Widow of comedy legend Milroy donates famous red suit to theatre
THE widow of showbusiness legend Jack Milroy has donated his red Francie and Josie suit to Glasgow’s Pavilion Theatre.
It will go on display at the comedian’s favourite venue later in the year.
“Jack just loved the place. I couldn’t think of a more fitting last resting place for his famous suit,” Mary Lee said.
It was on stage at the Pavilion where Milroy, who became a household name when he teamed up with Rikki Fulton to create stage act Francie and Josie, gave his last performance 15 years ago.
Ms Lee said the suit will also be a fitting tribute to their son Jim, who died aged 48 from heart complications two days before Christmas and was a drummer at the theatre for many years.
“The suit will be a nice lasting memory to both Jack and Jim because this really was their favourite venue,” said Ms Lee.
Milroy was born Jim Cruden in Glasgow in 1915 and served in the Black Watch in the Second World War.
He met his future wife in Belfast when he got his first break in showbusiness after leaving the army. She encouraged him to try comedy and they became a double act before getting married in 1953 and having two children, Jim and Diane.