Key facts
- Died
- Monday, aged 80, following a short illness
- Born
- James Joseph Mulgrew, 1945, Cookstown, County Tyrone
- Career start
- Redcoat for Butlins, summer season 1966
- TV/radio
- Own TV show on ITV and radio series on BBC Radio 2
- Trademark
- Wellington boots, battered bowler hat, catchphrases
Background
Jimmy Cricket, born James Joseph Mulgrew in Cookstown, County Tyrone in 1945, died on Monday at the age of 80 following a short illness. He was known for his trademark wellington boots, battered bowler hat, and memorable catchphrases.
Cricket left school at 16 and began his career in the summer season of 1966 as a Redcoat for Butlins. He later worked the comedy club scene in the 1970s and 1980s, winning LWT's Search for a Star talent contest and eventually securing his own TV show on ITV and a radio series on BBC Radio 2.
Current situation
Tributes continue to be paid to the comedian, with his son, Father Frankie Mulgrew, a Catholic priest at Salford Cathedral, leading the remembrances. Fr Mulgrew said his father 'saw the joy in everything, right up until his death' and that on Sunday he 'wanted the last rights twice, because like a good comedian he wanted an encore'.
Fr Mulgrew highlighted his father's deep love for Northern Ireland, saying he 'never shied away from going over, even during the dark days' and wanted to 'shine a light of joy' and 'give a positive side of Ireland'. He also credited his father's kindness as an inspiration for his own call to priesthood.
Fellow comedian and TV presenter Roy Walker, who grew up with Cricket in Northern Ireland, described him as a 'sincere wee fella' who 'loved everyone and everyone loved him'. Walker recalled their early gigs where they were paid half and chased out, and noted Cricket's commitment to 'keeping his act clean'.
| Person | Quote |
|---|---|
| Father Frankie Mulgrew | Saw the joy in everything, right up until his death |
| Roy Walker | Sincere wee fella that loved everyone and everyone loved him |
| Christopher Biggins | Unbelievably fantastic, I don't think I met a nicer man ever |
Impacts
The veteran entertainer Christopher Biggins, who last worked with Cricket on a UK-wide comedy tour, said Cricket was 'unbelievably fantastic' and 'the nicest man I ever met'. He praised Cricket's comedy as 'unique and simple and absolutely hysterical'.
Biggins also credited Cricket with making 'wellington boots trendy' due to his habit of wearing them on the wrong feet as part of his act. He added that Cricket was 'a genius' providing 'simple humour that the public adored'.
The tributes reflect the broad affection for Cricket among his peers and the public, underscoring his impact on British comedy and his enduring popularity in Northern Ireland and beyond.
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
As tributes continue, it is likely that more colleagues and fans will share memories of Cricket's life and work. If his family and friends carry forward his message of joy and kindness, his legacy may endure through charitable work or memorial events.
Given his son's role as a priest, it is possible that Cricket's faith and humor will be remembered in church services or community gatherings. However, no such plans have been announced.
The full impact of his passing on the comedy community may become clearer in the coming weeks, as fellow entertainers and audiences reflect on his contributions. If his catchphrases and style continue to be celebrated, his influence could persist in future comedy acts.
Source: bbc.co.uk
