Comedian Jethro dies aged 73 from Covid despite having had two jabs and a booster two years after he battled cancer
- Jethro, real name Geoffrey Rowe, died yesterday from Covid, management said
- Comic was fully vaccinated and had had his booster jab before contracting virus
- Last year, 73-year-old announced he was retiring from stand-up after 50 years
- Cornish comedian shot to fame in 1980s and appeared on Des O’Connor show
Comedian Jethro who was famed for his west country take on life has died after battling Covid, it was confirmed today.
The stand-up comedian, whose real name is Geoffrey Rowe, 73, died from the virus on Tuesday.
The much-loved comic, who was fully vaccinated, contracted the virus just 10 days ago and was in hospital for seven days before he died.
In a statement his management said: ‘It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of the well known and popular Cornish comedian Jethro.
‘Tragically Jethro passed away on December 14, 2021 after contracting COVID-19.
Comedian Jethro who was famed for his west country take on life has died after battling Covid
‘Jethro leaves behind his life partner Jennie, sons Jesse and Lanyon, step daughter Sarah, daughter-in-law Stacey and of course his much loved grandchildren.
‘We ask that you respect our privacy at this very sad time and give us all time to grieve.
‘We will continue to support each other in the knowledge that our lives will never be the same without him.’
After his popularity grew in Cornwall and Devon through the 1980s he made his first national television performance in 1990 on the Des O’Connor Show making several subsequent appearances.
He also appeared on Jim Davidson’s programmes.
In February 2020, he announced on social media that he was to ‘hang up my Mic’ and retire from comedy.
The 73-year-old shot to fame in Cornwall in the 1980s and made his first TV appearance in 1990 on the Des O’Connor Show and later appeared on Jim Davidson’s programmes
Jethro promised to honour his upcoming tour dates, but they were later postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He was rarely seen on television, but they didn’t stop him selling a rumoured 250,000 seats a year in theatre around the country.
Comedian Jim Davidson shared a video tribute to Jethro this morning.
He said: ‘We’re all broken-hearted. It is devastating. It’s an understatement to say we’re broken-hearted.
‘We’re all in shock. These things happen so quickly.
‘He was a great comedian, Jethro. He just liked to tell jokes – his timing was immaculate.
‘He was unique, he didn’t follow fashion, certainly not. But I never met anyone who had a bad word to say about him and that’s the measure of a man for me.
‘A great guy and I’ll miss him. We’re going to do a tribute for him on Christmas Day.’
Fellow comic and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Danny Posthill said: ‘I remember when I first started showing an interest in comedy and I used to buy stand up shows on VHS with my paper round money.
‘Lee Evans, Chubby Brown, Jim Davidson, Jimmy Jones and Jethro. Sadly today one of those legends have left us. RIP Jethro. Thanks for the laughs.’
Thousands of fans paid tribute to the late comic on social media after news of his passing was announced this morning.
Sophie Hicks wrote: ‘This is so very sad. You bought so much laughter into so many peoples lives. RIP Jethro, one of a kind.’
Deborah Howis-Lane added: ‘R.I.P. Jethro a great Cornish man with a brilliant talent. Condolences to the family. He will be greatly missed.’
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