Alex Higgins was not only a talented musician, but he was also a notorious personality. His volatile temperament combined with frequent arguments made him an unpopular figure. His uninhibited lifestyle was noticed by the national press. He wasn't considered a "right kind"
Steve James defeated Alex Higgins at the 1990 World Snooker Championship in the opening round. After winning the semifinal, he beat Ray Reardon 18-15 to win his final. Higgins was the first player to reach four consecutive finals. He lost to Jimmy White in a semi-final, and Davy Ferguson at the final the following season.
Alex Higgins was a long-term smoker and had problems with alcohol throughout his career. He was also diagnosed with throat cancer in 1998. However, he continued to play snooker, and in 2006 he became the first Irish snooker player to win the world title.
Alex "Hurricane" Higgins was a fast shotmaker in his prime. As evidenced by his open-necked shirt, he was also a very flamboyant character. He was often accompanied on occasions by a pallbearer. He was also a keen smoker, and in 2006 he joined more 200 smokers in suing Benson & Hedges (a snooker sponsor).
Higgins was addicted to alcohol, cocaine, and gambling throughout his career. Holly Haise, his ex-girlfriend, stabbed Higgins three times in the arm. The long fight with throat cancer was another obstacle in his life. He died at the age of 61 in 2010. His funeral was held in St Anne's Cathedral Belfast.
Alex "Hurricane" Higgins had a reputation as a reckless and anti hero. He was a wild character with a volatile temperament that made him difficult for people to work with. He was actually expelled from the popular snooker TV channel Pot Black due to his frequent problems with the authorities.
Higgins was often out of the country, and he lived on the edge of danger. Lynn, his wife, cried once after he won a game. Lauren, his child, was taken to the Crucible stage when he won the World Championship. He threatened to shoot Dennis Taylor in the World Cup earlier in that season, and was also involved in an altercation. But the police dropped his case because there wasn't enough evidence to show he had hurt anyone.
Higgins was frequently the subject of controversy. This is evident by his frequent arguments as well as his regular alcohol consumption. Higgins was a regular user of cocaine, and had been told he had throat cancer. He also had a hard time dealing with the attention he was getting. He was frequently captivated by the crowd and had no manager. His talent made him a big box office draw.
Alex "Hurricane," a fast-shooter, was an artist with great talent who was sometimes hampered from his talents. He was an anti-hero and a rebel. He fought and won against the best players in the world, but always had an air of menace about him.