Jethro

Geoffrey McIntyre Rowe (8 March 1948 – 14 December 2021), known by his stage name Jethro, was a British stand-up comedian and singer from Cornwall.

Early life Rowe was born in St Buryan, Cornwall, on 8 March 1948, the son of a farmer. After leaving school, he apprenticed as a carpenter and worked in a tin mine near Trewellard. His father, Hugh, founded the St Buryan Male Voice Choir, and Jethro made his first stage appearances with the St Just District Operatic Society in St Just as a bass singer.

Career Rowe started touring pubs and clubs in Cornwall, singing traditional songs. One night, he ran out of voice and could not sing any more, so he told a joke instead. It was well received, and so he began developing his comedy act. He produced his first video, A Portion of Jethro, in 1993, followed by several others. Comedian Richard Herring noted that Jethro's success over a long career was admirable, but also stated, "Part of my admiration is that his stuff isn't as horrible as that of some of his contemporaries. Which is a bit of a negative positive."

Personal life and death Rowe spent his later years living in Lewdown, where he bred horses and owned a comedy club, which closed in 2012. In 1995, he walked from Land's End to Lewdown and raised £20,000 for the Bristol Cancer Open Scanner Appeal.

He said that "Jethro" and "Geoff Rowe" were two entirely different people, and described himself as "a total recluse" off the stage, embarrassed when people recognised him in the street. A funeral was held at Truro Cathedral on 3 January 2022.

He is survived by his long-term partner, Jennie Barriball, and his two sons, Jesse and Lanyon. His number plate J35 TER sold for £30,500 at auction.