From Drag to Riches: The Incredible Rise of Paul O'Grady, the Hilarious Lily Savage

Paul O’Grady, a well-known comedian and television presenter, rose to fame as his drag alter-ego, Lily Savage. His witty and often outrageous humor quickly became a hit with audiences across the UK, and his popularity continued to grow as he transitioned to presenting his own shows.

Born in Birkenhead, Merseyside, in 1955, O’Grady had a difficult childhood. He left school at 16 and worked a series of odd jobs before starting his career in entertainment. In the 1980s, he created the character of Lily Savage, a brash and outspoken drag queen, and began performing at local clubs and pubs.

Savage's outrageous humor and quick wit soon earned her a cult following, and O'Grady's career began to take off. He was eventually spotted by a talent scout and offered his own television show, "The Lily Savage Show," which debuted in 1997.

The show was an instant hit, and O’Grady became a household name throughout the UK. He continued to perform as Lily Savage for several years, even releasing a bestselling autobiography, "Lily Savage: The Autobiography," in 1999.

In the early 2000s, O'Grady began transitioning away from his Lily Savage character and into presenting his own shows under his own name. He became the host of several successful programs, including "The Paul O'Grady Show" and "Paul O'Grady Live," which aired on ITV.

O'Grady's unique brand of humor and his ability to connect with his audience made him a beloved figure in the UK entertainment industry. He has won numerous awards for his work, including a BAFTA for Best Entertainment Performance in 2005.

In addition to his work on television, O'Grady is also a successful author, with several bestselling books to his name. He has also been involved in various charitable causes, including animal welfare and HIV/AIDS advocacy.

Today, O'Grady is considered one of the most influential comedians and presenters in the UK. His legacy as Lily Savage lives on, and he remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Whether performing as his drag alter-ego or hosting his own shows, O'Grady has always been able to connect with his audience and make them laugh, and his unique brand of humor continues to inspire a new generation of comedians and performers.