Paul O’Grady spoke openly about his problems in his final TV series, which aired one year after he passed away. health The beloved comedian and TV star died on March 28, 2023, at the age of 67, and there was an outpouring of grief across the nation.
passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at his home in Kent, with later reports confirming his cause of death as sudden cardiac arrhythmia.
O’Grady Before his early death, devoted animal lover O’Grady filmed a passion project called Paul O’Grady’s Great Elephant Adventure. Airing on ITV on Easter Sunday, the program documented his travels across Thailand and Laos as he immersed himself in conservation work, helping out at elephant rescue centers by caring for the endangered creatures.
During the two-parter, O’Grady also talked about his personal life as he began his travels in the jungle surrounding Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, where more than half the country’s 3,500 domesticated elephants live. While learning the tricks of the trade and how to care for elephants, O’Grady explored the art of Thai medicine. Upon learning it was useful for elephants – who were a close second to dogs for the beloved entertainer – the Lily Savage star decided to do some of his own research.
When asked what he was looking for, he said: ‘Something for my heart. ‘I have some varicose veins and some other personal issues.’
Viewers watching at home noticed his comment and took to social media to express their sadness that O’Grady is no longer with us.
LewLewEagle wrote: ‘What an amazing program with an amazing person!! We are lucky to have 1 final show!’
He had a great love for elephants, immersing himself in conservation work before his death (Picture: ITV) O’Grady traveled across Thailand and Laos (Picture: ITV) ‘This was such a wonderful program, poignant but wonderful. Paul really did have such a special connection with animals, so much compassion for them. And animals clearly felt that and loved him for it’, said NadineErskine.
‘Did anyone else cry watching Paul with the elephants?’, asked an emotional 92MJT.
User grieve51166 said they were ‘in bits’ watching the show, while DavidBastin12 declared it ‘fantastic television’.
As the episode ended, there was a sweet tribute to the late star, with a photo of him displayed reading: ‘In loving memory of Paul O’Grady MBE.’
Part two will air next week, showing O’Grady heading south near the beaches of Hua Hin to the Wildlife Friends Foundation, the country’s biggest wildlife hospital.
Prior to the show hitting screens, Great Elephant Adventure’s co-executive producer Clare Barton recalled working with O’Grady.
: ‘”This is paradise!” he shouts.’
Clare disclosed that she saw O’Grady a little over a week before he passed away when he recorded the narration for the program.
The TV producer said: ‘Paul was breezing through the commentary. For the first time in 18 years of collaborating, Paul proposed that he carry on and finish recording the voiceover.
‘We finished the films with Paul’s voice on them that afternoon. The date was 15 March 2023. It would be the final time I ever saw Paul.’
After the heartbreaking news of his passing, the true scope of O’Grady’s generosity was unveiled in his will.
In total, £775,000 of O’Grady’s will was allocated for causes and organizations dear to his heart.
O’Grady bequeathed a substantial portion of his wealth to charities dear to his heart (Picture: ITV)
He is survived by his husband, Andre Portasio (Picture: Can Nguyen/REX/Shutterstock) Radio TimesThis included an astounding
£500,000 for Battersea Cats and Dogs Home,
which appeared in
his popular ITV series,
For the Love of Dogs.
Additionally, he made a £50,000 contribution to various elephant and orangutan charities and gave £50,000 to the Salvation Army, which assisted him while growing up in Liverpool and where he volunteered as a teenager.
This included a staggering £500,000 for Battersea Cats and Dogs Home, which featured in his popular ITV series, For the Love of Dogs.
As well, he made a £50,000 donation to various elephant and orangutan charities and gave £50,000 to the Salvation Army, which helped him while growing up in Liverpool and where he volunteered as a teenager.
Paul O’Grady’s Great Elephant Adventure continues next week on ITV1 and ITVX.
