Comedian Geoffrey ‘Jethro’ Rowe has died at the age of 73 after falling ill with Covid-19, his family have confirmed.
The Cornish entertainer, known for his appearances on The Des O’Connor Show, passed away on Tuesday.
In a post on Jethro’s official Facebook page, the family wrote: “It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of the well-known and popular Cornish comedian Jethro.
“Jethro leaves behind his life partner Jennie, sons Jesse and Lanyon, stepdaughter 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,” the message concludes.
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Comedians such as Dawn French and Richard Herring are among those who have paid tribute, while others referenced popular jokes from the star – including a certain train which doesn’t stop at Cambourne on Wednesdays:
RIP Jethro. Gigged in the same building as him twice, always to much smaller audiences, both times, weirdly, his show started 30 mins before mine and his show was played into my dressing room. This blog is a fair assessment of him (and maybe me too) https://t.co/0oA9scisW9
— Richard K Herring (@Herring1967) December 15, 2021
Oh. Bugger.
— Dawn French 💙🔴🏳️🌈 (@Dawn_French) December 15, 2021
This gloriously un-pc Cornishman, Jethro,(Geoffrey Rowe) has left us. Some of my most helpless with laughter moments were in his presence. A supremely gifted comedian.
Thoughts with all he loved.
Geddon bey. pic.twitter.com/h3nx2sms2J
My good friend Jethro has left us.
— Jim Davidson (@JimDOfficial) December 15, 2021
RIP Jethro, you will be greatly missed.https://t.co/cFR3ICYZGp pic.twitter.com/g3QFmF0tv0
RIP Jethro very funny man had his own unique style of comedy great fun to be with and spent a bit of time with him a couple of weeks ago in Plymouth pic.twitter.com/8VOvC8xlnW
— Frank Bruno MBE 🇬🇧 (@frankbrunoboxer) December 15, 2021
Nice touch by @GWRHelp at Camborne station as a tribute to Jethro.
— The Tall Controller (@Tall_Controller) December 15, 2021
Geddon bey!#Jethro pic.twitter.com/GtW31QxBkD
Very sad news to hear the sudden passing of #jethro absolute legend and he leave a legacy in the world of comedy and to #cornwall …. #RIP thoughts are with family and friends ❤️🙏🏼❤️
— Matt Jess (@mattjess14) December 15, 2021
We were really sad to hear about the passing of Jethro.
— Great Western Railway (@GWRHelp) December 15, 2021
May you rest peacefully in the knowledge that the train does indeed now stop at Camborne on Wednesdays. #jethro https://t.co/OVQKhUJLGO
Dear #Jethro what a wonderful funny man. Always a thrilling smiling treat to be in his company.#RIP Denzel Penworthy Cornwall's treasure.
— Timmy Mallett (@TimmyMallett) December 15, 2021
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. pic.twitter.com/XqRf88zRUj
— Danny Posthill (@PosthillDanny) December 15, 2021
Jethro announced his retirement from performing last year, saying in a statement it’s “been a hard decision” but “my memory has made it easier for me”.
“A great big thank you to everyone that has come to see me over the last 50 years. I’m sure I enjoyed you’re [sic] company more than you enjoyed mine,” he said.
