An alternative gay comedy scene star who became a national treasure was celebrated by Britain's queen consort, who supported animal charities with O'Grady.
Originally from Birkenhead, near Liverpool, O'Grady became Savage, the tart-tongued drag queen he performed as when working as a local authority care worker.
In London, Savage hosted talent shows and stand-up comedy shows at Royal Vauxhall Tavern. In the AIDS crisis, O'Grady spoke out against the anti-gay laws passed by the Conservative government of Margaret Thatcher.
In a tweet, the royal family posted a photo of O'Grady and Camilla with the caption: "Deeply saddened by Paul O'Grady's passing. Paul shared many ripples of laughter with Her Majesty."