SAD NEWS: Beloved comedian Jimmy Cricket dead after ‘short illness’ – full family statement
Legendary comedian Jimmy Cricket has died at the age of 80. Jimmy – real name James Mulgrew – passed away surrounded by his loved ones following a short illness, his family announced in a statement on Facebook.
They wrote: “Our beloved Jimmy has passed away this morning after a short illness. He spent his last few days surrounded by his family, love, laughter and songs.
“Jimmy brought so much laughter and happiness to countless audiences in his career over the years. Whether on stage, screen or radio, or if you met him in person as well. But that was nothing to the happiness he gave to his family. A devoted husband to May for fifty two years.
Jimmy’s family continued: “A wonderful dad to his four children and very silly grandad indeed to his four grandchildren. He was our greatest champion and loved us all loudly. He also just loved people and he absolutely loved being a stand up comedian. What a life he lived.
“Forever our clown, he was cracking jokes to the wonderful NHS staff and to us all, right until the end. His courage, dignity and positivity through all he endured was inspirational. A force for joy, we are just all very sad that the world is a far less sillier place today.”
“We were going to end by using his famous catchphrase and say, ‘There’s no More’. But Jimmy was a man of great faith and a Papal Knight of the Catholic Church. He believed that death is not the end and was looking forward to eternity, so really…And there’s more.”
The Northern Irish comedian first rose to prominence in the 1970s, working as a Bluecoat at Pontins in Southport and Morecambe.
Jimmy’s close friend and fellow comedian Freddie ‘Parrot Face’ Davies has paid an emotional tribute to the late star, saying: “Jimmy Cricket (James Mulgrew) was a dear friend and we were in contact many times over the years. Jimmy started like me, as a Butlin Redcoat…
“Our paths crossed many many times over the years. In 2023 I asked him to join us for the show ‘Legends of Variety’, but he was too busy doing his own show…
“The Christmas of 2014 I was asked to direct ‘Snow White’. At the Charter Theatre Preston, Jimmy was the star of the show…
“He was a delight to work with and his gentle comedy was a relaxing change. One always felt comfortable in his company. His adoring wife May was always at his side and he lovingly referred to her as Mrs. Cricket…
“The last time I saw him was at a Ken Dodd memorial lunch in Liverpool last December where he had the packed audience in hysterical laughter with his wonderful irishness…
“He was a true funny Bones comic, a throw back to Variety days. I will miss you Jim, god bless you and RIP.”
