Janey Godley passed away at the age of 63, having transformed a life marked by hardship into a thriving career in comedy. Growing up in Glasgow’s east end, her tough upbringing heavily influenced her comedic style. Godley was known for her ability to extract humor from even the most unexpected subjects, often channeling an angry yet heartfelt tone that resonated with audiences. Her fast-paced delivery and sharp wit made her performances feel like a street fight, reflecting the gritty essence of her city.

As she gained popularity, Godley’s impact expanded beyond comedy. She became friends with Nicola Sturgeon, the former first minister of Scotland, after her humorous voice-overs of Sturgeon’s Covid press conferences went viral. Born Jane Godley Currie on January 20, 1961, she was the youngest of four children in a family plagued by alcoholism and dysfunction. Tragically, she endured sexual abuse as a child, and years later, she and her sister bravely spoke out against their abuser, resulting in his conviction in 1996.

Godley experienced further loss when her mother was found dead in the River Clyde in 1982. She suspected foul play but no charges were ever filed against the suspected boyfriend. At that time, she was married and managing a pub in Glasgow while raising a daughter, Ashley Storrie, who would also pursue a career in comedy.

Her family’s tumultuous history became a staple of her routine. After facing a dispute that left them homeless and without work, she decided to take comedy more seriously. Her years spent performing at open-mic nights led to success on the comedy circuit as she honed her craft.

Godley’s material often tackled difficult subjects such as personal trauma and crime—topics that some peers advised against discussing. However, she felt compelled to speak about these issues and received gratitude from those who found solace in her honesty.

As her fame grew, so did her creative pursuits; she authored a memoir and novel and appeared on various panel shows alongside notable figures like Billy Connolly. Two pivotal moments broadened her audience: a controversial photo taken at Turnberry golf resort protesting President Trump went viral in 2016, and during lockdowns, her comedic videos voiced over Sturgeon’s briefings gained popularity.

A supporter of Scottish independence, Godley faced challenges when past social media comments resurfaced in 2021, leading to backlash and loss of endorsement deals. Later that year, she revealed her battle with ovarian cancer but continued to work and share updates about her health journey through social media and new projects.

In April 2023, she received the inaugural Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award. Godley expressed disbelief at winning an accolade from someone she had admired since childhood. Her passing leaves behind a legacy of resilience and humor rooted in life’s complexities.