Who Is Alex Higgins? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on March 18, 1949, Alex Higgins was a Northern Irish snooker player who garnered immense popularity during his career due to his flamboyant style and charismatic personality. Often referred to as “The Hurricane,” Higgins transformed the landscape of snooker in the 1970s and 1980s with his aggressive playing style and incredible talent. He passed away on July 24, 2010, and is remembered as one of the sport's all-time greats.
| Occupation | Snooker Player |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 18, 1949 |
| Age | 61 Years |
| Birth Place | Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | Ireland |
| Date of death | 24 July, 2010 |
| Died Place | Belfast, Northern Ireland |
Popularity
Alex Higgins's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Throughout his life, Alex Higgins stood at an impressive height of 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm). His weight fluctuated during his career but was typically around 154 lbs (70 kg). Although specific measurements aren't publicly documented, Higgins was known for his athletic build, a trait that contributed to his agility on the snooker table.
In describing Higgins's unconventional playing technique, his fellow professional Willie Thorne said that "He does everything wrong: his stance is square, he lifts his head, his arm's bent, he snatches at some of his shots." Thorne concluded that Higgins would be the worst example for an aspiring player to imitate.
Higgins's grip on his cue was less firm than typically employed by professional players. Author Brendan Cooper wrote that "Beset with twitches, sniffs, and odd jerks of the limbs, Higgins would approach the table like a battered boxer trying to stay upright."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Higgins remains a posthumous figure who was previously married to his wife, Margaret Higgins, with whom he had a daughter. His personal life was often tumultuous, marked by relationships and conflicts; he had a reputation for being a controversial figure both on and off the table. While no current dating status is applicable due to his passing, his legacy continues to inspire many in the world of snooker, and his family maintains a low profile.
Born in Belfast on 18 March 1949, Higgins was the only son of Alexander Gordon Higgins, a labourer, and his wife Elizabeth (née Stockman), a cleaner. He had three sisters, Isobel, Ann and Jean. His father suffered a brain injury after being hit by a lorry, and he was raised primarily by his mother.
The family lived on Abingdon Drive in Sandy Row, a predominantly Protestant working-class area of inner-city south Belfast, and Higgins was educated at the local Mabel Street Primary School and Kelvin Secondary School. From age 10, he began frequenting the Jam Pot, a local snooker and billiards hall, running bets for his father and doing odd jobs.
He began to play snooker at the Jam Pot at age 11, and subsequently began playing with more challenging opponents at the Shaftesbury and YMCA clubs in the city centre. After leaving school in 1964, Higgins worked as a messenger for the Irish Linen Company, but the job was short-lived as it offered few prospects and the business was in decline.
After spotting a newspaper advert for stable boys at Eddie Reavey's stables in Wantage, Berkshire, he left Belfast at 15, hoping to follow in the footsteps of his idol Lester Piggott and become a jockey. His employer later recalled him as "a starved little rat from the slums".
Despite being fired six times, he was taken back on board and stayed with Reavey for almost two years, during which time he gained too much weight to ride competitively. He left the stables for London, where he settled in a Leytonstone flat and started playing snooker again.
He won several money matches and earned extra income at a paper mill near London Bridge, but he grew homesick and returned to Belfast in late 1967.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2010, Alex Higgins's net worth was estimated to be around $2 million. His income primarily stemmed from his snooker career, endorsements, and appearances. In retrospect, the amount is modest compared to today's standards for star athletes but is indicative of the era in which he thrived.
Higgins relocated to England as it presented more favourable opportunities for snooker. It was here where salesman Dennis Broderick and bingo tycoons Jack Leeming and John McLaughlin recognised his talents and became his agents, buying him a flat and new clothes.
John McLaughlin originated the nickname of "Hurricane" for Higgins, who would have preferred "Alexander the Great".
Higgins turned professional full-time at age 22, and worked out his strategy against the top professionals around this time; he noted they were percentage players and to beat them, chose to "attack with brute force and scare them to death".
Higgins' sister Isobel offered to pay the £100 fee so he could enter the 1971 World Snooker Championship, but he declined as he did not feel ready.
Career, Business and Investments
Higgins's snooker career spanned more than three decades, marked by significant achievements including two World Championship titles in 1972 and 1982. He played a pivotal role in popularizing snooker globally and was known for his dramatic flair in both playing style and personality. Beyond snooker, Higgins faced numerous challenges, including financial difficulties and personal issues, which often overshadowed his career accomplishments.
In terms of business and investments, there have been no well-documented ventures since his passing. However, his impact on the sport has led to various commemorations and tributes that perpetuate his legacy in snooker.
Higgins won Masters titles in 1978 and 1981 and won the UK Championship in 1983, where he recovered from 07 behind to defeat Steve Davis 1615 in the final. As of 2025, he is one of 11 players to have completed a career Triple Crown.
He won the World Doubles Championship with White in 1984 and played with Dennis Taylor and Eugene Hughes on the all-Ireland team that won the World Cup three consecutive times from 1985 to 1987. He won his last professional title at the 1989 Irish Masters, defeating Hendry 98 in the final. He retired from the professional tour in 1997.
Social Network
After his death, Higgins continues to be celebrated in various snooker circles and communities. Social media platforms often discuss his contributions to the game, showcasing highlights of his career and memorable moments. Though he is not active on social media due to his demise, fans and fellow players regularly share and reminisce about his legendary matches.
Higgins' return to the professional circuit began in August 1991, when he registered for pre-season qualifying matches. Now ranked 120th in the world, he was whitewashed by 20-year old Adrian Rosa and failed to qualify for five other subsequent tournaments. Higgins reached the last 16 of the 1991 Dubai Classic but lost to Steve James.
He also reached the televised stages of the 1991 UK Championship, but lost 9–4 to Stephen Hendry in the first round. During their post-match handshake, Hendry claimed Higgins said "Up your arse, you cunt" to him. After Hendry reported the incident to the governing body, the case was settled in a London court in August 1992, nine months later.
Higgins was fined £500, bringing the total amount of fines as a professional to £23,200. Darren Morgan defeated Higgins 10–1 in qualifying for the 1992 World Championship which Higgins described as "surreal snooker ... never in ten years would I believe that result", and demanded he and Morgan take a drug test. He later apologised.
Education
While specific details regarding Higgins's education are scarce, it is well-known that his natural talent for snooker emerged early in his life. Growing up in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Higgins was introduced to the game at a young age and honed his skills in local clubs, eventually leading to his rise as one of the sport's most beloved figures.
In summary, Alex Higgins remains a cherished figure in snooker history, remembered for his unparalleled contributions to the sport and the joy he brought to fans worldwide. His legacy continues to spark interest and admiration as we look back on the incredible life of "The Hurricane."
In 1997, shortly after Ken Doherty won that year's World Championship, he agreed to play Higgins in an exhibition match at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast as a benefit. Doherty, who had idolised Higgins as a youngster, secured a 5–4 victory and the event raised £10,000 for Higgins.
On 1 August 1997, Higgins played what became his final match on the professional circuit with a 5–1 defeat to Neil Mosley, the world No. 182, at the Plymouth Pavilions in Qualifying School. He failed to appear at his next two scheduled qualifying matches. Higgins was ranked No. 155 in the world at the time of his final match.
