Gerry Kelly show hears how Jimmy’s showbiz dream came true
Jimmy Cricket’s rise to fame was far from easy, the famous comedian told popular chatshow host Gerry Kelly.
Speaking on the Conversations with Gerry Kelly show, Northern Irish funnyman Jimmy revealed he had been rejected five times for talent shows.
But he went on to become a household name with his own television series.
The interview was broadcast last week and can be watched on YouTube here.
It also aired on the community channel NVTV and Sky Channel 588
One viewer said: “Watched your interview Jimmy – it was great.
“You are a real ambassador for where you were born – Cookstown and our province.”
The introduction to the Gerry Kelly show said: “‘Come ‘ere, there’s more’ – the catchphrase of one of Northern Ireland’s most successful comedians.
“Born in Cookstown, Jimmy Mulgrew went on to become one of the highest-paid performers in the UK.
“Audiences came to know him as Jimmy Cricket, but his climb to the top of the entertainment world didn’t come easy.
“Rejection after rejection, disappointment after disappointment, forced to take a series of menial jobs, it was Jimmy’s self-belief and determination that eventually won through.
“A story of perseverance and strength of character, there is much more to Jimmy Cricket than a silly haunday and a pair of wellington boots.”
The comedian had left secondary school with no qualifications and worked in multiple jobs around Belfast.
However, he continued to dream of a career in showbusiness.
“I used to avidly watch Sunday .
“I loved the comedian Billy Dainty and I got to do pantomime with him years later,” recalled Jimmy, who went on to perform at the Palladium himself.
Details on how to buy Jimmy’s autobiography and DVD can be found here.
