As of April 18, 2026, the husband of the late Paul O’Grady is Andre Portasio, a retired professional ballet dancer who is currently serving as the creative consultant for a major 2026 exhibition honoring his late husband’s career. Andre, who was Paul’s partner for 17 years and his husband for six, has been the primary guardian of the “Gypsy King of Comedy’s” legacy since O’Grady’s unexpected passing in March 2023. In March 2026, marking the third anniversary of Paul’s death, Andre announced the launch of “The Paul O’Grady Story,” a free exhibition set to open in December 2026 at the Williamson Art Gallery in Paul’s hometown of Birkenhead. Beyond his curatorial work, Andre continues to manage the couple’s Kent estate and Paul’s official social media presence, while advocating for the animal welfare and LGBTQ+ causes that defined Paul’s public life. This article explores Andre’s professional background, the couple’s private 2017 wedding, and the significant charitable work Andre oversees in 2026.
Who is Andre Portasio?
Andre Portasio is a Brazilian-born former professional ballet dancer who achieved significant acclaim within the British arts scene before his relationship with Paul O’Grady became public knowledge. His discipline and artistry provided a grounding balance to Paul’s often chaotic and high-energy persona.
Professional Career: Andre was a member of the English National Ballet, performing in world-class productions such as The Canterville Ghost and Song of the Earth.
Meeting Paul: The pair met in 2006 at a gay club in London and began a long-term relationship that lasted nearly two decades.
The Age Gap: Despite a 25-year age difference, friends and family frequently described the couple as perfectly matched in humor and temperament.
Life in Kent: The couple lived a quiet life on a farm in Adlington, near Ashford, surrounded by a diverse menagerie of rescue animals.
Andre’s transition from the stage to the management of Paul’s complex professional and charitable affairs was gradual. By the time of Paul’s passing, Andre was deeply involved in the operation of “Buster Productions,” the company named after Paul’s famous dog that handled the star’s television and media earnings.
The 2017 Wedding and Private Life
While Paul O’Grady was a public figure known for his “tell-it-like-it-is” attitude, his wedding to Andre Portasio in 2017 was a remarkably intimate affair, kept away from the paparazzi’s lens.
The Goring Hotel Ceremony
The couple married in August 2017 at the plush Goring Hotel in Central London. The ceremony lasted approximately 30 minutes and was attended by only a small group of close friends, including Sir Ian McKellen and Julian Clary. It was actually Julian Clary who reportedly encouraged Paul to marry, suggesting that legalizing the union would ensure Andre was fully protected and recognized as his next of kin.
Daily Life on the Farm
For much of their relationship, the couple maintained separate residences to preserve their independence, only moving in together permanently during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their Kent home became a sanctuary for dozens of animals, including five dogs (Arfur, Conchita, Eddie, Nancy, and Sausage), pigs, alpacas, and goats. Andre has spoken about how Paul’s “final hours” were spent in this home, sharing a quiet moment together before Paul passed away peacefully in his chair.
Legacy Projects and “The Paul O’Grady Story”
In 2026, Andre Portasio has taken a leading role in ensuring that Paul’s impact on British culture is documented and celebrated for future generations through archival projects.
On March 26, 2026, Andre officially announced “The Paul O’Grady Story,” a major exhibition supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Wirral Council. Set to open on December 4, 2026, the exhibition will delve into Paul’s private archives, showcasing original Lily Savage costumes, scripts, and rare footage. Andre serves as the Creative Consultant, ensuring the display reflects Paul’s journey from a working-class boy in Tranmere to a national treasure. This project is a central part of Andre’s commitment to “bringing the boy from Birkenhead home,” providing a free cultural resource for the local community that Paul loved so dearly.
Managing the O’Grady Estate
Following Paul’s death, the scale of his estate and his immense generosity became clear through probate records and council filings managed by Andre and Paul’s confidante, Joan Marshrons.
Inheritance: Paul left an estate valued at approximately £15.5 million, with the bulk shared between Andre, Paul’s daughter Sharon Mousley, and his sister Sheila.
Dog Care Fund: Notably, Paul set aside £125,000 specifically for the lifelong care of his five rescue dogs, a fund Andre continues to oversee in 2026.
Charitable Bequests: The estate distributed £500,000 to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and over £700,000 to other causes, including the Salvation Army and wildlife rescues.
Property Development: In 2024 and 2025, Andre navigated a legal battle to convert part of their Kent estate into a holiday let, a move intended to help sustain the property’s high maintenance costs.
Andre’s management of the estate in 2026 is defined by a balance of practical sustainability and emotional preservation. He frequently shares “bittersweet” archival videos on Paul’s Instagram to keep fans connected, including the now-famous final video recorded just 20 minutes before Paul’s death.
Practical Information for Fans in 2026
If you are a fan of Paul O’Grady looking to pay your respects or engage with his legacy in 2026, here are the essential details for your planning.
Exhibition Dates: The Paul O’Grady Story opens December 4, 2026, and is expected to run through 2027.
Location: Williamson Art Gallery & Museum, Birkenhead, Wirral.
Cost: Entry to the exhibition is Free, in accordance with Andre’s and the Estate’s wishes.
Digital Access: Paul’s official Instagram (@paulogrady) is the primary source for authentic updates and archival clips managed by Andre.
Donations: Those wishing to honor Paul are encouraged by Andre to support Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, where Paul was an ambassador for over a decade.
FAQs
Who is Andre Portasio?
Andre Portasio is a retired professional ballet dancer and the husband of the late Paul O’Grady.
How long were Paul O’Grady and Andre Portasio together?
The couple was together for 17 years, having met in 2006 and married in 2017.
What is Andre Portasio doing in 2026?
He is working as the Creative Consultant for a major free exhibition about Paul’s life opening in Birkenhead in December 2026.
Does Paul O’Grady have a daughter?
Yes, Paul had a daughter named Sharon Mousley, born in 1974, with whom he remained very close.
Who inherited Paul O’Grady’s money?
The majority of his £15.5 million estate was left to Andre Portasio, his daughter Sharon, and his sister Sheila, with significant sums also going to charity.
Where did Paul O’Grady and Andre live?
They lived on a farm in Adlington, Kent, which was home to numerous rescue animals and livestock.
What was Andre Portasio’s career?
He was a dancer with the English National Ballet, known for his technical skill and performances in classic British productions.
Is the Paul O’Grady exhibition in 2026 free?
Yes, Andre Portasio has ensured that The Paul O’Grady Story in Birkenhead will be free to the public.
Who manages Paul O’Grady’s Instagram now?
Paul’s husband, Andre Portasio, currently manages the account and uses it to share archival footage and project updates.
Was Paul O’Grady married before Andre?
Yes, Paul had a “marriage of convenience” with Teresa Fernandes from 1977 to 2005 to prevent her deportation, though they were never in a relationship.
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