Jack Milroy Explained

Jack Milroy
Birth Date:28 December 1915
Birth Place:Govanhill, Glasgow, Scotland
Death Place:Glasgow, Scotland
Birth Name:James Cruden
Children:2

Jack Milroy, MBE (born James Cruden; 28 December 1915 – 1 February 2001),[1] was a Scottish comedian. Born in Govanhill, Glasgow and educated at Shawlands Academy, Milroy is noted for his partnership with comedy actor Rikki Fulton as Francie and Josie.[2] The pair appeared together as lovable Glasgow teddy boys on television, in theatres across Scotland and in pantomime, from 1960 until their final appearance at the King's Theatre in Glasgow in 1996.

Following service in the army during World War II, Milroy began a song-and-dance act which led him to meet his wife, Mary Lee, who was a singer. The couple married in Aberdeen in 1952. A natural comedian, Milroy appeared in Glasgow, which he continued to make his base, had his own show at the Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen in the 1950s and was a regular favourite at the Gaiety Theatre, Ayr.

Milroy was awarded an MBE in 2000 for services to entertainment.[3] Milroy died in Glasgow's Western Infirmary. He died on 1 February 2001, aged 85. Milroy was survived by his wife Mary, son Jim, and step-daughter Diane.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: On this day in Glasgow's history: 2001 Comedian Jack Milroy died. 1 February 2012. 21 June 2014. STV News. Katy McCloskey.
  2. Web site: Obituary Jack Milroy. The Daily Telegraph. 14 February 2001. 21 June 2014.
  3. Web site: Jack Milroy, comic legend, is dead. 2 February 2001. Herald Scotland.
  4. News: Obituaries . Telegraph . 2022-03-22 . Mary Lee, singer and comedienne who became a leading light of the 1930s variety scene – obituary . en-GB . The Telegraph . 2022-04-11 . 0307-1235.