Paul O'Grady as Lily Savage
4 of 4 portraits of Paul O'Grady
© Paul Massey
Paul O'Grady as Lily Savage
by Paul Massey
chromogenic print, 2003
13 in. x 13 in. (330 mm x 330 mm) image size
Given by Camera Press: London: UK, 2011
Photographs Collection
NPG x135364
This portraitback to top
Lily Savage became one of television's most popular stars, part of the long tradition of cross-dressing in comedy. The loud-mouthed, Birkenhead drag queen began presenting the long-running Blankety-Blank series in 1998, the year in which she was also awarded her own television series, The Lily Savage Show. Lily Savage is the creation of Paul O'Grady (b.1955), comedian and presenter on television and radio. He does, however, no longer perform as Savage.
Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top
- Comedians: From the 1940s to now (17 September 2011 - 8 January 2012)
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 2003back to top
Current affairs
Biological weapons expert, David Kelly commits suicide after being questioned by the government over allegations that the Iraq weapons dossier had been 'sexed-up' by the government. The Hutton Inquiry into Kelly's death concluded that he had taken his own life and that the BBC's claim was unfounded, leading to the Director General's resignation. No stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq after the 2003 invasion.Art and science
England wins the Rugby World Cup in the final against Australia. The match was exceptionally close with Australia equalising with just two and a half minutes of extra time remaining. 21 seconds before the end of the match, England's fly-half Jonny Wilkinson scored a drop-goal, winning the match and the tournament.International
America leads an invasion of Iraq after accusing the country of building Weapons of Mass Destruction. Initial success was achieved with the toppling of Saddam Hussein's government and George Bush's declaration of the end of major conflict - 'Mission Accomplished' - within two months of the invasion. The conflict, however, was not over, and British and American troops continued fighting with insurgents to stabilise the country.Comments back to top
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