Jimmy Cricket, the Northern Irish comedian known for his gentle, family-friendly humor, died on August 3, 2026, at the age of 80. Born James Joseph Mulgrew on October 17, 1945, in Cookstown, County Tyrone, he became one of the most popular comedians in the UK during the 1980s, recognized for his distinctive catchphrase "And there’s more!" and his traditional, pun-based style of comedy.

Cricket’s stage persona was characterized by a unique costume consisting of a dinner jacket, bowtie, floppy hat, and wellington boots marked “L” and “R” worn on the wrong feet. His humor often poked fun at Irish stereotypes and incorporated letters from his fictional “Mammy” in the imaginary village of Ballygockwards. Despite trading somewhat on an old-fashioned Irish caricature, his approach was inoffensive and broadly affectionate, earning him popularity among both Irish and English audiences.

His breakthrough came in the early 1980s when, after adopting the stage name Jimmy Cricket—chosen in part due to his agent’s advice that his real surname sounded too Irish—he appeared on the London Weekend Television (LWT) talent show Search for a Star. This led to a series of television and radio appearances, most notably the ITV show And There’s More, which ran for four series between 1985 and 1988. The program mixed stand-up and sketches, with many scripts penned by Eddie Braben, famed for his work with Morecambe and Wise. Cricket later starred in the BBC Radio 2 series Jimmy’s Cricket Team from 1990 to 1994, which also featured Braben’s writing.

Throughout his career, Cricket maintained a clean-cut, family-friendly approach to comedy, avoiding swearing and crude material. This style was rooted in his Roman Catholic upbringing in Northern Ireland during the 1950s, a background that influenced both his public persona and his charitable work. In 2015, he was honored by Pope Francis with a knighthood in the Order of St Gregory in recognition of his contributions beyond entertainment.

Cricket’s work also served as a counterpoint to the often grim portrayal of Ireland in the news during the Troubles. Alongside contemporaries like Frank Carson and Roy Walker, he helped to present a lighter, more relatable image of Irish culture to British audiences. His performances, whether on television, radio, or live shows, often reflected a desire to provide uncomplicated, good-natured fun.

Before his rise to fame, Jimmy worked as a redcoat at holiday camps such as Butlin’s and Pontins, a common training ground for UK entertainers of the era. He was married to May Tweedie since 1974, who supported his early career by working in a factory to allow him to focus on comedy. Cricket continued to perform on stage until shortly before his passing. He is survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters.