The short version
- Jimmy Cricket died at age 80 following a short illness, surrounded by family members who praised his enduring positivity.
- The comedian rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s with television appearances and radio series defined by wholesome content.
- He received a papal knighthood in 2015 for charitable efforts, including fundraising for children's hospices.
Jimmy Cricket, the Northern Irish comedian who became a staple of British light entertainment during the late twentieth century, has died at the age of 80. His family announced his passing on social media platforms, noting that he succumbed to a short illness while surrounded by loved ones. They described his final days as filled with laughter and music, emphasizing that he maintained his characteristic humor even while receiving medical care from NHS staff.
Born James Joseph Mulgrew in Cookstown, County Tyrone, in 1945, Cricket began his career after leaving school at sixteen. He spent the summer of 1966 working as a Redcoat entertainer for Butlins before moving into the comedy club circuit. His breakthrough came when he reached the semi-finals of the talent competition Search for a Star in 1980. This success led to his own television series on ITV and a radio program on BBC Radio 2, cementing his status as a household name throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Cricket was widely recognized for his specific visual style and clean comedic approach. His stage persona featured a battered bowler hat, tailcoat, rolled-up trousers, and wellington boots marked with letters indicating left and right feet, often worn on the wrong sides. He frequently used the catchphrase 'And there’s more!' to transition between jokes. Fellow comedians have paid tribute to his unique ability to entertain without relying on risqué material, describing him as an inspiring figure who remained joyful throughout his life.
Beyond entertainment, Cricket was dedicated to charitable causes. He regularly organized tours to raise funds for the Francis House Children’s Hospice in Manchester and participated in high-profile charity events, including a 2007 Comic Relief video. In recognition of these efforts, Pope Francis awarded him a papal knighthood in 2015. Cricket viewed the honor as a blessing for doing work he loved. His family noted his deep Christian faith, suggesting that his belief in eternity provided comfort during his final days.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Comedian Jimmy Cricket dies aged 80
- The Guardian US↗Jimmy Cricket, comedian known for his ‘And there’s more!’ catchphrase, dies aged 80
