Veteran comedian Jimmy Cricket, whose real name was James Joseph Mulgrew, passed away earlier this month at the age of 80. The comedian, whose career spanned over 60 years, was a commanding force loved by thousands of fans across the country. According to recent reports, family members, friends, fellow performers, and thousands of fans paid their respects to the late star and gathered for his funeral procession.
Friends, family, and fans gather to mourn Jimmy Cricket
BBC reported that his family requested attendees wear bow ties for Cricket, one of his most iconic props. The procession was held at Salford Cathedral, where the requiem Mass was led by his son, Fr. Frankiel Mulgrew. Many people who came to pay their respects to the TV star and comedian wore outfits like his to remember him.During the event, his daughter, Katie, revealed why the family wanted everyone to wear his costume and props to the funeral. She shared, “I made a joke and said, ‘Shall we wear bow ties?’ and now my mum is even wearing part of his stage costume. We are heartbroken, but he was pure joy, and we just wanted to tip our bow ties to him.”Many people attended his funeral procession, including ‘Catchphrase’ host Roy Walker, ‘Crackerjack’ presenter Stu Francis, comedian John Linehan, Freddie ‘Parrot Face’ Davies, and Syd Little, half of comedy act ‘Little and Large.’
About Jimmy Cricket’s passing
Jimmy Cricket left for his heavenly abode on August 3, 2026. He was 80 years old and had been suffering from a short illness; however, no other details about his condition or what happened were shared with the public. In the official statement shared online by his family, they shared that he was surrounded by love, laughter, and songs in his final days. They wrote in a Facebook post: “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 were inspirational. A force for joy, we are just all very sad that the world is a far less silly place today.”
Who was Jimmy Cricket
Jimmy Cricket was a famous comedian and TV show icon born in Cookstown, County Tyrone. Later in his childhood, he moved to Greater Manchester and settled there. Determined to make it on his own, at the mere age of 16, he dropped out of school and started working as a host at the Butlins holiday camps. He also performed in many comedy clubs during the 60s and 70s; however, his rise to fame came after he appeared on the talent TV show, ‘Search for a Star.’ After his rising popularity and demand, Cricket landed his very own TV show, ‘And There’s More,’ which was based on one of his most iconic catchphrases.
