A Final Bow: Friends and Fans Honor Comedian Jimmy Cricket with Iconic Tribute
The comedy world bid a poignant farewell this week as family, friends, and legions of fans gathered to honor the life and legacy of the beloved Irish entertainer, Jimmy Cricket. The legendary comic, whose career spanned more than six decades, passed away on August 3, 2026, at the age of 80 following a short illness.
A Colorful Farewell
In a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to making others laugh, mourners attending the requiem Mass at Salford Cathedral were encouraged to embrace the spirit of the stage. The family requested that attendees wear bow ties—a nod to the comedian’s most recognizable signature prop.
The service was led by his son, Father Frankiel Mulgrew. The atmosphere inside the cathedral was a mix of deep sorrow and lighthearted remembrance, reflecting the joy Cricket brought to so many.
Speaking on the family’s decision to embrace the costume theme, his daughter, Katie, 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."
The funeral saw an outpouring of support from the entertainment industry, with high-profile attendees including Catchphrase host Roy Walker, presenter Stu Francis, comedian John Linehan, Freddie ‘Parrot Face’ Davies, and Syd Little of the duo Little and Large.
A Life of Laughter
Born James Joseph Mulgrew in Cookstown, County Tyrone, the man who would become known as Jimmy Cricket eventually made his home in Greater Manchester. His journey to stardom began at the young age of 16, when he left school to work as a redcoat host at Butlins holiday camps.
After honing his craft in comedy clubs throughout the 1960s and 70s, his big break arrived with his appearance on the talent series Search for a Star. His meteoric rise eventually led to his own hit television show, And There’s More, named after his famous catchphrase.
"Forever Our Clown"
In a statement released shortly after his passing, his family highlighted his indomitable spirit, noting that he was cracking jokes with medical staff and family alike until his final moments.
"Forever our clown, he was cracking jokes to the wonderful NHS staff and to us all, right until the end," the family wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post. "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."
As the entertainment community reflects on the loss of one of its most enduring figures, the touching scenes at his Jimmy Cricket’s funeral serve as a reminder of the profound impact a life lived in service of laughter can have on the world.
