The world of comedy has lost a true icon. James Mulgrew, universally known and loved by his stage name Jimmy Cricket, has passed away at the age of 80. The beloved Northern Irish entertainer, famous for his trademark Wellington boots on the wrong feet and his iconic catchphrase “And there’s more,” leaves behind a legacy that spanned over five decades.
His family confirmed the Jimmy Cricket death in a heartfelt statement, noting that he spent his final days surrounded by the things he loved most: family, laughter, and songs [1].
What Did Jimmy Cricket Die Of?
Following the announcement, many fans have been searching to find out what did Jimmy Cricket die of. According to the official statement released by his family, the veteran Jimmy Cricket comedian passed away following a “short illness.”
Prior to his passing, Cricket had posted an update on his official website informing fans that he was taking a “little sabbatical for health reasons” to begin treatment. Despite his illness, his family noted that his courage, dignity, and positivity remained unwavering, and he was cracking jokes with the wonderful NHS staff right up until the very end [1].
The Man Behind the Comedy: James Mulgrew
Born in County Tyrone and raised in Belfast, James Mulgrew left school at just 16 to pursue entertainment. He honed his craft by spending his summers working as a redcoat host at Butlin’s holiday camps.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Cricket became a powerhouse on the comedy club circuit. His massive breakthrough came when he won the London Weekend Television Search for a Star talent contest. This catapulted him into mainstream success, leading to his very own hit ITV television show, And There’s More, which successfully ran for four seasons [1].
A highly versatile entertainer, Jimmy Cricket didn’t stop at television. He later fronted his own popular comedy programme on BBC Radio 2, appeared on the Royal Variety Show, and performed in countless pantomimes across the UK and Ireland [1].
A Devoted Family Man and Man of Faith
While the public knew him as a hilariously eccentric clown, to his family, he was their greatest champion. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, May, as well as his four children and four grandchildren.
His family described him as a man who “absolutely loved being a stand-up comedian” but noted that the joy he brought to audiences was “nothing to the happiness he gave to his family.”
In addition to his comedy career, Jimmy Cricket was a deeply religious man and a Papal Knight of the Catholic Church. As his family beautifully concluded their tribute:
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