Born Robert Kerr Fulton in Dennistoun in 1924, Rikki Fulton would go onto become one of Scotland's great comedic actors. However, whilst many of the city's comedy greats were brought up on football and the shipyards, Rikki was different. He told the TV Guide of his love of tennis and piano, "And I loved the work, too. I did help to run an amateur concert party, but I'd have still been in shipping if the war hadn't come along."placeholder image
Born Robert Kerr Fulton in Dennistoun in 1924, Rikki Fulton would go onto become one of Scotland's great comedic actors. However, whilst many of the city's comedy greats were brought up on football and the shipyards, Rikki was different. He told the TV Guide of his love of tennis and piano, "And I loved the work, too. I did help to run an amateur concert party, but I'd have still been in shipping if the war hadn't come along." | TSPL

Great Glaswegians: The life and times of great Glaswegian Rikki Fulton in 6 pictures

Callum McCormack
By Callum McCormack

News Features Writer

Published 21st May 2025, 16:19 BST

There was much more than just laughs to one of Glasgow’s great comedy heroes.

When we asked for your suggestions for great Glaswegians who should have statues on George Square, Rikki Fulton was an extremely popular choice. The Dennistoun-born comic had generations of Scots laughing with his dry Reverend I.M. Jolly character.

However, there was much more to Fulton than just laughs. From the Royal Navy to radio anchor and even as a serious actor - Fulton led a deeply interesting life.

Learn more about Rikki Fulton below.

He was to return to screens in 1978 with Scotch & Wry, the show that would become synonymous with Hogmanay for many in Scotland and the character of Reverend I.M Jolly would become iconic. It was repeated each New Years Eve until 1992, when Fulton decided to retire. The decision was short-lived however and three more Hogmanay specials were produced focusing on Reverend I.M. Jolly.

5. Rikki Fulton

He was to return to screens in 1978 with Scotch & Wry, the show that would become synonymous with Hogmanay for many in Scotland and the character of Reverend I.M Jolly would become iconic. It was repeated each New Years Eve until 1992, when Fulton decided to retire. The decision was short-lived however and three more Hogmanay specials were produced focusing on Reverend I.M. Jolly. Photo: Submitted

A final outing for I.M Jolly in 1999 saw Fulton retire from screens, ending a five-decade long career. In 2002, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. He passed away on 27 January 2004, survived by his wife, Kate Matheson.

6. Rikki Fulton

A final outing for I.M Jolly in 1999 saw Fulton retire from screens, ending a five-decade long career. In 2002, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. He passed away on 27 January 2004, survived by his wife, Kate Matheson. | BBC

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