Paul O’Grady Honoured with Major Exhibition on Third Anniversary of His Death – “We All Miss Him Greatly”

By Entertainment Desk | March 29, 2026

Three years after the nation lost one of its most beloved entertainers, the legacy of Paul O’Grady continues to shine brightly. On the third anniversary of his passing, his husband André Portasio announced a touching tribute: a major free exhibition titled “The Paul O’Grady Story”, which will delve deep into the comedian and presenter’s extensive private archive.

bbc.co.uk

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Paul O’Grady, the acclaimed TV legend best known for his sharp-tongued drag persona Lily Savage, tragically died at the age of 67 on March 28, 2023. He passed away unexpectedly but peacefully from a sudden cardiac arrhythmia at his home in Kent. The news shocked fans across the UK and beyond, as O’Grady had become a national treasure through his warmth, wit, and fearless advocacy.

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In an emotional statement released on the anniversary, André Portasio wrote: “Today sadly marks three years since Paul passed away. Needless to say, WE ALL MISS HIM GREATLY.” He added that with great honour he could announce the major exhibition, describing it as a deep dive into Paul’s private archive, revealing his life both in front of and behind the cameras.

bbc.co.uk

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The exhibition, “The Paul O’Grady Story”, will open on December 4, 2026, at the Williamson Art Gallery in Birkenhead — O’Grady’s hometown on the Wirral. It will run through to late 2027 and is completely free to the public. Described as a major retrospective, the show promises to give visitors the first major glimpse into Paul’s personal collection, including rare artefacts, original Lily Savage costumes, pantomime outfits, scripts, photography, and never-before-seen footage.

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Williamson Art Gallery & Museum

Organisers say the exhibition will contextualise O’Grady as an LGBTQIA+ icon, an award-winning broadcaster, a passionate animal rights activist, and a powerful voice for the voiceless — especially animals. It will also highlight his working-class roots and his role in giving a platform to marginalised communities through humour and compassion. A wider community and participation programme will run alongside the main display.

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Born in Birkenhead in 1955, Paul O’Grady rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s with his outrageous alter ego Lily Savage, a no-nonsense Scouse drag queen who became a household name on shows like The Big Breakfast, Blankety Blank, and Lily Savage’s Blankety Blank. He later transitioned to presenting under his own name, fronting popular series such as For the Love of Dogs, Paul O’Grady’s Little Britain, and The Paul O’Grady Show. His genuine love for animals and his tireless campaigning for rescue dogs earned him a special place in the hearts of millions.

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Following his death in 2023, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry and the public. Fans described him as irreplaceable — a man whose quick wit, kindness, and authenticity lit up British television for decades. His husband André, who married Paul in a private ceremony in 2017, has since managed his social media and worked to preserve his memory with dignity and care.

The announcement of the exhibition has been met with widespread excitement and emotion. Many fans commented that they “still can’t believe he’s gone,” echoing the sense of loss felt across the country. The free nature of the exhibition has been praised as a fitting “gift” from Paul to his beloved hometown and to the fans who supported him throughout his career.

The Williamson Art Gallery has expressed pride in hosting the retrospective, noting it will celebrate not only O’Grady’s entertainment achievements but also his activism and personal journey. Visitors can expect an immersive experience that blends laughter, nostalgia, and heartfelt reflection.

As the third anniversary passes, this major announcement serves as a beautiful reminder of Paul O’Grady’s enduring impact. While the pain of his absence remains, his spirit — bold, compassionate, and hilariously honest — will live on through this exhibition and in the countless memories he left behind.

For many, December 2026 cannot come soon enough. The Paul O’Grady Story promises to be more than just an exhibition — it will be a heartfelt celebration of a true national treasure who brought joy, laughter, and humanity to millions.