Scottish comedian Janey Godley has passed away, just a month after entering hospice care for end-of-life treatment. The 63-year-old became widely known for her humorous voice-over imitations of Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Her family and fans mourn her passing, which her agent confirmed on November 2, noting that she died peacefully at the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow, surrounded by loved ones. Her legacy as a comedian, her viral online presence, and her character as “Janey” will continue to resonate with many who followed her work.
Janey’s unique comedic style gained widespread popularity during the pandemic, particularly through her dubbed videos of Nicola Sturgeon’s press briefings, which brought comfort and laughter to many.
Beyond her online fame, Godley was known for her outspoken, candid comedy, addressing difficult topics with humor and honesty. Her impact on the comedy scene in Scotland and beyond earned her a devoted fanbase that appreciated her wit, warmth, and fearless approach to her craft.
In September, Janey had to cancel her autumn tour due to her ongoing battle with stage four ovarian cancer, which she had been fighting for several years. Initially treated and managed, her cancer had unfortunately returned with severe complications.
Faced with the difficult reality of terminal illness, she expressed gratitude for her family’s support, particularly her daughter, Ashley, and her husband. She thanked her fans for the immense support they’d shown throughout her journey, noting that this outpouring of love had been a great comfort.
Despite the gravity of her situation, Godley maintained her sense of humor and resilience, sharing openly about her health and the experience of facing terminal illness.
She acknowledged the difficulty of the journey but also highlighted the importance of support and community in times of hardship. This openness and gratitude reflected the way she faced her illness—with courage, humor, and grace, embodying the qualities that endeared her to so many.
Her impact as a comedian went beyond mere entertainment; she became a symbol of resilience, bringing laughter to others even as she confronted personal struggles.
The humor that Janey brought to her voice-overs during the pandemic not only entertained but provided a much-needed relief, helping people navigate a challenging time. Her bravery in sharing her own journey with cancer further endeared her to fans and added a deeply personal layer to her public persona.
As her agent highlighted, Janey Godley’s passing marks the end of a remarkable life that touched many through laughter and openness. She will be remembered not only for her comedy but for the warmth and humanity she brought to every performance and interaction.
Her legacy, particularly her voice-over work that became synonymous with pandemic humor, remains a testament to her talent and her ability to connect with people even in challenging times.
