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Paul O’Grady ‘smoked spliff’ in final moments before death husband reveals
The couple ‘had a code’ for when they were going to roll a joint to smoke
Paul O’Grady’s husband said the TV star ‘smoked a spliff’ shortly before he passed away at home earlier this year.
The comedian and For the Love of Dogs presenter died at the age of 67 at his home in Kent in March of this year. His death was described by his family as ‘unexpected’ but ‘peaceful’.
At the time, O’Grady’s husband André Portasio confirmed that sad news as he said: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.
“He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, with and compassion.
“I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”
Family, friends and celebrities attended a memorial on Wednesday evening including the likes of Alan Carr, Amanda Holden and Dawn French, as they gathered to remember their hilarious and much-loved pal.
It was at a packed-out event to honour the national treasure that Portasio shared details of his husband’s final moments. He said they had a code phrase they would use if either of them wanted to roll a joint.
As reported in the Sun, Portasio said: “We’d had a very ordinary day, just watching TV together at home, when Paul said he wanted to make a ‘cup of tea,’ and that was our little code for rolling a spliff.
“So Paul went to the kitchen to make a cup of tea, brought it back, lit it and started smoking it – and that was our last time together, the last thing we did. He passed away there in his chair.”
The Brazilian, who married the star back in 2017, shared a string of anecdotes during the emotional evening that saw laughs as well as tears.
One onlooker told the Sun: “It was a very moving speech, with some lovely memories and stories – and everyone laughed a lot – but it was also surprisingly candid. It was just Andre’s way of dealing with grief and getting things off his chest.”
O’Grady’s celebrity friend Julian Clary was also in attendance where he shared another funny memory saying: “I went over to Paul’s for dinner, and he served me pumpkin soup. After that, the evening got a bit a wild – and I can’t remember very much.
“The next day, Paul called me and said, ‘How did you find the soup?’ and laughed hysterically.
“God knows what he’d put in it!”
The Birkenhead-born comedian first found fame as alter-ego Lily Savage, where he went on to have a wealthy career. O’Grady was also known for his love of animals and went on to present the multi-award winning TV show For the Love of Dogs, which millions across the nation tuned in for.