In a touching revelation that showcases the true character behind the celebrity persona, it has emerged that the late Paul O'Grady maintained a secret three-decade friendship with Birmingham drag performer Reg Bolton.
A Friendship Forged in Birmingham's LGBT Scene
The unlikely bond between the national television star and local entertainer began in the early 1990s when O'Grady, then performing as his iconic alter ego Lily Savage, visited Birmingham's vibrant gay scene. Reg Bolton, a respected figure in the city's drag community, initially connected with O'Grady through mutual friends in the entertainment circuit.
Private Support Away from the Spotlight
What made this friendship remarkable was its discretion. While O'Grady became a household name through shows like For the Love of Dogs and his chat series, he continued to support Bolton privately. The comedy legend would regularly check in on his Birmingham friend, offering career advice and emotional support during challenging times.
'Paul never forgot where he came from,' Bolton revealed in an emotional interview. 'Despite his fame, he remained incredibly loyal to his friends from the early days. He understood the struggles of drag performers and always made time for people.'
The Emotional Final Conversation
Bolton shared details of their last conversation before O'Grady's unexpected passing in March 2023. The pair discussed future projects and O'Grady's enduring passion for animal welfare. There was no indication that this would be their final exchange.
A Legacy of Quiet Kindness
This revelation adds another layer to O'Grady's legacy, showing that his compassionate nature extended far beyond his television work. While millions knew him as a champion for rescue animals, those in the LGBT community experienced his generosity firsthand.
The story serves as a poignant reminder that true friendship often exists away from the glare of publicity, and that the late entertainer's impact reached deep into communities across the UK, including Birmingham's thriving drag scene.
