James Mulgrew, aka comedian Jimmy Cricket, dies aged 80

[Dominique Farrell]

The Co Tyrone-born comedian James Mulgrew, known by his stage name Jimmy Cricket, has died after a short illness, his family has said. He was 80.

The comedian had previously posted on his website that he was taking a "little sabbatical for health reasons" and had started treatment.

The post had added that he would "catch up" with fans at a string of shows in autumn 2026.

 

In a statement, his family said: "Our beloved Jimmy 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.

"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."

 

Belfast-raised James Mulgrew left school at 16 and spent his summers working as a redcoat camp host at Butlins holiday camps.

He went on to work the comedy club scene throughout the 1970s and 1980s, winning London Weekend Television's Search for a Star talent contest before getting his own ITV show, And There's More, which ran for four seasons.

He later fronted his own programme on BBC Radio 2 before appearing on the Royal Variety Show in the UK in the 80s and performing in a number of pantomimes.

 

RTÉ Entertainment.