Janey Godley, who passed away at the age of 63, transformed a life marked by hardship and tragedy into a remarkable career in comedy. Growing up in the rough east end of Glasgow, her challenging background became a central theme in her humor. Known for her fierce and rapid delivery, she adeptly drew laughs from the most unexpected subjects, embodying the spirit of her city: working-class, brash, and filled with both anger and affection.

Godley’s connection with her audience was strong; she was one of them. As her fame grew, so did her impact. After her humorous videos dubbing over Nicola Sturgeon’s Covid-19 press briefings went viral, she formed a close friendship with the former first minister.

Born Jane Godley Currie on January 20, 1961, in Shettleston, Glasgow, she was the youngest of four children. Her childhood was tumultuous; both parents struggled with alcoholism, leading to a chaotic and impoverished home life. At a young age, she suffered sexual abuse from an uncle. In 1996, after years of silence, she and her sister spoke out about their experiences, resulting in the conviction of their abuser.

Godley’s life was further marked by tragedy when her mother Annie was discovered deceased in the River Clyde in 1982. Convinced that her mother’s violent boyfriend was responsible for the death, Godley faced additional grief as no charges were ever brought against him. At that time, she was married and managing a pub in Glasgow’s Calton area while raising her daughter Ashley Storrie, who would also pursue a career in comedy.

Her family’s colorful history became part of her comedic repertoire. A family conflict led to their eviction from the pub and forced them into homelessness. During this challenging period, Godley began taking comedy more seriously after performing at local open-mic nights. Her extensive experience behind the bar contributed to her rapid rise on the comedy circuit.

In an interview with The Guardian in 2019, Godley reflected on her bold material that tackled subjects like murder and abuse—topics often deemed too sensitive for comedy at the time. As she gained recognition, she authored a memoir and a novel while featuring on various panel shows alongside well-known figures like Billy Connolly.

Godley’s reach extended globally through two key events: a viral photograph protesting President Trump’s visit to Turnberry golf resort and her comedic takes on Sturgeon’s media briefings during lockdowns. An advocate for Scottish independence, she supported notable political figures but later faced backlash over past social media comments.

In late 2021, Godley announced her ovarian cancer diagnosis and documented her treatment journey online while continuing to perform. Though initially thought to be cancer-free, she revealed its return in December 2022. Despite being given a limited prognosis, she remained active in media projects until her passing.

In April 2023, Godley received the inaugural Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award—an accolade that deeply moved her as it came from someone she had admired since childhood. Her story is one of resilience and humor against all odds.