The Scottish comic Janey Godley has died aged 63, in a hospice surrounded by her family.
Daughter Ashley, who is also a comic said: “Earlier this morning Janey passed away in her sleep. Her family were with her. The love and support from all her friends and fans during this cancer journey brought her enormous joy. It has also been a huge comfort to us, her family and close friends, thank you.”
Godley became hugely popular during the pandemic with her voice overs of Nicola Sturgeon. She went on to create health education adverts for the Scottish Government – but ran into controversy over earlier social media comments.
Since announcing she had ovarian cancer Godley has continued to tour and create radio programmes – however earlier this year she said her doctors had advised her to retire from work.
Godley, whose talent for making people laugh emerged when she ran a pub in Glasgow, was the winner of the inaugural Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award in 2023.
Close friend John Fleming, who worked with the comic on her autobiography said: “Janey Godley, who died this morning, was without any doubt at all the most all-round creative person I ever met in my life. Live performance, books, articles, blogs, online videos; there was nothing she could not turn her mind and talent to and succeed. And did I mention kind and warm-hearted? She was very kind and very warm-hearted. And very very very funny. A sharp, intelligent, sensitive and talented mind. A lovely person. A sad day.”
Just before her death she was awarded a Phd by Glasgow University and was pictured in the hospice holding the certificate.
The comic was also proud of waving a banner reading ‘Trump is a Cunt’ – during a 2016 visit to Turnberry Golf Course by the American politician.
Her manager Chris David said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our client Doctor Janey Godley on 2 November.
“Janey died peacefully in the wonderful Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow surrounded by her loved ones.
“She will be hugely missed by her family, friends and her many fans.
“She will be remembered for her legendary voiceovers of Nicola Sturgeon during the pandemic, her hilarious and outspoken comedy, but most of all for just being ‘Janey’.”
