Farewell to Laughter: Tributes Emerge for Comedian Janey Godley, Who Passed Away at 63

Comedian Janey Godley has taken her final bow at the age of 63, and let’s just say the stage will feel a little bit emptier without her vibrant presence. Her management announced her passing, confirming that she left this world on November 2nd, encircled by her beloved family, possibly regaling them with one last cheeky quip.

Chris Davis, her manager, released a statement filled with the affection and regret of a world that will sorely miss her sharp wit and endearing humor. “Janey died peacefully in the wonderful Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow,” he said, adding, “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’.” Isn’t it just like a comedian to leave everyone laughing, even as they quietly depart?

Janey wasn’t one to shy away from sharing her battles, revealing in September that she had entered palliative care. Almost three years after her ovarian cancer diagnosis, she took to social media, filming a poignant video from her hospice bed where she’d become quite the fixture in recent days. The lady had a knack for turning her life’s challenges into relatable comedy gold — a true gift that kept on giving.

Following the news of her passing, her daughter, Ashley Storrie, took to social media to deliver a heartfelt tribute. In a stark black and white video, she shared, “My mum Jane Godley died this morning about seven. She was with friends and family and I wanted to tell you face to face because it felt very much what she would have wanted.” It’s almost comical, the irony that a family with such a rich comedic legacy would find solace in sharing their raw emotions so publicly.

She continued with heartfelt gratitude towards the hospice staff who had encircled Janey with their kindness during her final days, saying, “Thank you for all being there and for making a very scary moment peaceful and a nice transition.” A thank-you note wrapped in humor — classic Janey, indeed!

On social media, tributes poured in faster than a comedian's set after a killer punchline. Comedians like Dom Joly chimed in, while former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who had often been the subject of Janey's virus-era voiceovers, expressed her heartbreak too. “Knowing for the past few weeks that this moment was fast approaching didn’t make it any less heartbreaking to hear the news early this morning that Janey had died,” she wrote, reflecting the bond they forged amid the chaos of COVID-19. It’s refreshing to find laughter rooted in the gravitas of life.

Janey was known for her sharp wit, particularly in her viral videos where she dubbed Sturgeon’s daily COVID briefings with a comic twist. Sturgeon fondly recalled them, saying, “Janey Godley truly was a force of nature, and one of the funniest people I have ever known.” Their friendship was a rare gift; she added, “In the toughest of times, she made people laugh - and that was precious.” If laughter is the best medicine, then Janey was a walking pharmacy.

In November 2021, Janey bravely revealed her ovarian cancer diagnosis, and a year later, celebrated the news of being disease-free, a fleeting victory that was soon met with the cruel twist of fate as the cancer returned. Despite life throwing her curveballs, Janey pressed on, inspired by the advice of fellow comedian Jimmy Carr. She quipped about wanting to continue performing, sharing, “I was told the cancer had come back, and [Jimmy Carr] said, ‘Is your mouth not working?’” Touché, Jimmy, touché!

Janey’s resilience shone through as she cancelled her upcoming tour in light of her health struggles, yet her spirit remained fierce. “The chemo ran out of options, and I couldn’t take anymore of it,” she admitted in a heartfelt video. It’s a testament to her character that she faced the end with honesty, turning the bitter into the bittersweet.

Ashley revealed her own approach to grief, choosing to keep living her life as Janey would have wanted. "I'm going to keep living my life and I'm going to keep working, because that's what Mum's asked me to do," said Ashley, embodying a powerful legacy of laughter that Janey imparted. You could almost hear Janey’s approval from beyond the grave, possibly throwing in a cheeky, “Good on you, lass!”

Moments before her passing, an honorary degree was bestowed upon Janey by the University of Glasgow, a proud crowning achievement that brought her immense joy in her last days. It’s no surprise that she received accolades aplenty; she was a treasure, not just to her family, but to the world of comedy.

Janey had a career spanning decades — from stand-up shows around the globe to her candid writing and clever satirical commentary, she never lacked for audience or applause. Her inaugural Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival speaks volumes of her impact on the vibrant tapestry of comedy.

As we look back on the life of Janey Godley — a woman of laughter, strength, and charisma — it’s vital to remember that sometimes, the best way to honor someone isn’t just to mourn them but to carry forward their legacy of joy and humor. In a world that can often feel overwhelmingly serious, let’s celebrate Janey by sharing a smile. After all,