29 March 2023 , 21:39
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Paul O'Grady once opened up about how he wanted to die and revealed he wanted to "make a quick exit".
The comedian, actor and writer, also known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on Tuesday evening, his husband announced.
He was 67 years old when he passed away and was "full of life" and "surrounded by his beloved dogs " just hours before he died.
The TV icon previously opened up about how he wanted to die and said he wanted it to be quick.
Paul, who suffered three heart attacks in his lifetime, said: "It’s not the actual dying, the final croak, that bothers me, it’s the speed of it.
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“Will it come quickly? And will I know anything about it?"
Paul passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday (SplashNews.com)He added : "Speaking from experience I’d favour a nice quick fatal heart attack over a long lingering death any day.
“I don’t want to rot, slowly, before my loved ones’ eyes. I’d rather make a quick exit."
He suffered a cardiac arrest in 2002 and then again in 2006.
Paul had another one in 2014, as well as kidney failure. He also suffered from a lot of symptoms when he contracted Covid.
The beloved entertainer once admitted that he always felt like death was nipping at his heels and would one day catch up with him.
Predicting that he wouldn't see 60, he once told The Mirror: "I do count my blessings.
"I have had two heart attacks, and if I get to 60 that will be amazing. I don't fear anything nowadays.
He previously spoke about how he wanted to die (Getty Images)
He said he wanted to 'make a quick exit' (Ken McKay/REX/Shutterstock)"There has to be an angel out there. They are trying to steer me out of trouble 24 hours a day."
On one occasion, Paul's heart stopped in an ambulance and he had to be resuscitated.
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Asked what happens when you die, he said there was just 'nothing'.
He continued: "Everyone asks: 'Did you see anything?' No, sorry. Nothing. No heavenly choirs, no light at the end of the tunnel."
Paul's husband Andre Portasio announced the tragic news of his death with a statement.
"It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening," he said.