Comedian Jimmy Cricket dies aged 80 after short illness

Jimmy Cricket

Comedian Jimmy Cricket has died aged 80 after a short illness, his family said. The Northern Irish-born star spent his last few days surrounded by his family, love, laughter, and songs. According to his family, 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. However, they noted that the happiness he gave to his family was even more significant. He was a devoted husband to May for 52 years, a wonderful dad to his four children, and a very silly grandad indeed to his four grandchildren. Jimmy's family described him as their greatest champion, who loved them all loudly and also just loved people. He absolutely loved being a stand-up comedian, and his family said, "What a life he lived." They added that he was forever their clown, cracking jokes to the wonderful NHS staff and to them all, right until the end. His courage, dignity, and positivity through all he endured were inspirational, and he was a force for joy. The family said they were sad that the world is a far less sillier place today. They were going to end their statement by using his famous catchphrase and say, "There's no More." However, they noted that Jimmy was a man of great faith and a Papal Knight of the Catholic Church, who believed that death is not the end and was looking forward to eternity, so really… And there's more. Jimmy Cricket's career spanned more than 50 years, and he became a household name in the 1970s. Born in Cookstown, County Tyrone, in 1945, Jimmy left school at 16 and started the summer season of 1966 as a Redcoat for Butlins. He worked the comedy club scene in the 1970s and 1980s, going on to win LWT's Search for a Star talent contest and eventually getting his own TV show on ITV and a radio series on BBC Radio 2. Jimmy was known for his catchphrases and an onstage outfit comprised of a battered bowler hat, tails, rolled-up trousers, and wellington boots with R and L on the front. He often appeared on the Royal Variety Show and frequently held guest slots on The Good Old Days. He was the subject of This Is Your Life in 1987, and while his television appearances became more and more rare over the years, he continued to perform on stage regularly. In 2015, Jimmy was awarded a papal knighthood by Pope Francis for the charity work he had carried out alongside his showbiz career. Jimmy married singer May Marion in 1974, and they lived in Lancashire until the time of his death. Together, they had four children, two of whom followed in their father's footsteps and went into comedy. Tributes have flooded in from the world of entertainment, with fellow comedian Tim Vine paying tribute to Jimmy on X, describing him as a "lovely, inspiring, funny man." Tim Vine recalled, "I have a great memory [of] being at his home and he said 'Do you want to hear my new song?' I said 'of course'. He then sang it to me live while dancing about in front of me. I thought 'I hope I'm like this when I'm older'." Ted Robbins said Jimmy was one of the last great comics with "a unique style, never blue just funny." He added, "I know he and all his family have a great Christian faith so maybe The Angels will be saying 'Come here Jimmy -there's more'!" Jim Whelan, who appeared in Coronation Street and Emmerdale, wrote, "A nicer man would be impossible to find, time for everyone. God bless Jimmy, RIP." Comedian William Caulfield also paid tribute to Jimmy, saying he was one of the most generous and lovely people to work with. He added that he always enjoyed Jimmy's company, both on and off stage, and remembered all the shows they did together with fondness. Jimmy's family has been left to mourn the loss of a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, but his legacy will live on through the countless audiences he entertained throughout his career. As his family said, the world is a far less sillier place today, but Jimmy's memory will continue to bring joy and laughter to those who knew him and loved him.