Jimmy Cricket asked for last rites twice ‘like an encore’ before dying aged 80

Monday, 3 August 2026 marks the end of an era for British light entertainment following the death of beloved stand-up comedian Jimmy Cricket at the age of 80. Born James Joseph Mulgrew in Cookstown, Northern Ireland, the legendary comic passed away on Monday morning following a brief illness, according to a statement released by his family and reported by Aol.

Known affectionately to millions for his trademark tailcoat, an Irish country boy stage persona, and wellington boots distinctively marked with 'L' and 'R' on the wrong feet, Cricket remained a relentless entertainer right up until his final months. According to Mirror, he had been performing on stage as recently as March before taking a health-related sabbatical that ultimately led to the cancellation of his planned autumn tour.

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Yet even in his final hours at the hospital, the veteran performer retained his trademark wit. His youngest son, Fr Frankie Mulgrew — a former comedian who became a Catholic priest — revealed to the Press Association, via Metro, that his father requested the last rites twice, describing the gesture as being almost like he asked for an encore.

The comic's family shared a deeply moving statement detailing his final days surrounded by loved ones, music, and laughter. Forever our clown, he was cracking jokes to the wonderful NHS staff and to us all, right until the end, the family said, as featured in Yahoo News Singapore. They noted his immense courage, dignity, and unwavering positivity.

Reflecting his deep Roman Catholic faith and status as a Papal Knight of the Catholic Church, an honour bestowed by Pope Francis in 2015 for his extensive charity work, including support for Francis House Children’s Hospice, the family subverted his famous television catchphrase. As reported by The Guardian, they concluded their announcement by declaring: We were going to end by using his famous catchphrase and say, ‘There’s no More’. But Jimmy was a man of great faith… He believed that death is not the end and was looking forward to eternity, so really… And there’s more.

A Half-Century in Entertainment

Cricket's journey to household-name status began after leaving school and initially working in a betting shop and holiday camps. He transitioned into a Butlin's Redcoat before mastering the northern English comedy club circuit through the 1970s. His big television breakthrough arrived via the talent show Search for a Star, which paved the way for his own hit ITV sketch series, *And There's More*, which ran for four years in the mid-1980s.

Throughout his career, he became a fixture of classic British television staples. He appeared multiple times on the Royal Variety Performance, *The Good Old Days*, *Bullseye*, and was the subject of *This Is Your Life* in 1987. In the 1990s, he successfully transitioned to radio, starring in the BBC Radio 2 series *Jimmy’s Cricket Team*.

Tributes From Across the Comedy World

Tributes poured in rapidly across social media from fellow entertainers and colleagues who remembered his generous spirit, clean family-friendly material, and unique comedic timing. Fellow comic Ted Robbins took to X to honour his legacy, writing:

"I worked with him many times & he was one of the Last Great Comics a unique style, never blue just funny. 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’!"

Ted Robbins, Comedian, via Aol

Comedian Tim Vine also shared a fond memory on X, recounted by Belfast Live, recalling how Cricket danced around his home while performing a brand new song live just to entertain him. Northern Irish comic William Caulfield and actor Jim Whelan likewise praised his extraordinary kindness, patience, and warmth both on and off the stage during joint pantomime runs.

Career and Life Milestones

• 1972: Married his wife, May Tweedie, with whom he shared 52 years of marriage and raised four children.
• 1980s: Reached national prominence with television appearances on *Search for a Star*, *The Good Old Days*, and his own series *And There's More*.
• 1987: Honored as the central guest on *This Is Your Life*.
• 2015: Awarded a Papal Knighthood (Order of St Gregory the Great) by Pope Francis for his dedicated charity work.
• 2026: Passed away aged 80 following a brief illness, surrounded by his family.