Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵
Paul O’Grady: Heartbreaking Lost Footage Emerges on Second Anniversary of Broadcaster’s Death
A poignant video clip of beloved entertainer Paul O’Grady, recorded just 20 minutes prior to his unexpected death, has surfaced online two years after his passing. The esteemed television personality tragically died at the age of 67 on March 28, 2023, due to sudden cardiac arrhythmia.
Unseen Video Shared by Family
O’Grady, a national treasure who rose to prominence in the 1990s as a drag artist and LGBTQ+ advocate, was laid to rest beside his cherished friend and former partner, Brendan Murphy, who sadly succumbed to an inoperable brain tumour in 2005. He bequeathed a substantial £15.5 million in his will, earmarking £125,000 for his five canine companions. As friends and family commemorate the second anniversary of his demise, they have unveiled a previously unseen video message filmed by the much-missed star shortly before his death.
A family member, choosing to remain anonymous, shared the moving post with the caption: “It’s astonishing how the mind can protect us from anguish and grief during moments of intense shock. Today, my iPhotos presented me with a forgotten video of Paul, captured a mere 20 minutes before his unfortunate passing – unknowingly becoming his last ever on-camera recording.”
Final Message of Gratitude
The family member continued, “This bittersweet moment showcases the genuinely kind-hearted individual he was, expressing sincere appreciation to everyone for their support of his book. He recorded this message for an awards ceremony he was unable to attend. It’s still hard to believe it marks two years since we lost him. Throughout, he is surrounded by his adored dogs. We deeply miss you @paulogrady. Happy heavenly birthday!”
Celebrating Book Award with Beloved Dogs
In the rediscovered clip, the celebrated personality expressed his gratitude to his devoted fanbase following his book, “Eddie Albert and the Amazing Animal Gang,” receiving an accolade. The specific award was not disclosed. He was filmed seated on a leopard-print chair, with his orange and white Chihuahua, Eddie, resting calmly on his lap, as he delivered his message of thanks.
“Hello everyone, it’s Paul O’Grady here, and I want to extend a massive thank you for reading my book, ‘Eddie Albert and the Amazing Animal Gang’, and also for voting for it. I am absolutely thrilled with this award, so thank you very much,” he stated.
Tribute to Canine Inspiration
O’Grady also made sure to acknowledge his beloved pets, offering followers a glimpse into one of the key characters in his book, inspired by his own dog, Eddie. He added: “And by the way, this is Eddie, this is my dog – he’s famous – and Butch in the book is based on this little one, but he’s being very quiet today, aren’t you?”
Poignant Farewell
Paul’s concluding words carried a profound weight in retrospect, as he signed off with a poignant message: “Anyway, once again, thank you so much, I really appreciate it. Take care.” Soon after the video was shared online, fans rushed to the comments section to convey their condolences to his family.
Outpouring of Fan Support
One commenter wrote: “How was this 20 minutes before he died!!!!!!! I cannot cope with this – I cannot even imagine how you have been…. Sending so much love to you all who knew him, as the beautiful soul he is [four heart emojis].”
Another fan expressed: “Wow [crying emoji] 20 minutes .. wow [heartbroken emoji] Such a beautiful soul and I am still sending you a happy heavenly birthday with all your beloved animal friends [heart emoji].”
A third echoed: “[heart emoji] I think maybe Eddie was quiet for a reason. Dogs know things. Paul you are missed [heart emoji]”, while a fourth added: “Happy birthday Paul, my hero. I hope you’re partying well with the angels [heart emoji].”