Scottish comedian Janey Godley has passed away at the age of 63, marking the end of a vibrant and influential career. Godley, who had bravely battled ovarian cancer for several years, was under palliative care prior to her death, which occurred on November 2, 2024, at the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow, surrounded by loved ones.
Known for her sharp humor and viral videos, Godley gained considerable fame during the Covid-19 pandemic by dubbing comedic voiceovers over Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s daily briefings. These clips not only entertained audiences at home but also served as social commentary on the governmental response to the crisis.
Her daughter, Ashley Storrie, expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who supported Godley throughout her illness, stating via social media, "I believe in my heart of hearts she felt every bit of love you sent to her. I think it kept her going; genuinely we got her longer because of all the support and love." Storrie shared the poignant news about her mother’s passing, explaining how the hospice staff made God's last moments peaceful. "She went peacefully," Storrie noted. "Thank you to all the staff for making such a scary moment comfortable."
Before her health declined, Godley was slated to resume her UK tour titled 'Why Is She Still Here?' but was advised to postpone due to the progression of her cancer. Reflecting on her humorous and outspoken nature, Godley’s management stated, "She will be hugely missed by her family, friends, and her many fans... but most of all for just being 'Janey.'"
Born Jane Godley Currie on 6th January 1961, she grew up in the tough neighborhoods of Glasgow and initially worked as a pub landlady. Her comedic career began to take shape when she started performing stand-up, leading her to find her voice and eventually rise to national prominence.
Godley made headlines back in 2016 when she vocally protested against Donald Trump during his visit to Scotland, famously holding up a sign with stark language directed at the then-presidential candidate. This moment helped her gain visibility and launched her comedic career to new heights.
Despite her struggles, Godley remained active on social media, continuing to share her perspective on the world as she navigated her illness. Just weeks before her death, she made headlines again by sharing a photo with the tagline “Trump is still a c*t,” reinforcing her unfiltered comedic style.
Dan Taylor, one of Godley's friends and longtime collaborators, spoke on how humor played such a significant role not just for her but for the audiences she engaged, stating, “Janey had this remarkable gift of making people laugh during the hardest times.”
Throughout her career, Godley also contributed to radio and television, co-presenting on BBC Radio 4’s Loose Ends and fronting her own series, The C Bomb*. She received numerous accolades for her contributions to comedy, including being awarded the inaugural Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival.
Godley had earned respect not only for her comedic talent but also for her candidness about her illness. She was open about her diagnosis, announcing she had ovarian cancer to the public back in November 2021. Following treatment, she initially received the all-clear in 2022, only for subsequent scans to reveal the cancer’s return.
Janey Godley’s impact extended beyond the stage; she was known for her charity work and efforts to bring light to the realities of living with cancer. Fundraising for various organizations became part of her legacy, as she used her platform to help those facing similar challenges.
Tributes have poured from fans, other comedians, and public figures. Nicola Sturgeon, former First Minister of Scotland, shared her sorrow on social media, recalling moments of laughter with Godley even during her difficult final days. "She made the world a little brighter, and her absence will be felt deeply," Sturgeon wrote.
Fellow comedian and friend Julia McKenzie elaborated on Godley’s storytelling ability and unique skill to connect themes of hardship with humor. She stated, "Her stories were raw and truthful, often encapsulating both devastation and upliftment within the same narrative, all wrapped up with her famous Glasgow wit."
Louise Thornton, commissioning editor at BBC Scotland, commemorated Godley’s contributions, indicating she shared her health battles with remarkable honesty and humor, continuously engaging and inspiring her audience even as she faced grave challenges.
Her passing leaves behind not only her family, including her daughter Storrie, but also countless fans who found joy and laughter through her work. Godley’s legacy as one of Scotland's beloved comedians is firmly established, her spirit reflecting the resilient nature of those she often drew inspiration from.
While her illness may have dimmed her physical presence, her influence and the laughter she brought to so many will undoubtedly linger. May her comedic voice echo in the hearts and minds of all who knew her work.
