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 beat Alex Higgins in round one of the 1990 World Snooker Championship. After winning the semifinal, he beat Ray Reardon 18-15 to win his final. Higgins became first player to make it to four consecutive finals. However, the following season, he lost to Jimmy White in the semi-final and Davy Ferguson in the final.
Alex Higgins suffered from long-term alcoholism and smoking problems throughout his career. In 1998, he was also diagnosed as having throat cancer. He played snooker for many years and was the first Irish player ever to win the World Title in 2006.
Alex "Hurricane” Higgins was a skilled shotmaker during his prime. He was also a flamboyant character, as evidenced by his open-necked shirt. He was often accompanied at all times by a pallbearer. He was also a keen smoker, and in 2006 he joined more than 200 smokers in suing Benson & Hedges, a snooker sponsor.
During his career, Higgins had numerous vices, including alcohol, cocaine and gambling. He was also stabbed by his ex-girlfriend Holly Haise, who claimed to have stabbed him three times in the arm. A long battle with throat cancer complicated his life. He died at the age of 61 in 2010. His funeral was held in St Anne's Cathedral Belfast.
Alex "Hurricane” Higgins earned a reputation for being reckless and anti-heroic. He was a wild character and difficult to work with. In fact, he was banned from the popular snooker TV show Pot Black, because he frequently got into trouble with the authorities.
Higgins was always out of town and lived on the edge. Lynn Higgins, his wife was once overcome with emotion after he won matches. Lauren, Higgins' daughter, was brought onto the Crucible stage following the World Championship. He was also involved in a brawl and threatened to shoot fellow player Dennis Taylor in the World Cup earlier that season. He was not able to prove he hurt anyone, so the police investigation was dropped.
Higgins was often the subject of controversy, as evidenced by his frequent arguments and frequent alcohol consumption. He had a cocaine habit, and had been diagnosed with throat cancer. He also struggled with the attention he was getting. He had no manager and was often captivated by the audience. His talent proved to be a draw for the box office.
Alex "Hurricane," a fast-shooter, was an artist with great talent who was sometimes hampered from his talents. He was a rebellious, anti-hero. He defeated the best players in the game, but had an air of menace.