Janey Godley, Scottish Comedian and Viral Sensation, Dies at 63

Scottish comedian Janey Godley, known for her viral voiceover videos of Nicola Sturgeon‘s COVID-19 briefings, has passed away at the age of 63. Her death was announced by her agent on November 2, 2024, after she had moved to the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow for end-of-life care due to terminal cancer.

Godley gained widespread recognition during the pandemic with her humorous dubbed imitations of then-Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s daily COVID-19 briefings. These videos not only made her a viral hit but also led to her being enlisted to front a government COVID awareness campaign. However, her involvement in the campaign was short-lived due to the resurfacing of past racist, ableist, and offensive tweets in 2021, which resulted in public condemnation and her removal from the campaign.

Janey Godley’s life was marked by hardship and tragedy, including a tumultuous childhood in Glasgow’s east end, sexual abuse by an uncle, and the death of her mother under suspicious circumstances. Despite these challenges, she built a thriving career in comedy, known for her unique talent in extracting laughter from difficult subjects. Her performances were characterized by a rapid-fire delivery and a blend of rage and nostalgia, reflecting the essence of her city.

Godley began her stand-up career in 1994 and quickly gained recognition, winning several awards and appearing on TV shows such as “The Alex Salmond Show” and “Have I Got News for You.” She also acted in films, including the 2018 movie “Wild Rose.” In 2023, she received the inaugural Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, a testament to her significant impact on Scottish comedy.

In addition to her comedy, Godley was a staunch advocate for Scottish independence and was known for her political activism. She famously protested against Donald Trump at his Turnberry golf course in 2016 and had a close friendship with Nicola Sturgeon despite the controversies surrounding her past tweets.

Godley’s health struggles were well-documented, particularly her battle with ovarian cancer, which she first announced in November 2021. After a period of remission, the cancer returned in December 2022, and she continued to perform and engage with her audience despite her health challenges. In September 2024, she announced that she was receiving palliative care and would be moving into a hospice.

Janey Godley will be remembered for her legendary voiceovers, her hilarious and outspoken comedy, and her unique ability to connect with her audience through her raw and honest humor. She died peacefully surrounded by her loved ones, leaving behind a legacy that will be hugely missed by her family, friends, and fans.