Key Highlights
- Paul O’Grady turned down a heart operation just months before his death.
- The decision was made to avoid hospitalization and work commitments.
- O’Grady’s close friend Malcolm Prince revealed the details in his new book.
- A special headstone was finally placed at O’Grady’s grave two years after his passing.
Paul O’Grady’s Final Days and Decision
In a new revelation, Paul O’Grady’s close friend and producer, Malcolm Prince, has disclosed that the TV star refused a vital heart operation just months before his death. This decision was made with the intention of not letting others down due to his ongoing work commitments.
Reasons Behind Refusal
Prince stated in an interview with The Mirror: “He didn’t want to go back into hospital to have another procedure and then spend time recuperating. He wanted to get on and live his life but also work.” His manager, Joan Marshrons, added that O’Grady was concerned about the impact of being on camera or in front of an audience if the defibrillator activated unexpectedly.
Timeline and Context
O’Grady, a beloved entertainer and comedian known for his love of animals and various TV shows, passed away at his home in Aldington, near Ashford, on March 14, 2023, from sudden cardiac arrhythmia. His decision not to undergo the procedure came months before this tragic event.
Previous Health Issues
The entertainer had a history of heart issues, having survived three previous heart attacks in 2002, 2006, and 2014. Additionally, he suffered from kidney failure and spoke openly about his battle with COVID-19 in April 2020.
Posthumous Honors and Memorials
Following O’Grady’s death, his widow Andre Portasio fought for a special headstone to be placed at his grave. The final design was unveiled last month, bearing both O’Grady’s name and that of his former long-term partner Brendan Murphy, who died in 2005. A figurine of their dog Buster also graces the monument.
Paul O’Grady’s legacy continues to be celebrated through various memorials and tributes, highlighting the impact he had on British entertainment and beyond. His decision to prioritize his career over medical treatment underscores the complexities faced by celebrities in balancing personal health with public commitments.
