Paul James O'Grady was an English comedian, broadcaster, drag queen, actor, and writer best known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, and for presenting BBC One game show Blankety Blank and other light entertainment programmes. O'Grady began performing as Lily Savage in the 1970s, he was initially part of drag mime duo the Playgirls, but in the 1980s he went solo performing for 8 years at South London gay pub, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. He grew popular in the London gay scene using Savage t... morePaul James O'Grady was an English comedian, broadcaster, drag queen, actor, and writer best known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, and for presenting BBC One game show Blankety Blank and other light entertainment programmes. O'Grady began performing as Lily Savage in the 1970s, he was initially part of drag mime duo the Playgirls, but in the 1980s he went solo performing for 8 years at South London gay pub, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. He grew popular in the London gay scene using Savage to speak out for gay rights. Savage eventually became a phenomenon he presented on The Big Breakfast from 1995 to 1996, Blankety Blank from 1997–2002 , and Lily Live! from 2000–2001, earning various awards and becoming a well known public figure. He started making more appearances on numerous television, radio and theatrical programs. He also presented teatime programme The Paul O'Grady Show on ITV from 2004 to 2009 which was later revived in 2013 on ITV and remained on air for two years. He went on to host a number of chat shows, and also brought his love of dogs to the screen. In 2020 he became president of the British Music Hall Society and wrote a children's book.
