Paul O’Grady has died aged 67 with his husband announcing the news and although the cause of his death has not been revealed, the TV presenter and comedian had had three heart attacks by 2021.
O’Grady’s parents both died from heart problems when they were young.
His father died when O’Grady was a teenager and his mother died when he was 33. O’Grady’s cousin Maureen died in 2021.
O’Grady said: “Maureen was only four years older than me and she went to bed and didn’t wake up”.
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When asked if he felt there was a ticking time bomb when it came to his health in 2021, O’Grady remained positive, saying: “No, I refuse to let myself think anything like that. And I refuse to sit on the sofa watching daytime telly, counting tablets. You get people who give up and I get so annoyed. I think, ‘Don’t be silly, you’ve been given a second chance or a third or a fourth chance, so use it’.”
What is a heart attack or myocardial infarction?
Myocardial Infarction or MI “is a serious medical emergency in which the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot”, the NHS website says.
If you or someone you know is thought to be suffering a heart attack, you need to call 999 and ask for an ambulance as it is a medical emergency, the health service warns.
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The website adds that if the heart is receiving a lack of blood, it “may seriously damage the heart muscle and can be life threatening.”
You can find out more about heart attacks via the NHS website.
Paul O’Grady’s husband releases statement confirming his death
A statement shared via a representative said Paul O'Grady died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening.
Mr Portasio said in his statement: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.”
“We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.
“He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
“I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”
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