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 bo 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.
Paul O'Grady - The Biography
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 bo 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.
Compare
Related products
FL Studio Cheatbook - Make Impressive Music, Quick: Mixing, Mastering, Workflow, Plugins, And More
Dave Matthews Band: Music for the People
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Classical Music
History of Music
Who Needs Classical Music?: Cultural Choice and Musical Value
The Power of Sound: How to Be Healthy and Productive Using Music and Sound
Music: Hit the Right Note!
Lisa Bennett –
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!!! 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 –
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. 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 –
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 –
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 –
Brilliant witty and heart warming.
georgina cahill –
Great read! always loved paul but now have a new found respect for him also! he's a tough nut! highly recommend to everyone Great read! always loved paul but now have a new found respect for him also! he's a tough nut! highly recommend to everyone
DIANE THOMAS –
Paul at his best Loved all his books and this one didn't disappoint. An honest account of life, love, Health worries and bereavement . Paul at his best Loved all his books and this one didn't disappoint. An honest account of life, love, Health worries and bereavement .
Anne Beattie –
An interesting read on a remarkable man's life. An interesting read on a remarkable man's life.
Siobhan Johnson –
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 steppi 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 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
Michelle –
I love Paul O'Grady so i have no idea why this was just 'ok' for me, i just didnt find it very engaging. I love Paul O'Grady so i have no idea why this was just 'ok' for me, i just didnt find it very engaging.
Jamie –
I remember when I was bought this book 12 years ago for my birthday. I loved it
Mrs P.A.Atkins –
karen Edmondson –
Angela Shackleton –
Kim Walker –
Helen Morris –
Mrs Cecelia R Clare –
rose boakes –
mrs dawn myers-ward –
Lisa –
Mrs H Nicholls –
Liz Hemsley –
kevin weldon –
margaret gowans –
Madeleine Williams –
LESLEY PARKER –
Paul Gallon –
mandy aitken –
Denise –