My introduction to the London scene in 1987 and my politicisation was quickly turbocharged by nights at the RVT, and the ascerbic Lily (and Regina Fong, another taken too soon). Thank you for writing this
There are a bunch of stupendously hilarious outtakes from Blankety Blank available on YouTube, which I'd argue are essential viewing for all fans. It's clear the show just about held together under O'Grady's wild genius. I'm sure it was a nightmare for the producers to put together, but I bet they loved it all the same.
I'm going to rewatch them all in memory of our Lil'. RIP x
I don’t often get teary about the death of someone I really don’t know, have never interacted with, but Paul O’Grady always seemed to me to be authentically himself, all the way through. I loved that he stayed furious about the things that still made him furious, that he said what was important, that he was funny, good hearted and clearly liked people. I am really sad that the world doesn’t get to enjoy & love him a bit longer. But I’m very glad that he lived. For everyone. (And I’m very glad for your writing about him, so thank you x)
What a beautiful piece and brought a tear. My coming out as an 18 year old during Thatcher’s clause 28 era was made more defiant thanks to Lily Savage. Paul will be sorely missed by all of us who grew up in his shadow.
At a time when to be openly gay was to be feared by mainstream straight society Paul was unashamedly himself. Brave, funny as fuck and a thoroughly decent human being. We need more like him.
I cried yesterday, mourning someone I'd never met, because compassion and humanity reach people through a screen, or on a page.
Wowwww
Regardful tributes to him
Beautiful tribute
A fabulous tribute to a great guy. Thank you. He will be missed
My introduction to the London scene in 1987 and my politicisation was quickly turbocharged by nights at the RVT, and the ascerbic Lily (and Regina Fong, another taken too soon). Thank you for writing this
There are a bunch of stupendously hilarious outtakes from Blankety Blank available on YouTube, which I'd argue are essential viewing for all fans. It's clear the show just about held together under O'Grady's wild genius. I'm sure it was a nightmare for the producers to put together, but I bet they loved it all the same.
I'm going to rewatch them all in memory of our Lil'. RIP x
I don’t often get teary about the death of someone I really don’t know, have never interacted with, but Paul O’Grady always seemed to me to be authentically himself, all the way through. I loved that he stayed furious about the things that still made him furious, that he said what was important, that he was funny, good hearted and clearly liked people. I am really sad that the world doesn’t get to enjoy & love him a bit longer. But I’m very glad that he lived. For everyone. (And I’m very glad for your writing about him, so thank you x)
What a beautiful piece and brought a tear. My coming out as an 18 year old during Thatcher’s clause 28 era was made more defiant thanks to Lily Savage. Paul will be sorely missed by all of us who grew up in his shadow.
Beautiful piece, thank you. You do Paul proud
Thank you too. Brilliantly written and a pleasure to read.
This should be his official obituary. I didn’t know him well but now I feel like I do! What a great loss for us all.
I have never had the pleasure of seeing them but by all accounts - and yours is one - a wonderful person altogether.
A wonderful tribute, thank you Justin
What a wonderful read.
Justin is this beautiful beautiful beautiful x
This is beautiful writing. You at your best.
At a time when to be openly gay was to be feared by mainstream straight society Paul was unashamedly himself. Brave, funny as fuck and a thoroughly decent human being. We need more like him.
I cried yesterday, mourning someone I'd never met, because compassion and humanity reach people through a screen, or on a page.