Key Highlights
- Paul O’Grady’s friend Malcolm Prince shared four chilling words the star said in his final hours.
- The late star had previously said he wouldn’t “make old bones,” a phrase that haunts Prince to this day.
- O’Grady died at 67, leaving behind a legacy in entertainment and public life.
Paul O’Grady’s Final Moments: Chilling Words Haunt Friend
Malcolm Prince, a long-time friend of the late television personality Paul O’Grady, has shared some chilling words from their final conversation in his new memoir. According to O’Grady, who passed away at the age of 67 in March 2023, he uttered four words that “haunt” Prince: “I won’t make old bones.” This quote, which Prince says a doctor may have mentioned to him, left an indelible mark on their friend’s mind.
The nation was shocked by the news of O’Grady’s death in March 2023. Known for his work with Lily Savage and as a prominent figure in British entertainment, O’Grady’s passing came as a surprise to many due to the suddenness and unexpected nature of it.
A Day That Felt Different
In their last few hours together, Prince detailed how they spent an afternoon catching up. They discussed everything from upcoming work projects to family matters. Despite the usual camaraderie and laughter that characterized their conversations, this particular day felt different.
Prince recounted: “This day was different. As with any conversation between two friends, there were many topics we discussed that final time, including self-assembly furniture (don’t ask); his animals and how grateful he was that Moira was looking after them; Vera (obviously); Hinge and Brackett (why not?); and his two grandchildren, of whom he was so proud. Yes, he was on form.
But he didn’t have a rant – there seemed no time or need for one. Looking back, everything about that chat instead felt measured.”
The Quote That Haunts
Among the topics they discussed, Prince shared how O’Grady had joked about his own age and added chillingly: “I wouldn’t be surprised if my exit would be sooner rather than later.” This quote was a stark reminder of mortality and left a lasting impact on their relationship. Prince elaborated: “I have since wondered if he’d had a premonition because we continued to talk about death, and ‘not knowing what was round the corner.’ He reminded me of a quote by Charles M. Schulz: ‘Just remember, once you’re over the hill, you begin to pick up speed.’” This quote encapsulates O’Grady’s sense of humor in his final days, though it adds an undercurrent of foreboding.
Posthumous Book and Legacy
The book “Paul O’Grady: Not The Same Without You,” co-authored by Malcolm Prince, is a collection of anecdotes and memories drawn from Prince’s extensive private recordings. It offers readers unprecedented insight into the life and career of this beloved national treasure. Among the stories shared are tales of O’Grady’s unlikely friendship with Queen Elizabeth II, his departure from the BBC, and even a ghost story.
The book promises to be a valuable resource for fans and historians alike, providing a comprehensive look at O’Grady’s impact on British entertainment.
According to Prince, the book is set to release on November 6, 2025, offering a poignant tribute to an artist whose legacy continues to resonate in the industry he so profoundly shaped. As the nation mourns the loss of Paul O’Grady, his words and the memories they evoke remain a powerful testament to the enduring impact of his life and career.
