For most of his adult life Higgins often smoked up to 60 cigarettes a day. He had cancerous growths removed from his mouth in 1994 and 1996. In June 1998, he was found to have throat cancer; on 13 October of that year, he had throat surgery. In 2009, Higgins lived in a caravan. In spring 2010, he had pneumonia. Despite his illness he continued to smoke cigarettes and drink heavily until the end of his life.
You know what i'd like to see in snooker? More girls in it, being allowed to be exposed as well as the lads are, and if theres anything wrong with snooker now, more than anything its that the girls don't get the same exposure or anything as the lads, and it seems to be a little sexist. I should say there must be a lot of great girls out there that can play this sport maybe even better than some of the guys!
Will be sorely missed I know that much. 2 minutes and 4 seconds 119! Damn, thats just mind blowing, its about love and passion and Alex had more than enough of that. I understand what peoples jealousy can make them do and make them react, but I will always hold the greatest of admiration and respect for you Alex.
Totally agree with Alex its a lot to do with jealousy, and to be a great sportsman at the end of the day. That's exactly as it should be. If he got 119 in less than 2 and a half minutes thats just pure and utter skill that no one else has been seen to touch! Sad he had problems, but who don't exactly? At least he never walked around pretending to be perfect, got to have a lot of love and respect for that as well as his snooker playing. We need more entertaining players in snooker.
I think he had just given up, I know what it's like to be like that and just want to drink. I just feel really sorry for him, and it's sad for everyone especially his family now he's gone. He could have got better if only doctors had helped him to eat. I thought he was great and remember watching him when I was little, along with many other players. RIP Alex, you were a unique and excellent player! :-))
His daughter and Jimmy White said on the BBC documentary 'The People's Champion' that his throat cancer had completely cleared. He just needed to eat healthly and gain the weight he'd lost and then would have been allowed teeth implants. But he had never had much of an appetite,according to his sisters (smoking reduces appetite,) and preferred to just drink. He hadn't been in a big game for a long time and was single for a long time after a few marriages that didn't work out. (Continued..)
True legend. just finished reading his book 'eye of the hurricane' and deeply regret not taking him up on his offer of a drink and a chat in the Crown. Forever Mr. Snooker. RIP.
hard to believe for someone who doesnt that it is possible still to smoke and drink even if you know you have to die. RIP Hurricane,i still love you, so does the people
@TruthandJusticeUK anybody can get cancer, Roy Castle never smoked, theres kids out there that never smoke and people out there that never smoke and get it and die young with it. Cancer is one of those things that is in everybody waiting to come out. Even a car crash can bring it out of you. It's rubbish to say its people that smoke, theres people out there in their 90's that smoke that dont even die of it.
And i thought ronnie was arrogant!!!! says he could be a top 32 player! talk about deluded. I've been to some of the ptc events this year, this guy isnt even in the same bracket! Todays players would have eaten him alive. Like his enthusiasm though.
@jamesbailR6 Its not even about exactly where you are in the rankings I think the points missed with you here that its about entertainment! Alex entertained the crowd. Sure there are great players out there with a cue, but they don't exactly entertain the crowd and have them on the edge of their seats! With Ronnie and Alex, at least for me, the both of them have me out my seat and clear on the edge of it. Theres a difference between a methodical by the rule player and watching
@TheMariemitchell a player thats like watching a thriller movie. Sure Hendry, Davis, great potters, but not exactly making me sit on the edge of my seat. They play snooker amazingly well, but, I like to watch someone whose unpredictable, that makes me sit on the edge of my seat in excitement and both Ronnie and Alex do that one for me. You call Ronnie arrogant, like to see you try to pick up a cue and entertain the crowd like that!
@roglowe kids,people die of cancer every single day that have never touched a drink or cigarettes in their life, people out there in their 90s smoking and having the odd tipple that are fine. Its sad for anybody to die of cancer, its an awful disease, have had to know closest to me dying of it, its not something you would even wish on your worse enemy
@Adunatii You're not an idiot for acknowledging reality. The reality is that cigarettes and alcohol killed him. Yes, he was a genious and a fantastic snooker player, but that doesn't change reality. Don't go around calling people idiots for stupid reasons.
Legendary, fantastic character, undoubtable natural talent and a credit to the game, if not the main reason the game flourished during his time. Shame he was not a nice person and was weak enough to kill himself slowly... but most geniuses are flawed in some way.
@robbie3667 Yes he was gifted. Theres a lot of good players out there with a cue, but not really gifted, there will be some, but they probably in some situation where they aint got the chance to have the exposure to be shown to the world, but thats the case with many things in the world i.e music, art, dance etc. There are truly gifted people out there in this world that never have the opportunity to get recognised at all, Alex at least had that opportunity, what if he never did?
What a legend i watched you as a kid and to see such a great person riddled with disease brings a tear to my eye. You will be and are sadly missed.RIP my champion
@philsinatra they probably should, but cancers not something you should even wish on your worst enemy. Its awful, even if you have had to know someone not close to you die of it, love, trust me, its not something to wish on anybody.
Alex had more flair in his little finger than most players have in their whole body today, he was a genius and a natural talent. He also had guts to stand up for himself and loved to entertain the audience and his many, many fans.. R.I.P. Alex.. Sadly missed forever xxx
@wonittwice exactly, it takes a lot of guts to do anything in front of an audience, regardless. See an impossible looking shot, take it on, risk it, and get it, and what a reaction, even for yourself, and thats the thing with so many players today, they are not unpredictable, you know what they're going for to pot, and theres no excitement in knowing, but with Alex you never knew what to expect, what a thrill!
Alex, you will be sadly missed, you where the best player in the day. I also would like to wish my condolence to your family. A true genius and one of a kind. Rest In Peace Alex. ¬ ¬ I hate Cancer, I also had a friend that just passed away on christmas day, because of Cancer he never smoked or drank, so those that say it was the drink, it's not always the case.
@keenandwhat009 sorry to hear about your friend, know what its like losing people to cancer, people who have never drank or smoked and people that have. Thers no rule as to why people get cancer, its just awful. My condolences to you. xxx
Amazing but so sad,one of the true greats and will be remembered long after the considered greats today.I remember watching this guy do things with a cue ball not even Jimmy White could acheive,screwing a cue ball with the cue ball 11ft away from the object ball just truly amazing.RIP Alex your presence will always remain.
Thank you Alex for making Snooker as good as it is today,with out you i don't think there would be the players there is today.Alex Higgins will be a legend 4 ever :)
i wont hide the fact he looks a sorry frail man here.. i only wish he'd taken better care of himself during his later years. but i guess this was alex higgins and what made him unique. RIP.
I remember Alex in his prime, the wonderful championships of '72 and '82 and let's be honest, his questionable behaviour. You'd be hard pressed not to be moved by this interview. Just read his autobiography. Very honest. He had it all and lost it all too, but ultimately he was and still is affectionately remember as both the most exciting player and character the world of snooker has ever known. It's testamony to this memory how many people chose to attend his funeral. God Bless you Alex.
I met Alex about 16 years ago, I was drinking with my parents in our local pub in Dublin and this voice behind me said'' Excuse me but would you mind if I had a look at your newspaper'' I looked around and it was Alex. My father was a big fan of Alex and they spoke for a few minutes. Alex said he was in Dublin for a wedding. He was a very pleasant guy . It's a great memory to have.
Oh dear. Yes we know he had a drinking problem - I don't think zooming the camera into a bottle of vodka after he took a shot was a particularly great bit of editing
The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power, and all that beauty, all that wealth er gave, awaits alike the inevitable hour, the paths of glory lead but to the grave...
Hell raisers lose every time. George Best had a few years of football and a lifetime of booze. Alex is another tragic casualty, but why did all these "tribute payers" not show up when he needed help...
Alex would have won more titles but he was the people's champion and always played for the fans. He entertained and took chances unlike players like Davis and Hendry. The young players of today should bring back some character and spontaneity into the game and try to forget the paychecks and the numbers or the game is going to die on it's back. Too many look like they're walking the green mile! Will we ever see another Alex? I don't think so. Jimmy and Ronnie are the nearest. RIP Alex and Skol!
@liquidplastic62 Totally agree with you. Too much by the rule book and it needs more players that will play for the crowd to get them up out their seats and everyone woke up! Its like when you watch Ronnie play your hearts pounding out your chest cus you never know what he might just do next and I love it!!!
he had everything anyone could ask for in his prime and he blew it all by living his life like a maniac and treating people like shit.. his friends and family included
so typical that most of you all kiss his arse and call him a "great guy" in death
he was great for snooker, people need to seperate those 2 things.
@Mirren81 .....and you've never done anything wrong in your life, well I can think of one thing....you found the time to condemn someone you have never met, people like you should have no access to a pc. RIP Alex, never forgotten.
@OneBillyTurner Well said. Nobody should condemn anybody they don't even know and have never met, and even then, still shouldn't who is anybody else to judge anybody else really? We all make mistakes. We're only human. Unfortunately people like them do have access to pc's.
So was he buried in his cue case or not ? All these multi,multi millionaire snooker chums who loved the guy , but couldn't chip in £20,000 to save his life, he starved to death in a first world country due to neglect !
i remember him hanging around laverys bar in belfast in his later years. ppl would hussle the guy to play. i sat and watched him make idiots out of them making them look for white chalk and stupid things like that. the doorman threw the 50 pence coin at him when he placed it on the table. but i seen this guy break with the butt of the cue and pot 3 balls!!!!! he may have fallen but he still had it. i had many a drink with him. r.i.p. alex.-''ginge''
substantially fantastic human being! i would love to have met him and have played against him or rather get my arse kicked against him :) he was the foundation of why snooker has become so popular around the world and the reason most lads in the UK tried there hand with a cue... what a character what a player what a loss!
(I bet he's still kicking arse now and supping barley smoothies.... Legend!)
Your man here Alex has and always has had all my respect.
He was a champion and human at the same time.
Don't tell people to stop paying their respects to him in capitals and all that fenien shite on here @Celticfc735. We all build our own destiny and have our demons. You cannot take anything away from him.
Alex Higgins achieved things we could only dream of fucking up.
He was and always will be the 'peoples champion' RIP
ok ENOUGH r i p HE WAS A LEGEND BUT HE HAD FUCKED UP 2 WHO ELSE IN HIS OPPORTUNITY WOULD HAVE DONE THAT HE EVEN CALLED HIMSELF A STUPID BASTARD so fuck it he is now history SO BYE ALEX RIP but a legend HE BUILT HIS OWN DESTINY
He Gave Snooker its Birth, He gave the People a Champion, He Gave the WSA a Platform - Surely we could have all done more to have made his final years more comfortable. Whatever his faults off the table, he deserved to die with dignity. R.I.P Alex, you will be sorely missed.
Alex was at the forefront of making snooker interesting as a spectator sport and bringing it to the attention of a global audience. He was the one who inspired me to take up the sport. He will be greatly missed. His wild image and rebelliousness endeared him to many, and stood him in stark contrast to the dull, robotic, stuffy conventionality of the likes of Davis and Hendry. He was a troubled genius.... but a genius he was. RIP, old friend.
The world has lost something very special. A new era begins with his departure.
Heres a thing. Think about that face everytime you light up a cigerrete. Smoking causes a slow and very painful death. Quit at the earliest you can. God Bless.
Here's another thing, though.... LIFE causes a slow and painful death. We all do things that are bad for us. I'm hugely fit... but I drink too much, because I'm an addict. Sometimes we have to do these things as a way of getting through it all. I agree with your sentiment... but that was who Alex was, so that's fine by me.
Another example of a tortured genius... Georgie Best. People criticised him for continuing to drink after he'd had a life-saving liver transplant, necessitated by alcoholism. To stop him from drinking, though, you'd have had to have transplanted his brain. That's just how it is with addictive personalities. I should know.
Amazing talent , and for all his flaws , he was one of my heroes , and he always will be . We love you Alex never to be forgotten , snooker will never be the same again.
@rwitterick thats when its true though, when you still love people for their flaws, or despite their flaws and every single human being in this world has them. I just can't stand the ones that try to act like they have none what so ever. You know what I mean.
I remember watching the 1982 final and ending up with tears of happiness in my eyes. It was truly one of the greatest moments in sport. RIP Alex Higgins.
Rip alex .. U inspired me as a kid and gave me love for snooker.. Was an honour to meet u at Aston villa leisure centre when u played hendry.. God bless u mate we love you from the bottom of our hearts... U was the real peoples champion. Xxx
This creep Orange Alex Higgins was a waste of space and I am so placed to see him off the planet. He was crude to women, nasty to children, brutal to partners and an out and out thug.
I watched him ten years ago at an exhibition match. He told two girls sitting with children "If I pot this will you both do a double header on me" He came back from the toilets with his zip undone and told a lovely young girl to pull it up for him.
This creep Orange Alex Higgins was a waste of space and I am so placed to see him off the planet. He was crude to women, nasty to children, brutal to partners and an out and out thug.
I watched him ten years ago at an exhibition match. He told two girls sitting with children "If I pot this will you both do a double header on me" He came back from the toilets with his zip undone and told a lovely young girl to pull it up for him.
loved higgins...met him briefly when i was a kid-he was as nice as even his biggest fan could have hoped for...many times over the last few years i wished there was some kind of fund i could have discreetly contributed to just to have kept him in the style he invented/deserved,etc...no matter what he did or where his life took him he was something special and i think there is always a part of me that wishes i was him..love and admiration forever,alex and credit to all that cared for him..
Everyone will come together and pretend to be the frienda that alex needed whilst he was living. So sad he died alone and would have been aware of this as hearing is the last sense to go and no one was there to comfort him end of life. Thanks Alex for giving my son your time, autograph and drew your smily face as a message for my ill husband who was a great fan of yours. Sleep in peace.
i met the hurricane in a pub in drogheda co. louth about 2 or 3 months ago and bought a photo from him and he signed it for me.. i sat and had a chat with him and when he left i thought to mysel, that man hasn't got long left... i'm glad i met him but sad he's gone..... RIP alex you legend
Genius on the table...not so good off it. He was used by the game, but gave so much. I don't agree that he was the most talented; but certainly up there. A warning to all. RIP.
Very sad. I wish he had self discipline and control he would have been a great pundit now as well as a must see on celebrity snooker tours. Shame and agree with other posts, smoking, drinking and excess catches up with us all in the end. RIP
Lol, its cool the way this video has 147 likes!
azazel1893 6 days ago
i hope for a film about him one day, about his rise to fame and his demons. R.I.P
deviatea 1 week ago
For most of his adult life Higgins often smoked up to 60 cigarettes a day. He had cancerous growths removed from his mouth in 1994 and 1996. In June 1998, he was found to have throat cancer; on 13 October of that year, he had throat surgery. In 2009, Higgins lived in a caravan. In spring 2010, he had pneumonia. Despite his illness he continued to smoke cigarettes and drink heavily until the end of his life.
Sad end, but its all about choices.
herefordmsv 3 weeks ago
You know what i'd like to see in snooker? More girls in it, being allowed to be exposed as well as the lads are, and if theres anything wrong with snooker now, more than anything its that the girls don't get the same exposure or anything as the lads, and it seems to be a little sexist. I should say there must be a lot of great girls out there that can play this sport maybe even better than some of the guys!
TheMariemitchell 3 weeks ago
Will be sorely missed I know that much. 2 minutes and 4 seconds 119! Damn, thats just mind blowing, its about love and passion and Alex had more than enough of that. I understand what peoples jealousy can make them do and make them react, but I will always hold the greatest of admiration and respect for you Alex.
TheMariemitchell 3 weeks ago
Totally agree with Alex its a lot to do with jealousy, and to be a great sportsman at the end of the day. That's exactly as it should be. If he got 119 in less than 2 and a half minutes thats just pure and utter skill that no one else has been seen to touch! Sad he had problems, but who don't exactly? At least he never walked around pretending to be perfect, got to have a lot of love and respect for that as well as his snooker playing. We need more entertaining players in snooker.
TheMariemitchell 3 weeks ago
bless all people dying of cancer
megaEDWIN3 1 month ago
I think he had just given up, I know what it's like to be like that and just want to drink. I just feel really sorry for him, and it's sad for everyone especially his family now he's gone. He could have got better if only doctors had helped him to eat. I thought he was great and remember watching him when I was little, along with many other players. RIP Alex, you were a unique and excellent player! :-))
littlebritain80 2 months ago
His daughter and Jimmy White said on the BBC documentary 'The People's Champion' that his throat cancer had completely cleared. He just needed to eat healthly and gain the weight he'd lost and then would have been allowed teeth implants. But he had never had much of an appetite,according to his sisters (smoking reduces appetite,) and preferred to just drink. He hadn't been in a big game for a long time and was single for a long time after a few marriages that didn't work out. (Continued..)
littlebritain80 2 months ago
:'(
05Rachel 2 months ago
Some people have the talent to take on the world .. but have no defence against the enemy within ..
Coastlinewalks 4 months ago 7
@Coastlinewalks so very true and well said
TheMariemitchell 3 weeks ago
So sad to see him like that!
hearts76100 6 months ago
I used to love snooker and it's characters, but they are all gone now. Ronnie is no character.....he spits the dummy out and sulks.
CRAIGMASON1971 7 months ago
True legend. just finished reading his book 'eye of the hurricane' and deeply regret not taking him up on his offer of a drink and a chat in the Crown. Forever Mr. Snooker. RIP.
bignevthebinman 7 months ago
hard to believe for someone who doesnt that it is possible still to smoke and drink even if you know you have to die. RIP Hurricane,i still love you, so does the people
1967tuncay 7 months ago
I cannot listen his voice clearly
perhaps he drank and smoked excessively so that his throat got problems.............
anyway,R.I.P.
kelvinaaa 8 months ago
@kelvinaaa yeah wasted away his talent just like george best, typical irish/northern irish, im a belfast lad myself sad 2 see him like this
KwHGaming1 4 months ago
This is a wake up to anybody out there who smokes.
TruthandJusticeUK 8 months ago 3
@TruthandJusticeUK... and drinks excessively
JalandharShere 8 months ago
@TruthandJusticeUK anybody can get cancer, Roy Castle never smoked, theres kids out there that never smoke and people out there that never smoke and get it and die young with it. Cancer is one of those things that is in everybody waiting to come out. Even a car crash can bring it out of you. It's rubbish to say its people that smoke, theres people out there in their 90's that smoke that dont even die of it.
TheMariemitchell 3 weeks ago
And i thought ronnie was arrogant!!!! says he could be a top 32 player! talk about deluded. I've been to some of the ptc events this year, this guy isnt even in the same bracket! Todays players would have eaten him alive. Like his enthusiasm though.
jamesbailR6 8 months ago
@jamesbailR6 Its not even about exactly where you are in the rankings I think the points missed with you here that its about entertainment! Alex entertained the crowd. Sure there are great players out there with a cue, but they don't exactly entertain the crowd and have them on the edge of their seats! With Ronnie and Alex, at least for me, the both of them have me out my seat and clear on the edge of it. Theres a difference between a methodical by the rule player and watching
TheMariemitchell 3 weeks ago
@TheMariemitchell a player thats like watching a thriller movie. Sure Hendry, Davis, great potters, but not exactly making me sit on the edge of my seat. They play snooker amazingly well, but, I like to watch someone whose unpredictable, that makes me sit on the edge of my seat in excitement and both Ronnie and Alex do that one for me. You call Ronnie arrogant, like to see you try to pick up a cue and entertain the crowd like that!
TheMariemitchell 3 weeks ago
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metsot 8 months ago
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metsot 8 months ago
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metsot 8 months ago
The sad reality of cigarettes and alcoholism.....
roglowe 8 months ago 6
@roglowe kids,people die of cancer every single day that have never touched a drink or cigarettes in their life, people out there in their 90s smoking and having the odd tipple that are fine. Its sad for anybody to die of cancer, its an awful disease, have had to know closest to me dying of it, its not something you would even wish on your worse enemy
TheMariemitchell 3 weeks ago
@roglowe : The idiots see cigarettes ans alcoholism, the others see a genius named Alex Higgins.
Adunatii 1 week ago
@Adunatii You're not an idiot for acknowledging reality. The reality is that cigarettes and alcohol killed him. Yes, he was a genious and a fantastic snooker player, but that doesn't change reality. Don't go around calling people idiots for stupid reasons.
YouthEnergy 1 week ago
Legendary, fantastic character, undoubtable natural talent and a credit to the game, if not the main reason the game flourished during his time. Shame he was not a nice person and was weak enough to kill himself slowly... but most geniuses are flawed in some way.
poolkris 8 months ago
miss you - rest in peice. Live honest.....I shall
snakehips200 9 months ago
@snakehips200 nice well said
TheMariemitchell 3 weeks ago
Alex 'Hurricane' Higgins losing strength not style
ingsey 9 months ago
is it just me or is this guys voice like really soothing to hear.
ZS1productions 9 months ago
the man was gifted stop compairing davis was great hendry was great ect
robbie3667 9 months ago 2
@robbie3667 Yes he was gifted. Theres a lot of good players out there with a cue, but not really gifted, there will be some, but they probably in some situation where they aint got the chance to have the exposure to be shown to the world, but thats the case with many things in the world i.e music, art, dance etc. There are truly gifted people out there in this world that never have the opportunity to get recognised at all, Alex at least had that opportunity, what if he never did?
TheMariemitchell 3 weeks ago
@Whatevr089 sorry i meant to write tom hagen
pdlad500 10 months ago
Legend.
MENSFORTHHILL99 10 months ago
Not being a sick twat but I prefer this alex higgins to the one portrayed in the 80's and 90's.
This is the real alex higgins the bad attitude was put on to entertain I didn't like that version I prefer this one
MrDontstareitsrude 10 months ago
Weather beaten, gnarled not down,
Wand wielder, a wand himself now,
Spellbinding alone, his crown
Hangs unreachable.
TheLizardmonkey 10 months ago 2
we love you higgins you are never going to be forgotton
pdlad500 10 months ago
The Corleone snooker family
Don Corleone - Alex Higgins
Michael Corleone - Jimmy White
Sonny Corleone - Ronnie O'Sullivan
Fredo Corleone - Stephen Hendry
pdlad500 10 months ago 2
@pdlad500 Why would Hendry be the idiot one?
Best of luck to Alex, Im sorry to only be able to see his videos in youtube and not sense a live battle with himself on the table.
Whatevr089 10 months ago
dont mean to disrespect, but I think Alex Higgens looks like gollum
does anyone think so?
servetu0131m 10 months ago
@servetu0131m are you sick or what? The man is a legend!
Kidzor91 10 months ago 2
@Kidzor91 I agree that he is a true legend.
But he looks like gollum too
servetu0131m 10 months ago
loved watching higgins as a kid, i always remember him saying that he would "bounce" and he nearly always did.. thank you and RIP Alex
racecourse42 10 months ago
What a legend i watched you as a kid and to see such a great person riddled with disease brings a tear to my eye. You will be and are sadly missed.RIP my champion
theboy121112 10 months ago
Alex, Jimmy and Ronnie only players worth watching.
drb7777 10 months ago
love that guy,my hero growing up,sadly missed...
alfreddunn03 10 months ago
ALEX!!!! Mesmerizzzing is the word, so is electric, passionate, human, genius, phenomenon - GREAT! The Peoples Champion!
trifelgeputinage 10 months ago
I wish these horrible illnesses would only afflict horrible people. Alas, life is not like that.
philsinatra 11 months ago 2
@philsinatra they probably should, but cancers not something you should even wish on your worst enemy. Its awful, even if you have had to know someone not close to you die of it, love, trust me, its not something to wish on anybody.
TheMariemitchell 3 weeks ago
We all watch all sports for entertainment ,Alex Higgins was the ultimate entertainer in the snooker world.He will not be easily forgotten!!!!
roycab 11 months ago
@roycab exactly
TheMariemitchell 3 weeks ago
Alex had more flair in his little finger than most players have in their whole body today, he was a genius and a natural talent. He also had guts to stand up for himself and loved to entertain the audience and his many, many fans.. R.I.P. Alex.. Sadly missed forever xxx
wonittwice 11 months ago 2
@wonittwice exactly, it takes a lot of guts to do anything in front of an audience, regardless. See an impossible looking shot, take it on, risk it, and get it, and what a reaction, even for yourself, and thats the thing with so many players today, they are not unpredictable, you know what they're going for to pot, and theres no excitement in knowing, but with Alex you never knew what to expect, what a thrill!
TheMariemitchell 3 weeks ago
the columnists name is jim white... reminds me of some other guy...
bochum123123 1 year ago
just a quirk of fate? I think there's a poetic twist to the journalist's name. moving but haunting interview too.
nx03lcf 1 year ago
Alex, you will be sadly missed, you where the best player in the day. I also would like to wish my condolence to your family. A true genius and one of a kind. Rest In Peace Alex. ¬ ¬ I hate Cancer, I also had a friend that just passed away on christmas day, because of Cancer he never smoked or drank, so those that say it was the drink, it's not always the case.
Rest in peace Alex, love you.
keenandwhat009 1 year ago
@keenandwhat009 sorry to hear about your friend, know what its like losing people to cancer, people who have never drank or smoked and people that have. Thers no rule as to why people get cancer, its just awful. My condolences to you. xxx
TheMariemitchell 3 weeks ago
alcohol was Alex's downfall, like it is for everyone who becomes addicted to it. i miss players with his flair today.
steptoesaunt 1 year ago
i was too young but my father had the privilege of watching you play. Rest in peace alex. you were one of the true greats of snooker.
adamh0075 1 year ago
God bless sweetheart, rest in peace xxx
No1GorgeousLady 1 year ago
The guy is okay in this vid... he can drink his beer!
;-)
adrie7777 1 year ago
Rest in peace Alex
tiasarahellielorna 1 year ago
THE GOD .... ACE
msc1969x 1 year ago 4
as a child there was only one player on the snooker scene that rocked this was the man. rip alex
danbit5 1 year ago 2
Alex "Hurricane" Higgins
Man
Hero
legend
never forgotten, world champion in all our hearts
kelveneffect 1 year ago 9
RIP ALEX ONE HELL OF A LEGEND.
stevecherm 1 year ago 2
its horrible hearing and seeing him so weak. Had the potential to be the greatest player of all shame. RIP
r4ng3own 1 year ago 2
And I though Ronnie was arrogant! lol
TheBlackBabyJesus 1 year ago
@TheBlackBabyJesus Ronnies a clear entertainer with a cue! Ever seen snooker matches and everyones shouting GO ON RONNIE!!! lol!
TheMariemitchell 3 weeks ago
Thanks for all the memories Alex, and for giving millions,including me, the desire and passion to play.
MapleRam 1 year ago
Amazing but so sad,one of the true greats and will be remembered long after the considered greats today.I remember watching this guy do things with a cue ball not even Jimmy White could acheive,screwing a cue ball with the cue ball 11ft away from the object ball just truly amazing.RIP Alex your presence will always remain.
Ry42Back 1 year ago
no alex higgins = no snooker !
0114owl1867 1 year ago
Thank you Alex for making Snooker as good as it is today,with out you i don't think there would be the players there is today.Alex Higgins will be a legend 4 ever :)
taylorguy72 1 year ago 36
i wont hide the fact he looks a sorry frail man here.. i only wish he'd taken better care of himself during his later years. but i guess this was alex higgins and what made him unique. RIP.
4evainter 1 year ago
@4evainter Yes he admitted he was still smoking four cigarettes a day this year.
JuanMacready 1 year ago
@JuanMacready wonderful player with a sad ending.
4evainter 1 year ago 2
I remember Alex in his prime, the wonderful championships of '72 and '82 and let's be honest, his questionable behaviour. You'd be hard pressed not to be moved by this interview. Just read his autobiography. Very honest. He had it all and lost it all too, but ultimately he was and still is affectionately remember as both the most exciting player and character the world of snooker has ever known. It's testamony to this memory how many people chose to attend his funeral. God Bless you Alex.
Charles010 1 year ago 2
@Charles010 If he didnt have his questionable behaviour, he wouldnt have his snooker genious either. Unfort, they both went hand in hand.
wanderer1955 1 year ago
Another legend gone before his time was due. It just shows what damage smoking and drinking does.
Magnesiur 1 year ago 3
I met Alex about 16 years ago, I was drinking with my parents in our local pub in Dublin and this voice behind me said'' Excuse me but would you mind if I had a look at your newspaper'' I looked around and it was Alex. My father was a big fan of Alex and they spoke for a few minutes. Alex said he was in Dublin for a wedding. He was a very pleasant guy . It's a great memory to have.
STHFGDBY 1 year ago 6
R.I.P Alex
lazymuthafukka 1 year ago
Oh dear. Yes we know he had a drinking problem - I don't think zooming the camera into a bottle of vodka after he took a shot was a particularly great bit of editing
MrSyrett 1 year ago 6
god bless
urbanprogression 1 year ago 2
The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power, and all that beauty, all that wealth er gave, awaits alike the inevitable hour, the paths of glory lead but to the grave...
FeOKAlSi 1 year ago
RIP. God Bless you and keep and may his face shine upon you. Condolences to the Family.
waldenhouse 1 year ago
R.I.P ALEX HIGGINS from englan worlds best you will be very much missed
091192oakleyd 1 year ago
Hell raisers lose every time. George Best had a few years of football and a lifetime of booze. Alex is another tragic casualty, but why did all these "tribute payers" not show up when he needed help...
neso43 1 year ago
@neso43 None of the famous people at his funeral wanted to know him when he was still alive.
JuanMacready 1 year ago 3
@JuanMacready well apart from our Jimmy.
msdnsoft 1 year ago
Alex would have won more titles but he was the people's champion and always played for the fans. He entertained and took chances unlike players like Davis and Hendry. The young players of today should bring back some character and spontaneity into the game and try to forget the paychecks and the numbers or the game is going to die on it's back. Too many look like they're walking the green mile! Will we ever see another Alex? I don't think so. Jimmy and Ronnie are the nearest. RIP Alex and Skol!
liquidplastic62 1 year ago 3
@liquidplastic62 Totally agree with you. Too much by the rule book and it needs more players that will play for the crowd to get them up out their seats and everyone woke up! Its like when you watch Ronnie play your hearts pounding out your chest cus you never know what he might just do next and I love it!!!
TheMariemitchell 3 weeks ago
Wonderful player - nice video.
microsoft57 1 year ago
It always amuses me when people say Alex "only" won the world title twice. I wish I could reach the top of my chosen field "only" twice.
JoeStunner 1 year ago
Thumbs up if you are watching this after seeing the documentary on BBC 1
AL1KH4N 1 year ago 27
just watched the documentery him v white what a player man
sk8ordiet15 1 year ago 5
here here..brilliant documentry
remember him in his prime..at his best..he's immortalised through the fantastic snooker he played and the games he won..legend
MrFitzek 1 year ago
Great documantury by the bbc tonight... RIP alex
macgiver351 1 year ago
he had everything anyone could ask for in his prime and he blew it all by living his life like a maniac and treating people like shit.. his friends and family included
so typical that most of you all kiss his arse and call him a "great guy" in death
he was great for snooker, people need to seperate those 2 things.
Mirren81 1 year ago
@Mirren81 .....and you've never done anything wrong in your life, well I can think of one thing....you found the time to condemn someone you have never met, people like you should have no access to a pc. RIP Alex, never forgotten.
OneBillyTurner 1 year ago
@OneBillyTurner Well said. Nobody should condemn anybody they don't even know and have never met, and even then, still shouldn't who is anybody else to judge anybody else really? We all make mistakes. We're only human. Unfortunately people like them do have access to pc's.
TheMariemitchell 3 weeks ago
Sad, Sad day....good player and will always remembered
MrTiny30 1 year ago
a good player and a good man
mal334455 1 year ago
good interview, good interviewer too!!
kodkodkod 1 year ago
So was he buried in his cue case or not ? All these multi,multi millionaire snooker chums who loved the guy , but couldn't chip in £20,000 to save his life, he starved to death in a first world country due to neglect !
MrNodzilla 1 year ago
i remember him hanging around laverys bar in belfast in his later years. ppl would hussle the guy to play. i sat and watched him make idiots out of them making them look for white chalk and stupid things like that. the doorman threw the 50 pence coin at him when he placed it on the table. but i seen this guy break with the butt of the cue and pot 3 balls!!!!! he may have fallen but he still had it. i had many a drink with him. r.i.p. alex.-''ginge''
crisbling 1 year ago
substantially fantastic human being! i would love to have met him and have played against him or rather get my arse kicked against him :) he was the foundation of why snooker has become so popular around the world and the reason most lads in the UK tried there hand with a cue... what a character what a player what a loss!
(I bet he's still kicking arse now and supping barley smoothies.... Legend!)
Cragrok 1 year ago 2
Your man here Alex has and always has had all my respect.
He was a champion and human at the same time.
Don't tell people to stop paying their respects to him in capitals and all that fenien shite on here @Celticfc735. We all build our own destiny and have our demons. You cannot take anything away from him.
Alex Higgins achieved things we could only dream of fucking up.
He was and always will be the 'peoples champion' RIP
Long live the Hurricane
ILiveOnMyBoat 1 year ago
ok ENOUGH r i p HE WAS A LEGEND BUT HE HAD FUCKED UP 2 WHO ELSE IN HIS OPPORTUNITY WOULD HAVE DONE THAT HE EVEN CALLED HIMSELF A STUPID BASTARD so fuck it he is now history SO BYE ALEX RIP but a legend HE BUILT HIS OWN DESTINY
celticfc735 1 year ago
RIP
dookst89 1 year ago
RIP Alex.
ttdantt10384 1 year ago
genius
chrisdorman 1 year ago
Bye Alex. x
Archiesquaddy 1 year ago
R.I.P alex
IrishHomeComedy 1 year ago
He Gave Snooker its Birth, He gave the People a Champion, He Gave the WSA a Platform - Surely we could have all done more to have made his final years more comfortable. Whatever his faults off the table, he deserved to die with dignity. R.I.P Alex, you will be sorely missed.
RamWhamBam 1 year ago
@MartianTom i could not agree more in terms of watching it on TV
Pauluk33 1 year ago
R.I.P. Alex.... True legend of the game....
wonittwice 1 year ago
Another of my heroes. RIP HH
LiamXaoh 1 year ago
Very poignant. Even half-dead, he still struck the ball beautifully, though.
BlobOfMark 1 year ago
Alex was at the forefront of making snooker interesting as a spectator sport and bringing it to the attention of a global audience. He was the one who inspired me to take up the sport. He will be greatly missed. His wild image and rebelliousness endeared him to many, and stood him in stark contrast to the dull, robotic, stuffy conventionality of the likes of Davis and Hendry. He was a troubled genius.... but a genius he was. RIP, old friend.
MartianTom 1 year ago
The world has lost something very special. A new era begins with his departure.
Heres a thing. Think about that face everytime you light up a cigerrete. Smoking causes a slow and very painful death. Quit at the earliest you can. God Bless.
smooooothoperator 1 year ago
@smooooothoperator
Here's another thing, though.... LIFE causes a slow and painful death. We all do things that are bad for us. I'm hugely fit... but I drink too much, because I'm an addict. Sometimes we have to do these things as a way of getting through it all. I agree with your sentiment... but that was who Alex was, so that's fine by me.
MartianTom 1 year ago
@MartianTom
Another example of a tortured genius... Georgie Best. People criticised him for continuing to drink after he'd had a life-saving liver transplant, necessitated by alcoholism. To stop him from drinking, though, you'd have had to have transplanted his brain. That's just how it is with addictive personalities. I should know.
MartianTom 1 year ago
@MartianTom you're right. People should be allowed to be who they are without being condemned for it.
TheMariemitchell 3 weeks ago
R,i.p , Alex
ian21stfox 1 year ago
RIP, Hurricane.
dan32113 1 year ago
ALEX HURRICANE HIGGINS WAS THE MAIN MAN AND ALWAYS WILL BE. R.I.P ALEX GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN...
alcatraz38 1 year ago
It's almost unbearable to watch this. He's a ruin.
Resenbrink 1 year ago
o so sad o so sad words fail me R.I.P Alex , Alex was THE MAN
duxberry1958 1 year ago
To be happiness in heaven , Alex
we'll miss you all times ...
MyBradyPatriots 1 year ago
Aww man, sorry you've gone. You'll be so missed.
krsnakris 1 year ago
Legend R.I.P never forgot.
iamguinnessman 1 year ago
Thanks for the memories Alex R.I.P.
cullinach 1 year ago
how sad.great man
steviefin 1 year ago
The word genius is overused, but alex was a genius!
mark8364 1 year ago
Amazing talent , and for all his flaws , he was one of my heroes , and he always will be . We love you Alex never to be forgotten , snooker will never be the same again.
rwitterick 1 year ago 2
@rwitterick thats when its true though, when you still love people for their flaws, or despite their flaws and every single human being in this world has them. I just can't stand the ones that try to act like they have none what so ever. You know what I mean.
TheMariemitchell 3 weeks ago
I remember watching the 1982 final and ending up with tears of happiness in my eyes. It was truly one of the greatest moments in sport. RIP Alex Higgins.
rlnewsome2002 1 year ago
R.I.P. Alex Higgins. One of the most entertaining and flamboyant magicians of the green braze. Snooker has lost a great one.
663HD 1 year ago
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663HD 1 year ago
Rip alex .. U inspired me as a kid and gave me love for snooker.. Was an honour to meet u at Aston villa leisure centre when u played hendry.. God bless u mate we love you from the bottom of our hearts... U was the real peoples champion. Xxx
MrMagsimus 1 year ago
Alex, we miss you mate xx
moosey62 1 year ago
RIP Alex Higgins GOD BLESS rest in peace!
evelplay36 1 year ago
reminds me of the once established actor Jan Michael Vincent - similar story, sad but true
youngpob 1 year ago
RIP. Sad really in the end!
Crumley17 1 year ago
RIP Hurricane. I am honoured to have met him.
Eugmeister147 1 year ago
You deserve all the respect Mr. Higgens.Snooker has lost one of his kings.May you rest in peace.
Indiosoul 1 year ago
I see alex is wearing a hat in this video anyone remember when he used to wear a hat in the seventies when he entered the snooker arena.
Ietterposter 1 year ago
RIP to the man who brought snooker to the attention of millions of tv viewers - the peoples champion deserves his place in snooker history
Ietterposter 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
This creep Orange Alex Higgins was a waste of space and I am so placed to see him off the planet. He was crude to women, nasty to children, brutal to partners and an out and out thug.
I watched him ten years ago at an exhibition match. He told two girls sitting with children "If I pot this will you both do a double header on me" He came back from the toilets with his zip undone and told a lovely young girl to pull it up for him.
A great day for everyone. Rest in hell Higgins
anlorgain 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
This creep Orange Alex Higgins was a waste of space and I am so placed to see him off the planet. He was crude to women, nasty to children, brutal to partners and an out and out thug.
I watched him ten years ago at an exhibition match. He told two girls sitting with children "If I pot this will you both do a double header on me" He came back from the toilets with his zip undone and told a lovely young girl to pull it up for him.
A great day for everyone. Rest in hell Higgins
anlorgain 1 year ago
RIP Mr Higgins.
thaisekine 1 year ago
Rest In Peace Alex, and dustbabe some people are Twats and there is nothing you can do to change that !,
johnmac415 1 year ago
His daughter is hot!
nosemellon 1 year ago
Those people invovled in Snooker should ashamed for not looking after the man who contributed so much to the game,..
his death was a sad story... i hope you're in a better place, Alex
international2009 1 year ago
God bless Alex - a great talent and will be missed!!
cetustain 1 year ago
rip a. higgins-
hswatnik 1 year ago
loved higgins...met him briefly when i was a kid-he was as nice as even his biggest fan could have hoped for...many times over the last few years i wished there was some kind of fund i could have discreetly contributed to just to have kept him in the style he invented/deserved,etc...no matter what he did or where his life took him he was something special and i think there is always a part of me that wishes i was him..love and admiration forever,alex and credit to all that cared for him..
noclass33 1 year ago
Everyone will come together and pretend to be the frienda that alex needed whilst he was living. So sad he died alone and would have been aware of this as hearing is the last sense to go and no one was there to comfort him end of life. Thanks Alex for giving my son your time, autograph and drew your smily face as a message for my ill husband who was a great fan of yours. Sleep in peace.
gmdugan 1 year ago
i met the hurricane in a pub in drogheda co. louth about 2 or 3 months ago and bought a photo from him and he signed it for me.. i sat and had a chat with him and when he left i thought to mysel, that man hasn't got long left... i'm glad i met him but sad he's gone..... RIP alex you legend
molly06finn09 1 year ago
Genius on the table...not so good off it. He was used by the game, but gave so much. I don't agree that he was the most talented; but certainly up there. A warning to all. RIP.
Zaitev147 1 year ago
Very sad RIP Higgins
DCTheGuitarist 1 year ago
Very sad. I wish he had self discipline and control he would have been a great pundit now as well as a must see on celebrity snooker tours. Shame and agree with other posts, smoking, drinking and excess catches up with us all in the end. RIP
ray131262 1 year ago
i remember watching him playing snooker when i was little.
He's a legend and he will not be forgotten...ever R.I.P Alex x
jillanderson23 1 year ago
one of the true sporting anti heros of the eighties mans a legend!
TheSparkle7 1 year ago
Goodbye Alex Higgens, real legend.