![\"Jimmy](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/jimmy-cricket-asked-for-last-rites-twice-like-an-encore-before-dying-aged-80.jpg\")
Jimmy Cricket was a well-known figure from TV variety shows in the 1980s \u2013 here he is pictured with Ernie Wise and Norman Wisdom in 1989 (Mike Stephens\/PA)<\/p>\nComedian Jimmy Cricket asked for the last rites twice, \u201calmost like he asked for an encore\u201d, before his death at the age of 80, his son, Fr Frankie Mulgrew, told the Press Association.<\/p>\n
The Northern Irish stand-up comedian, born James Mulgrew, died on Monday morning following a short illness, a statement from his family said.<\/p>\n
His youngest son, a former comedian who became a priest, Fr Mulgrew, described his father as being \u201clike a light\u201d and said he loved making people laugh.<\/p>\n
Jimmy Cricket was a well-known figure from TV variety shows in the 1980s \u2013 here he is pictured with Ernie Wise and Norman Wisdom in 1989 (Mike Stephens\/PA)<\/p>\n
Comedian Ted Robbins also paid tribute to Cricket, referencing his catchphrase, \u201cthere\u2019s more\u201d, in a post on X.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cI worked with him many times & he was one of the Last Great Comics a unique style, never blue just funny.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know he and all his family have a great Christian Faith so maybe The Angels will be saying \u2018Come here Jimmy \u2013 there\u2019s more\u2019!\u201d<\/p>\n
A statement posted on social media, Cricket\u2019s family said: \u201cOur beloved Jimmy has passed away this morning after a short illness.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe spent his last few days surrounded by his family, love, laughter and songs.<\/p>\n
\u201cJimmy brought so much laughter and happiness to countless audiences in his career over the years.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhether on stage, screen or radio, or if you met him in person as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut that was nothing to the happiness he gave to his family.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cricket was married to his wife May for 52 years and had four children together, and was described as being a \u201cvery silly grandad\u201d to four grandchildren.<\/p>\n
The statement praised Cricket for being the family\u2019s \u201cgreatest champion\u201d adding that he \u201cloved us all loudly\u201d.<\/p>\n
It continued: \u201cHe also just loved people and he absolutely loved being a stand-up comedian. What a life he lived.<\/p>\n
\u201cForever our clown, he was cracking jokes to the wonderful NHS staff and to us all, right until the end.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis courage, dignity and positivity through all he endured was inspirational.<\/p>\n
\u201cA force for joy, we are just all very sad that the world is a far less sillier place today.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were going to end by using his famous catchphrase and say, \u2018There\u2019s no More\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut Jimmy was a man of great faith and a Papal Knight of the Catholic Church.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe believed that death is not the end and was looking forward to eternity, so really\u2026 and there\u2019s more.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Cookstown-born comic previously posted on his website that he was taking a \u201clittle sabbatical for health reasons\u201d and had started treatment.<\/p>\n
It added, however, that he would \u201ccatch up\u201d with fans at string of shows in autumn 2026.<\/p>\n
Comedian Tim Vine described Cricket as a \u201clovely, inspiring, funny man\u201d in a heartfelt tribute on X.<\/p>\n
![\"Jimmy](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1785786850_653_jimmy-cricket-asked-for-last-rites-twice-like-an-encore-before-dying-aged-80.jpg\")
Jimmy Cricket in 2018 (Peter Byrne\/PA)<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cI have a great memory being at his home and he said \u2018Do you want to hear my new song?\u2019 I said \u2018of course\u2019. He then sang it to me live while dancing about in front of me. I thought \u2018I hope I\u2019m like this when I\u2019m older\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Comedian](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2-1097816.jpg\")
<\/p>\n