Comedian Janey Godley passes away at 63
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The comedy world is in mourning following the loss of one of its brightest stars, Janey Godley, who passed away at the age of 63 after a battle with ovarian cancer.
Known for her sharp wit and relatable humour, Godley became a household name, particularly for her viral dubbed videos of Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during the COVID-19 pandemic briefings and her memorable protest against Donald Trump's visit to Scotland in 2016.
Her daughter, TV personality Ashley Storrie, shared the sad news of her passing in a heartfelt video.
‘I wanted to tell you face to face because it felt very much what she would have wanted,’ the 38-year-old shared.
‘She went peacefully, and I want to say a big thank you to all the staff at the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice.’
‘Thank you so much for being there and for making a very, very scary moment peaceful and a nice transition,’ she added.
'I think it kept her going, genuinely we got her longer because of all the support and the love in the world.’
Janey Godley's journey with ovarian cancer began in November 2021 when she first revealed her diagnosis.
After a brief period of remission in 2022, the cancer returned, and despite her fighting spirit, the options for treatment dwindled.
Over a month ago, Godley shared with her followers that she was entering palliative care, a decision that came after the realisation that the cancer had spread and that chemotherapy was no longer a viable option.
‘So I'm now in palliative care, and I am at end-of-life care now in the hospital,’ she said in the video.
‘The chemo ran out of options, and I just couldn't take any more of it,’ she continued, adding that the cancer ‘has spread, so it looks like this will be getting to near the end of it, and it's really difficult to speak about this and say it to people’.
'It is devastating news to know that I'm facing the end of life, but we all come to an end sometime,' she said in a video posted to her social media.’
Before her rise to fame as a comedian, Godley was a pub landlady.
Her career pivot to stand-up comedy led her to become a regular co-presenter on BBC Radio 4's Loose Ends and The C Bomb, among other programs.
Her talent and contribution to comedy were recognised when she was awarded the inaugural Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival in 2023.
In a touching tribute to her impact, just days before her passing, Janey Godley received an honorary degree from the University of Glasgow from her hospice bed.
You can watch Godley’s voiceover video of Nicola Sturgeon below:
Credit: Janey Godley / YouTube
As we reflect on the life and laughter that Janey Godley brought into our lives, it's important to remember the joy and the connection that comedy can bring, even in the face of adversity.
Her legacy will live on through her work, her courage, and the countless lives she touched with her humour.
Rest in peace, Janey Godley.
Known for her sharp wit and relatable humour, Godley became a household name, particularly for her viral dubbed videos of Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during the COVID-19 pandemic briefings and her memorable protest against Donald Trump's visit to Scotland in 2016.
Her daughter, TV personality Ashley Storrie, shared the sad news of her passing in a heartfelt video.
‘I wanted to tell you face to face because it felt very much what she would have wanted,’ the 38-year-old shared.
‘She went peacefully, and I want to say a big thank you to all the staff at the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice.’
Scottish comedian Janey Godley passed away at 63 under palliative care. Credit: Janey Godley’s FanPage / Facebook
‘Thank you so much for being there and for making a very, very scary moment peaceful and a nice transition,’ she added.
'I think it kept her going, genuinely we got her longer because of all the support and the love in the world.’
Janey Godley's journey with ovarian cancer began in November 2021 when she first revealed her diagnosis.
After a brief period of remission in 2022, the cancer returned, and despite her fighting spirit, the options for treatment dwindled.
Over a month ago, Godley shared with her followers that she was entering palliative care, a decision that came after the realisation that the cancer had spread and that chemotherapy was no longer a viable option.
‘So I'm now in palliative care, and I am at end-of-life care now in the hospital,’ she said in the video.
‘The chemo ran out of options, and I just couldn't take any more of it,’ she continued, adding that the cancer ‘has spread, so it looks like this will be getting to near the end of it, and it's really difficult to speak about this and say it to people’.
'It is devastating news to know that I'm facing the end of life, but we all come to an end sometime,' she said in a video posted to her social media.’
Before her rise to fame as a comedian, Godley was a pub landlady.
Her career pivot to stand-up comedy led her to become a regular co-presenter on BBC Radio 4's Loose Ends and The C Bomb, among other programs.
Her talent and contribution to comedy were recognised when she was awarded the inaugural Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival in 2023.
In a touching tribute to her impact, just days before her passing, Janey Godley received an honorary degree from the University of Glasgow from her hospice bed.
You can watch Godley’s voiceover video of Nicola Sturgeon below:
Credit: Janey Godley / YouTube
Her legacy will live on through her work, her courage, and the countless lives she touched with her humour.
Rest in peace, Janey Godley.
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Fly High
and thoughts and prayers go to her family. 63 is very young
