, was the one to unveil the plaque, and his words were as touching as they were powerful. “It was a great honour to unveil the plaque and to see Paul recognised in a place that meant so much to him,” he shared on Instagram. “Victoria Mansions was more than just a home. It was where Paul honed his craft, found his voice as Lily Savage, formed friendships that lasted a lifetime, and became part of a close-knit community that he would champion and fight for throughout his life.” Talk about a legacy!
Portasio also expressed gratitude towards David Robson and Lambeth Council for making this tribute a reality. “What makes this recognition particularly meaningful is that it comes from the community itself – at a grassroots level, in the very place where his journey began,” he said, reminding everyone that O’Grady never forgot his roots. “Paul never forgot where he came from, and it feels fitting that his legacy is now permanently remembered there.” Can we get a round of applause for that sentiment?
The unveiling was attended by some fabulous faces, including drag queen Danny Beard, LGBTQ+ activist Peter Tatchell, and Holly Johnson from Frankie Goes to Hollywood. They all came together to honor O’Grady, who is fondly remembered as a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community. Known for his sharp wit and fabulous drag persona, Lily Savage, O’Grady’s contributions to television and LGBTQ+ representation are immeasurable.
O’Grady, who passed away unexpectedly on March 28, 2023, left behind a legacy that continues to inspire. He was a staple on British television, hosting iconic shows like The Paul O’Grady Show, Blankety Blank, and the reboot of Blind Date. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s set to be honored in an upcoming play titled Savage, starring none other than Danny Beard, which will premiere on February 13, 2027, at Curve Leicester before hitting the West End. Talk about a comeback!
As we celebrate this beautiful tribute to Paul O’Grady, let’s remember his spirit and the joy he brought to countless lives. His legacy will forever shine bright in the LGBTQ+ community, and this rainbow plaque is just the beginning of honoring his incredible journey. Cheers to you, Paul!