Jimmy Cricket, the beloved Irish comedian known for his distinctive bowler hat and catchphrase 'Come here, there's more,' has passed away, leaving behind a legacy that spans over five decades of entertainment. His death marks the loss of not just a uniquely talented performer, but also a kind and loving man named James Mulgrew, who brought joy to millions through his work.
A Life Dedicated to Laughter
Throughout his more than fifty years as an entertainer, Jimmy Cricket used laughter as a powerful tool to improve physical health, mental well-being, and social connections. Laughter, which has evolutionary roots in creating social bonds that help individual and group survival, acts as a natural stress reliever and immune booster. Jimmy delivered all of this in abundance to his audiences, right up until his passing.
His indefatigable charity work continued throughout his life, and he was bringing laughter to audiences even in his final days. A close friend and editor of his autobiography, who wished to remain anonymous, shared a touching memory: 'I last had the pleasure of his company when he popped round with a box of chocolates and a bottle of champagne. We were celebrating the publication of his autobiography for which I had been fortunate enough to edit and write the forward.'
Personal Memories of a Warm Soul
The friend recalled their last meeting with fondness: 'We laughed a lot, talked about our families, discussed the need for more love and peace in the world and parted with a big hug. That was Jimmy - a funny, caring, kind, warm, genuinely lovely irreplaceable man.'
Jimmy's autobiography, Memoirs Of An Irish Comedian 'Come Here There's More' The Jimmy Cricket Story, is available on Amazon, with £1 from each sale going to the charity 'Mary's Meals'. The book offers a deep dive into his life, from his childhood in Northern Ireland to his days in holiday camps and his tough times touring the North of England club circuit as a stand-up comedian.
A Journey Through His Life
The autobiography chronicles his big break into television, culminating in his own series for Central Television in the eighties and his radio series in the nineties. Readers join him, his family, and those both well-known and unknown to the wider world on a journey that the editor guarantees 'will fill your heart with joy and laughter and also tug at its strings.'
Jimmy Cricket showed what true celebrity can be, providing a much-needed alternative to the 'look at me' culture of today. His life-affirming celebration kept alive the tradition of 'Variety' while providing joyous family fun.
Legacy and Remembrance
As news of his passing spreads, fans and fellow entertainers are paying tribute to a man who dedicated his life to making others smile. His work with charities, particularly his support for Mary's Meals, highlights his commitment to giving back.
For those who never had the chance to see him live or meet him in person, his autobiography offers a window into his world. The book is a testament to a man who believed in the power of laughter to bring people together and make the world a better place.
Jimmy Cricket's legacy will live on through his recordings, his written words, and the countless lives he touched with his humor and kindness. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him or watching him perform.
