O'Grady, who rose to fame on the nightclub circuit as the acerbic, platinum wig-wearing Lily Savage, died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on Tuesday evening (March 28). In the statement issued in the early hours of Wednesday morning (March 29), Mr Portasio said: "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.