Beloved comedian and activist Paul O’Grady passed away in 2023 aged 67 from a cardiac arrhythmia. More than 18 months on, the star still has no gravestone.

Paul O’Grady passed away at the age of 67 back in 2023 (Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Paul O’Grady’s grave remains without a headstone more than 18 months after he was buried his friend has revealed in a devastating update. The beloved comedian – who originally shot to fame as drag performer and activist Lily Savage in the 1990s – died from a cardiac arrhythmia at his home in March 2023 aged 67.

He was laid to rest the following month in St Rumwold’s churchyard in Bonnington, Kent. While it is tradition to wait around a year before adding a headstone to allow the ground to settle, the process appears to be taking longer than expected. The comedian’s family, friends and fans are still waiting for a “proper” tribute.

The comedian and activist still has no gravestone (Image: Getty Images)

Currently, Paul’s final resting place is marked with wooden crosses and ornaments, but his close friend Sue Lanborn has called for something more permanent to be added. He was buried next to his best friend and former partner Brendan Murphy, who tragically died due to an inoprtably brain tumuor in 2005.

Speaking to The Sun, she argued: “It needs a proper headstone, even something simple like an engraving of Paul’s dog Buster”. Plans have reportedly been submitted for the upgrade, but O’Grady’s former agent Joan Marshrons admitted that it is “unfortunately a lengthy process”.

She added: “Rest assured, as soon as it comes through a fitting memorial headstone will be in place.” The Diocese of Canterbury needs the ecclesiastical court to grant a permit for a memorial to be added, due to the churchyard being consecrated ground.

It comes after it was announced that the Commissary Court of the Diocese of Canterbury granted permission for the final design of Paul and Brendan’s gravestone. The headstone features a small statue of a dog – a fitting tribute to the late star.

The news was shared on Paul’s official Instagram page, which those closest to him continued to run after he died. The post began: “Nearly two years since Paul’s sad passing, today I received some good news!

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Commissary Court of the Diocese of Canterbury, the Parish of Bonnington, and the Church of St. Rumwold. Special thanks to Robin Hopkins, Commissary General of the Diocese of Canterbury, for granting permission for the final design of Paul and Brenday’s gravestone.

“I appreciate everyone who visits the grave and supports our church community. Your kindness and compassion mean the world to me. I look forward to finally being able to give Paul a deseerving and fitting resting place.”

The Birkenhead-native experienced several health scares over the course of his career, including heart attacks, kidney failure and Covid, but he always appeared to bounce back. In a statement at the time of his death, his husband Andre Portasio said O’Grady died “unexpectedly but peacefully” at their home.

On the anniversary of his death this year, Portasio told The Mirror how he had found him in the kitchen of their Kent home. He told the outlet: “Suddenly, you start remembering where we were, and what we were doing together. It reminded me just how lucky I was to have had him in my life.”