Paul O'Grady - The Biography

by Neil Simpson

Comedian, teatime talk show host and all-round entertainer, multi-award winning Paul O'Grady is one of the most popular figures on British television.But his real-life journey has been more dramatic than any of his on-stage stories.Born into a noisy Irish Catholic household in Birkenhead, Paul was always determined to live a colourful life. He was a boxing champion as a boy. He became a dad as a teenager. He has been a barman in a brothel and spent his first years in London working as a carer to some of the capital's most at-risk kids.In this, the first major biography of the star, Neil Simpson reveals the extraordinary highs and the terrible lows of Paul's life. He explains: how Lily Savage was born as a way to make more money - and help Paul take his mind off the horrors he saw every day as a social worker; how tough it was for the 'blonde bombsite from Birkenhead' to break into the entertainment mainstream; and, why Paul decided to risk everything by throwing off Lily's wig and carving out a new career as himself.The depression, the private grief and the near fatal heart attacks that struck as Paul re-invented himself as the funniest and most successful chat show host in the country. Frequently hilarious and sometimes heart-wrenchingly sad, Paul O'Grady has always lived his life on a rollercoaster of emotions. Today he is a proud grandfather, a multimillionaire and a man loved by millions of devoted fans. This is his incredible story.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Autobiography

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2007

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Paul O'Grady but this was just 'ok' for me, I just didn't find this book very engaging.

I don't rate peoples lives so its an auto 5 star from me.

[Lisa Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

good read, shame it wasn't written by him. would have been a better read if he hadn't got someone to write his story for him. that ruined it for me to be honest. still love him though, bring back lily!!!

[Emma Crane · Rating 3 out of 5]

As some comments below, the author wrote this from their own free will, Paul didn't ask the author to write his story. After reading this and comparing to the books Paul ACTUALLY wrote himself, the one by Neil Simpson is inaccurate and obviously didn't proof read or do the proper research.

[Gilliflower · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know the old dears love him but it was interesting to read how he started out and nothing in Pauls life has run smoothly.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

He is brilliant and as both a bad and great life so far, who he keep working on tv our best comedian /presenter we have

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant witty and heart warming.

[georgina cahill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!

always loved paul but now have a new found respect for him also! he's a tough nut! highly recommend to everyone

[Angela Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul O'Grady the Legend

What a fantastic book. Written with care, honesty, dignity and humour. All traits that truly show the real Paul O'Grady. This book shows him in a real and humane way. Thank you for the opportunity to share with the wider world what a treasure he was.

[DIANE THOMAS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paul at his best

Loved all his books and this one didn't disappoint. An honest account of life, love, Health worries and bereavement .

[Winnie Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

Thoroughly enjoyed this. I could imagine Paul reading it to me as if he were in the same room. Very funny and so sad in places.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read and well written

[Michelle Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing funny book. I couldn't put it down. Gifted it on top my mother to read

[Anne Beattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting read on a remarkable man's life.

[Siobhan Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

what a great book about a great man - Paul O Grady is a classic entertainer. His roots are in old fashonied variety shows and even vaudeville which is why his afternoon show is such a showcase for ordinary people with a bit of guts and talent. What this book does so well is to show why Paul supports ordinary people and underdogs. His history is amazing, you can almost sense him watching the women at market stalls and magistrates courts when he put Lily Savage together. But Lily was only a stepping stone - it is clear he always wanted to be himself and give other people a chance to shine. The emotional stuff in the book is heartbreaking without being intrusive. Paul has quietly got on with life when all has been falling down around him. Just like the survivors he has always admired. what a showman.

[Adeinne]

Fantastic book and i would tell you to read it especially if like myself you are a big Paul O'Grady fan.
This book had me hocked from the first page and i found it so hard to put the book down

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember when I was bought this book 12 years ago for my birthday. I loved it