LOVE OF HIS LIFE
Who is Paul O’Grady’s husband Andre Portasio?
PAUL O'Grady tragically passed away on March 28, 2023, leaving friends and family devastated.
Here we get to know the late comedian's husband Andre Portasio, who was married to Paul from 2007 until his untimely death.
Who is Andre Portasio?
Andre Portasio is a former professional ballet dancer, who used to perform with the English National Ballet.
Since retiring from dancing, Andre has trained to teach ballet, as well as pursuing a career as an arts manager.
Paul and Andre started their relationship in 2006 — 11 years before they tied the knot.
When did Paul O'Grady and Andre Portasio get married?
Andre and Paul got hitched in a 30-minute ceremony in the gardens of The Goring Hotel, central London, on August 5, 2017.
Guests such as actors Ian McKellen, Michael Cashman and comedian Julian Clary then enjoyed champagne and canapés, including smoked salmon pancake rolls and Dorset crab cornets, on the private lawn.
The wedding reception menu included cured sea bream and glazed ox cheek.
A close friend told The Sun: “Paul is as happy as he’s ever been to be married to Andre.
“They kept the wedding to just their closest family and friends and had a big lunch afterwards to celebrate.”
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Who else had Paul O'Grady dated?
Paul always kept his love life private, but we do know he was wed once before.
He was married to Teresa Fernandes from 1977 to 2005.
This was a "marriage of convenience" and he said he was "not in a relationship" with her.
Did Paul O'Grady have any children?
In 1974 Paul had a daughter, Sharon, with his friend Diane Jansen.
He had a good relationship with his only child and even gave her away at her wedding when she married her childhood friend Philip Moseley.
The couple gave Paul a grandson called Abel, and granddaughter named Halo.
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What did Andre Portasio say about Paul O'Grady's death?
Andre broke the sad news that his beloved husband Paul had passed away.
Announcing the tragic news, he said in a statement: "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.
"He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
"I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years."
Ahead of the first anniversary of Paul's death, Andre told the : “Suddenly, you start remembering where we were, and what we were doing together.
“It reminded me just how lucky I was to have had him in my life.”
He added: “I wanted to be as far away from it as possible in New Zealand.
“I don’t want to be anywhere near my kitchen where I found him, and be reminded of what happened.”
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