Comedy legend Jimmy Cricket dies age 80 as his devastated family pays tribute: 'Forever our clown'
'Forever our clown'Jimmy Cricket has died aged 80 following a short illness, his family has announced.
The Northern Irish-born entertainer, whose real name was James Mulgrew, was known for his catchphrase “And there’s more!” and for wearing wellington boots on the wrong feet during his act.
His career across stage, television and radio lasted more than 50 years.
Jimmy Cricket’s family announces his death
Jimmy began his career working in holiday camps when he was just 18. He soon established himself as a household name, touring the country with his comedy acts.
The funnyman was also best known for his ITV show, And There’s More – named after his catchphrase.
Fans will also remember him for his appearances in multiple televised Royal Variety Performances, The Krankies Klub and The Good Old Days. Jimmy featured in This Is Your Life in 1987 with Eamonn Andrews.
Jimmy’s death was announced by his family today (Monday August 3, 2026).
In a lengthy statement, his relatives 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.”
Jimmy’s family continued: “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.”
Jimmy was also a Papal Knight of the Catholic Church. His family said his strong faith shaped the way he viewed death and that he believed it was not the end.
Closing their tribute with a reference to his famous catchphrase, they wrote: “And there’s more.”
Tributes pour in for Jimmy Cricket
Following the news of Jimmy’s death, tributes have begun flooding in for the comedian.
One person who knew Jimmy personally wrote on X: “Terribly sad news about Jimmy Cricket! Such a lovely sweet gentle man and one of the last of that era!
“I hope you get to see your mammy Jim and catch up with Frank C and Bobby B and love and kisses to May and the kids.”
The chair of The Rollercoaster Club of Great Britain added: “RIP JIMMY CRICKET. I’m saddened to announce that my friend and previous star billing at the Blackpool Bash on two occasions has passed away after a short illness aged 80. Thank you for all the laughter.”
An actor and comedian Ted Robbins added: “So sad to hear of the death of Jimmy Cricket. I worked with him many times & he was one of the Last Great Comics a unique style, never blue just funny.
“I know he & all his family have a great Christian Faith so maybe The Angels will be saying “’Come here Jimmy -there’s more’!”
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