20 April 2023 , 06:00
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Paul O’Grady continued to "live life to the full" despite his heart problems - as the star is laid to rest today.
The TV legend passed away "unexpectedly but peacefully" at his Kent home on March 28 at the age of 67.
His death certificate has revealed that the Lily Savage star died from sudden cardiac arrhythmia.
Sudden arrhythmic death syndrome, or SADS, is when someone dies suddenly following a cardiac arrest and no obvious cause can be found, according to the British Heart Foundation.
Before he passed away, Paul had suffered three heart attacks before the age of 65.
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Heart disease also ran in his family and both his parents – Mary and Patrick – died the same way.
Paul had three heart attacks before he died (BBC)Prior to his death, Paul had spoken openly about his health battles but said he had “no fear” after losing many of his friends to AIDS in the 1980s.
He 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.”
"There has to be an angel out there. They are trying to steer me out of trouble 24 hours a day,” he added.
The much-loved star had a heart attack in his sleep (Instagram)
As his alter ego, drag queen Lily Savage (Nikki English/REX/Shutterstock)Recalling his first heart attack in 2002, Paul said: “I’d sort of been waiting for it... all our family has heart disease. But I never thought I wasn’t going to make it. God no!”
Even when he had his second heart attack in a Waitrose supermarket in 2006 – which he described as being “like an earthquake” - he thought “I’ll be ok in a minute”.
Instead of going to the hospital straight away, he went home and made himself meatloaf and ice cream before taking a painkiller and an aspirin.
Paul had one of his heart attacks on the way to film his chat show (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Then in 2014, a third heart scare led to him being admitted to hospital after he became unwell on the way to film his afternoon chat show.
Paul's heart stopped while he was in the 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 said he didn't fear dying after losing many friends to AIDS (ITV)Despite his health problems, Paul – who still smoked his beloved Benson & Hedges up until his death – said he would rather die young and live life to the full.
He told the Mirror at the time: “I’d rather live life to the full, even if that’s five or 10 years. That’s better to me than sitting at home and living for 30 years.”
Days after leaving the hospital, he was back at work.
Giving his outlook on life, he said: “There’s a lovely poem, ‘My candle burns at both ends, It will not last the night, But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends, It gives a lovely light’. And it’s true.
“My mum and dad died of heart problems, my grandparents died of it, my sister has had mini strokes, my brother has had a heart attack and various other members of the family – it’s genetic and there’s nothing I can do. I could dwell on it, but I choose not to.”
Paul wanted to die younger and 'live life to the full' than live until 90 (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Paul revealed he had “planned nothing” for his death after losing so many friends – including close pal Cilla Black.
In a chat with the , he shared: "I’ve planned nothing. I’ve had a few blows health-wise and lots of friends – most of my friends – dying in the Aids years.
"You think, why was I spared? As you get older you start thinking about the past…"
Following his death in March, Paul's husband Andre Portasio said: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.
"We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.
"He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
"I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years."