In Memory of Paul O'Grady - From Social Worker to Beloved Star
Written by Carl Corry
The news of Paul O'Grady's passing in March 2023 has saddened almost everyone I know. It is rare for a celebrity to have such a strong impact on an entire nation, especially palpable in the North West, where he and I hail from.
Although O'Grady rose to fame with his iconic drag queen character, Lily Savage, he actually worked as a peripatetic care officer for Camden Council in the 1970s. He primarily worked with elderly people and dysfunctional families, which came with a range of unique challenges.
One of O'Grady's close friends said that he loved being a social worker, and the decision to give it up to focus on his performing career did not come easily. "He was really into his job, [and] being a social worker was his calling but he had to give up the work because he could only spread himself so thinly. [...] I think when you know you're a performer, which he knew deep down, nothing is going to stop you from performing."
O'Grady himself also spoke about how his work as a care officer had a lasting effect on him and made him more empathetic towards those less fortunate. Despite the challenges he faced, he never gave up on his dream of bringing joy and entertainment to people's lives.
Working in social care can be incredibly rewarding, but it also requires a great deal of strength and character. The fact that Paul O'Grady not only worked as a social worker but also loved it and found it gratifying is a further testament to his unique personality, warmth and affability that clearly wasn't just for show.
Although it has been nearly three weeks since his passing, the influence he has had on me and the people close to me will last a lifetime. Although so much more than just a social worker, Paul O'Grady will forever be an emblematic example of the best this profession can produce.
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Carl Corry is Area Manager and Senior Recruitment Consultant on our Healthcare team. He has over 20 years of experience placing healthcare professionals into various care settings, most significantly in the North East and North West regions.
