Julian Clary reminisced about the generosity of his late friend, Paul O’Grady, during an appearance on BBC One’s The One Show.
The comedian fondly shared memories of O’Grady’s kindness, highlighting his generosity towards both friends and strangers.
O’Grady, a beloved comedian and TV personality, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep last March at the age of 67, due to cardiac arrhythmia.
Clary’s heartfelt reflections shed light on the warm spirit and compassionate nature of his dear friend, leaving a lasting impression on those who knew him.
After host Alex Jones noted O’Grady’s early career as a social worker, Clary added:
“He was full of just natural kindness and random generosity. As well as the big charities, he was always helping people – the values he grew up with, I guess.
“And he was very kind to me as well, not that I was an underdog, but when I moved in nearby him, he came by with a basket full of eco-friendly cleaning products and a shepherd’s pie.”
Clary continued:
“And the house was very cold, the next day a lorry arrived with a vintage 1920s Rayburn oven on it. It warmed the whole house up.”
O’Grady and Clary shared a long-standing friendship, with Clary reportedly delivering a humorous eulogy at O’Grady’s funeral, bringing laughter to the attendees.
Clary is also prominently featured in the upcoming documentary film, “The Life and Death of Lily Savage,” which chronicles O’Grady’s groundbreaking career and his iconic drag persona.
The film delves into O’Grady’s journey as Lily Savage, exploring his impact on popular culture.
In addition to O’Grady’s daughter, Sharyn Mousley, sharing her memories of growing up with a famous drag queen as a father, the documentary includes childhood drawings by O’Grady.
Among these drawings is a recurring image of a woman resembling Lily Savage, foreshadowing the character’s later rise to national fame.
The documentary offers a multifaceted look at O’Grady’s life and legacy, celebrating his contributions to entertainment and his enduring impact on audiences worldwide.
“What they found in an old library book is that he was doodling, and it was like a sort of premonition of the future – pictures of a very Lily-like head,” Clary said elsewhere on The One Show, noting that he had a similar habit as a young person.
“When I saw it, I was like, ‘I used to do these doodles as well,’ of a face which is very like my kind of on-stage face, the same kind of makeup. We make of that what we will; whether it’s all preordained. One day, a scientist might explain it to us, I guess.”
“The Life and Death of Lily Savage” is set to premiere on ITV1 on Good Friday, April 29th, at 9:00 PM, offering viewers an intimate look into the amazing journey of Paul O’Grady and his iconic alter ego.
