Janey Godley, who passed away at 63, transformed a childhood marked by hardship into a successful career in comedy. Growing up in the east end of Glasgow, her tough upbringing became a central theme in her humor. Known for her sharp wit, she had the ability to extract laughter from even the most challenging subjects. Her performances reflected the gritty essence of her city: working-class, outspoken, and infused with both anger and sentimentality. Godley delivered her jokes with rapid-fire intensity, akin to a street fighter making her points.

Her fans saw themselves in her, and as she gained popularity, so did her influence. A former pub landlady, she developed a close friendship with Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s former first minister, after her humorous videos dubbing over Sturgeon’s Covid press conferences went viral.

Born Jane Godley Currie on January 20, 1961, in Shettleston, Glasgow, she was the youngest of four children. Her parents struggled with alcoholism, creating a tumultuous and impoverished household. Tragically, she suffered sexual abuse from an uncle during childhood. In 1996, she and her sister bravely spoke out about their experiences, leading to the conviction of their abuser.

Godley’s life was further marred by tragedy when her mother was discovered dead in the River Clyde in 1982. Believing her mother had been murdered by her violent partner, Godley faced the anguish of an unresolved investigation.

At that time, she was married and operating a pub with her husband while raising their daughter Ashley Storrie, who would later pursue comedy as well. The intricate dynamics of her in-laws often found their way into her comedic routines. A family dispute eventually pushed them out of their pub and into homelessness—a turning point that led Godley to embrace comedy more seriously.

Initially performing at open-mic events alongside bar work helped hone her skills. She quickly established herself within the comedy scene with an unflinching style that tackled taboo topics like abuse and crime.

As her fame soared, she published a memoir and novel while appearing on various panel shows alongside notable figures like Billy Connolly. Key moments that catapulted her to broader recognition included a viral protest photograph against Donald Trump and humorous videos during the pandemic that showcased Sturgeon’s media appearances.

A strong advocate for Scottish independence, Godley’s political ties faced challenges when past social media comments resurfaced in 2021. Despite this setback and later facing ovarian cancer—documented through social media—she remained active in entertainment until the end.

In April 2023, she received the inaugural Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award. Celebrated for both her comedic talent and remarkable resilience throughout life’s adversities, Godley leaves behind a legacy that resonates deeply with those who admired her work. She passed away surrounded by family in hospital.