Who was John Virgo? Snooker legend dies at 79; his career, wife, kids & more

The snooker world is mourning the death of legend John Virgo as the former player and broadcaster died at the age of 79. Virgo was known as the voice of the sport, and the snooker icon made his final appearance on the BBC for the Masters tournament last month. 

Virgo took his last breath on Wednesday in Spain, where he lived. The heartbreaking news was posted by the Snooker World as the internet was flooded with tributes. 

All about snooker legend John Virgo; his career, wife, kids & more as he dies at 79

Virgo was born on 4 March 1946 in Salford, Lancashire, England. He turned into a professional player in 1976, winning four professional titles during his playing career before he announced his retirement in 1994.  

Virgo enjoyed not just a successful but a long and storied playing career. His most notable victory was in the final of the 1979 UK Championship, where he claimed the honor by defeating Terry Griffiths. Some of his other victories were the 1980 Bombay International, the 1980 Pontins Professional, and the 1984 Professional Snooker League.  

Following his incredible career as a player, he went on to become one of the best broadcasters. He was best known for his coverage for the BBC as a commentator and was famous for his catchphrase of 'Where's the cue ball going?'.  

John Virgo’s wife and children 

John Virgo married thrice. He left his first wife in the late 1970s, with whom he had a son named Gary. He married Avril, his second wife, and welcomed a daughter named Brooke-Leah before they split in 1991. 

In 2009, following the two failed marriages, the snooker icon tied the knot with Rosie Ries, and the two moved to Spain to live. 

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