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Renowned comedian Jimmy Cricket has passed away at the age of 80 following a brief illness, according to a statement from his family. They shared that he spent his final days surrounded by loved ones, enjoying laughter, songs, and warmth. Despite his condition, Jimmy continued to display his trademark humor, joking with NHS staff and family members until the very end. His family described his bravery, dignity, and unwavering positivity as truly inspiring throughout his illness.
Originating from Northern Ireland, Jimmy Cricket rose to fame during the 1970s. Born James Joseph Mulgrew in Cookstown, County Tyrone in 1945, he left school at 16 and began his career in entertainment as a Redcoat at Butlins in the summer of 1966. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he made a name for himself on the comedy club circuit. He eventually won LWT’s Search for a Star talent competition, which paved the way for his own television show on ITV and a BBC Radio 2 series.
Jimmy was widely recognized for his distinctive stage persona, featuring a worn bowler hat, tails, rolled-up trousers, and wellington boots marked with an “R” and “L.” His family remembered him as a “force for joy,” noting the world feels “a far less sillier place today” without him. They reflected on his deep spiritual beliefs as a devout Catholic and Papal Knight, emphasizing that while his famous catchphrase might have been “There’s no more,” he believed that life continues beyond death, saying, “And there’s more.”
Several fellow comedians offered heartfelt tributes in the wake of his passing. John Linehan, another Northern Irish comic, praised Jimmy for his humility and kindness, telling BBC News NI, “He was so funny… he was just a star, he was just so modest, just so simple in what he did and everybody loved him.” Comedian Tim Vine recalled a fond memory of Jimmy singing a new song while dancing at his home, calling him a “lovely, inspiring, funny man.” Ted Robbins added that Jimmy was among the last truly great comics, describing his style as “never blue just funny,” and acknowledged his strong Christian faith with the words, “maybe The Angels will be saying ‘Come here Jimmy – there’s more’!
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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