Comedian Jimmy Rees shares pain of losing nephew to cerebral palsy
The former kids entertainer turned internet sensation has opened up about a “devastating” family tragedy.
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Jimmy Rees, the former child entertainer turned viral sensation, has opened up on the tragedy of losing his nephew last month.
Rees shared the heartbreaking news that Rye, 11, had died after living with cerebral palsy.
“It’s been a pretty devastating time,’’ Rees said.
“My wife’s sister is the relation, so it’s my brother and sister in law going through a lot at the moment. He had a lot of issues thrown at his life and faced adversity from the word go and it was something that was never talked about but it was kind of inevitable in a way.
“We’d be seeing ongoing regression over the years and it all happened pretty fast from there. I don’t know how they’re coping, it’s tough on everyone but for the parents it’s just devastating.”
Amid the sadness, there’s some good news for the former Giggle & Hoot star who will bring his stage show and iconic skits to the screen in an hour-long comedy special, Jimmy Rees: Meanwhile In Australia, to premiere on BINGE on September 27.
Rees has gained a cult following for his sellout Meanwhile In Australia tour and popular POV videos which have attracted millions of views on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.
The special will fuse stand-up, Rees’ iconic characters including The Guy Who Decides & Jason, The Brighton Ladies and many others.
“It’s been a change one could say, borne a bit out of necessity through Covid but a career change and an image change I guess,’’ he said.
“Comedy was the end goal for sure and entertaining us all. I fell into kids TV for a while there and that was amazing and I’ve still got fond memories of it all now.
“I honestly couldn’t believe how many people were saying (things like Pfffiiiizer) which was something I just happened to start.
“People in Victoria did it tough so it was a laugh and latching onto some of the phrases was really nice to see.”
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