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| birth_name = Jane Godley Currie | birth_name = Jane Godley Currie
| birth_date = {{birth date|1961|1|20|df=y}} | birth_date = {{birth date|1961|1|20|df=y}}
| birth_place = ], Scotland | birth_place = ], Scotland
| death_date = {{death date and age|2024|11|2|1961|1|20|df=y}} | death_date = {{death date and age|2024|11|2|1961|1|20|df=y}}
| death_place = ], Scotland | death_place = ], Scotland
| alias = Janey Currie<br />Janey Storrie | alias = Jane Godley Storrie<br />Janey Currie<br />Janey Storrie
| years_active = 1994–2024 | years_active = 1994–2024
| occupation = {{hlist|Comedian|actress|writer}} | occupation = {{hlist|Comedian|actress|writer}}
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}} }}


'''Janey Godley''' (born '''Jane Godley Currie'''; 20 January 1961 – 2 November 2024) was a Scottish stand-up comedian, actress, writer and political activist. She began her stand-up career in 1994, and won various awards for her comedy in the 2000s. '''Janey Godley''' (born '''Jane Godley Currie'''; 20 January 1961 – 2 November 2024) was a Scottish stand-up comedian, actress, writer, television personality and political activist.


Godley grew up in Glasgow's East End, enduring a difficult home life and abuse. She ran a pub in Glasgow with her husband for 14 years and began her ] career in 1994. Godley won multiple awards for her work, including the Sir ] Spirit of Glasgow Award and was awarded an honorary doctorate from the ]. She published her autobiography ''Handstands in the Dark'' in 2005. A supporter of ], ] and ], Godley was also widely known for her views about ]. She died of ] in 2024, aged 63.
During the ], she made a series of voice over clips of politicians and other well known personalities. The following year, she was dropped from a pantomime performance of ] after a series of controversial historical tweets emerged, for which Godley later apologised. She was later diagnosed with ], from which she died in 2024.


==Early life== ==Early life==
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==Career== ==Career==
Godley began her stand-up career in 1994<ref name=chortle/> using her middle name as both the Storrie and Currie families had disappointed her<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://janeygodley.com/jg/NewscuttingsDocs/scotsman.html|title=Working in a rough Glasgow pub gave Janey Godley the front to make a success of stand-up comedy – and put dark memories of a troubled childhood behind her, says Gillian Glover|last=Glover|first=Gillian |website=www.janeygodley.com|access-date=20 August 2020}}</ref> and changed her name from Jane Godley Storrie to Janey Godley the following year.{{cn|date=November 2024}} She won an award for the "Best Show Concept" at the ] in 2002 and the "Spirit of the Festival" in 2006.<ref name=chortle/> She published her autobiography ''Handstands in the Dark'' in 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.randomhouse.co.uk/catalog/author.htm?authorID=5302|title=''Handstands in the Dark'' listing at Random House|access-date=14 February 2016}}</ref> In 2006, she was a finalist for the ''Edinburgh Evening Times''' "Scotswoman of the Year" award.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.pressreader.com/uk/evening-times/20061018/281977488114311|title=Last chance to vote for Scotswoman of the Year|last=Robertson|first=Linda|date=18 October 2006|newspaper=Evening Times|access-date=19 February 2017}}</ref> In 2002, 2006, 2008, and 2009, she was nominated as "Best International Guest" by the New Zealand Comedy Guild.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.scottishcomedyagency.com/janey-godly|title=Janey Godley|website=Scottish Comedy Agency|language=en-US|access-date=19 February 2017}}</ref> Her TV appearances include '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']'', and she appeared in the film '']''. Godley often made spoof ] of videos.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/politics/1611134/brexit-breakdown-as-prime-minister-dwells-on-snapchat-group-with-arlene-foster-and-nicola-sturgeon/|title=Brexit breakdown as Prime Minister dwells on Snapchat group with Arlene Foster and Nicola Sturgeon|first=Gregor|last=Aiken|date=16 November 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/1/janey-godley-loud-and-live-the-soup-pot-sessions|title=Janey Godley – Loud and Live, The Soup Pot Sessions|website=Glasgow Life}}</ref> Godley began her stand-up career in 1994<ref name=chortle/> using her middle name as both the Storrie and Currie families had disappointed her<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://janeygodley.com/jg/NewscuttingsDocs/scotsman.html|title=Working in a rough Glasgow pub gave Janey Godley the front to make a success of stand-up comedy – and put dark memories of a troubled childhood behind her, says Gillian Glover|last=Glover|first=Gillian |website=www.janeygodley.com|access-date=20 August 2020}}</ref> and changed her name from Jane Godley Storrie to Janey Godley the following year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://medium.com/@janeygodley_42972/my-dad-said-was-i-a-good-dad-67f258b9cf82|title=My Dad Said "Was I a good dad?"|date=6 June 2016}}</ref> She won an award for the "Best Show Concept" at the ] in 2002 and the "Spirit of the Festival" in 2006.<ref name=chortle/> She published her autobiography ''Handstands in the Dark'' in 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.randomhouse.co.uk/catalog/author.htm?authorID=5302|title=''Handstands in the Dark'' listing at Random House|access-date=14 February 2016}}</ref> In 2006, she was a finalist for the ''Edinburgh Evening Times''' "Scotswoman of the Year" award.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.pressreader.com/uk/evening-times/20061018/281977488114311|title=Last chance to vote for Scotswoman of the Year|last=Robertson|first=Linda|date=18 October 2006|newspaper=Evening Times|access-date=19 February 2017}}</ref> In 2002, 2006, 2008, and 2009, she was nominated as "Best International Guest" by the New Zealand Comedy Guild.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.scottishcomedyagency.com/janey-godly|title=Janey Godley|website=Scottish Comedy Agency|language=en-US|access-date=19 February 2017}}</ref> Her TV appearances include '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']'', and she appeared in the film '']''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1742842/|title=Janey Godley|website=IMDb}}</ref> Godley often made spoof ] of videos.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/politics/1611134/brexit-breakdown-as-prime-minister-dwells-on-snapchat-group-with-arlene-foster-and-nicola-sturgeon/|title=Brexit breakdown as Prime Minister dwells on Snapchat group with Arlene Foster and Nicola Sturgeon|first=Gregor|last=Aiken|date=16 November 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/1/janey-godley-loud-and-live-the-soup-pot-sessions|title=Janey Godley – Loud and Live, The Soup Pot Sessions|website=Glasgow Life}}</ref>


In 2020, Godley wrote and starred in a series of short films titled ''Alone'', about a recently widowed housewife whose abusive husband has died of ], as part of the ]'s ''Scenes for Survival'' ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/latest/alone-part-ii |title=Scenes For Survival – Alone Part II |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=30 July 2020 |website=nationaltheatrescotland.com |access-date=10 September 2020 }}</ref> In December 2020, the ] commended Godley's voice-overs of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's COVID-19 briefings for helping engage the public with the warnings.<ref name="Herald" /> That year, she won the Scots Language Award's Speaker of the Year Award.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ferguson |first=Brian |title=Comedy star Janey Godley named 'Scots Speaker of the Year' |url=https://www.scotsman.com/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/comedy-star-janey-godley-named-scots-speaker-year-3013569 |access-date=27 October 2020 |work=The Scotsman |publisher=JPI Media |date=24 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hannan |first=Martin |title=Janey Godley and Stuart Paterson muckle winners o' Scots awards |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/18821205.janey-godley-stuart-paterson-muckle-winners-o-scots-awards/ |access-date=27 October 2020 |work=The National |agency=NewsQuest Media Group Ltd |publisher=NewsQuest |date=26 October 2020}}</ref> In September 2021, tweets Godley had sent in 2011 were publicised by '']'', leading MSP ] to question the decision to cast her in a pantomime performance of '']''. Some of these tweets included insults based on the ] and disabilities, and racial insults towards African American musicians ], ] and ] in 2011.<ref name="brooks">{{cite news |last1=Brooks |first1=Libby |title=Janey Godley dropped from Scottish Covid ads after 'unacceptable' tweets |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/sep/09/janey-godley-dropped-from-scottish-covid-ads-after-unacceptable-tweets |access-date=9 September 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=9 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Webster |first1=Lauren |title=Tory MSP writes to theatre with 'concerns' over Janey Godley's panto role |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/19566049.tory-msp-tells-aberdeen-theatre-concerns-janey-godleys-pantomime-role/ |access-date=8 September 2021 |work=The National |agency=Newsquest Media Group |date=8 September 2021 |language=en}}</ref> Godley apologised for the tweets<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cochrane |first1=Angus |title=Janey Godley apologises for 'horridly offensive' historic tweets |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/19565772.janey-godley-apologises-horridly-offensive-historic-tweets/ |access-date=8 September 2021 |work=The National |agency=Newsquest Media Group |date=8 September 2021 |language=en}}</ref> and ] dropped her from a campaign.<ref name="brooks" /> In 2020, Godley wrote and starred in a series of short films titled ''Alone'', about a recently widowed housewife whose abusive husband has died of ], as part of the ]'s ''Scenes for Survival'' ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/latest/alone-part-ii |title=Scenes For Survival – Alone Part II |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=30 July 2020 |website=nationaltheatrescotland.com |access-date=10 September 2020 }}</ref> In December 2020, the ] commended Godley's voice-overs of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's COVID-19 briefings for helping engage the public with the warnings.<ref name="Herald" /> That year, she won the Scots Language Award's Speaker of the Year Award.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ferguson |first=Brian |title=Comedy star Janey Godley named 'Scots Speaker of the Year' |url=https://www.scotsman.com/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/comedy-star-janey-godley-named-scots-speaker-year-3013569 |access-date=27 October 2020 |work=The Scotsman |publisher=JPI Media |date=24 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hannan |first=Martin |title=Janey Godley and Stuart Paterson muckle winners o' Scots awards |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/18821205.janey-godley-stuart-paterson-muckle-winners-o-scots-awards/ |access-date=27 October 2020 |work=The National |agency=NewsQuest Media Group Ltd |publisher=NewsQuest |date=26 October 2020}}</ref> In September 2021, resurfaced tweets from 2011 led MSP ] to question Godley's casting in ''Beauty and the Beast''. The tweets included offensive remarks related to the ], disabilities, and racial insults.<ref>{{cite news |last=Brooks |first=Libby |title=Janey Godley dropped from Scottish Covid ads after 'unacceptable' tweets |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/sep/09/janey-godley-dropped-from-scottish-covid-ads-after-unacceptable-tweets |access-date=9 September 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=9 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Webster |first=Lauren |title=Tory MSP writes to theatre with 'concerns' over Janey Godley's panto role |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/19566049.tory-msp-tells-aberdeen-theatre-concerns-janey-godleys-pantomime-role/ |access-date=8 September 2021 |work=The National |agency=Newsquest Media Group |date=8 September 2021 |language=en}}</ref> Godley apologised for the tweets.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cochrane |first=Angus |title=Janey Godley apologises for 'horridly offensive' historic tweets |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/19565772.janey-godley-apologises-horridly-offensive-historic-tweets/ |access-date=8 September 2021 |work=The National |agency=Newsquest Media Group |date=8 September 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
In 2023, she won the inaugural ''Sir ] Spirit of Glasgow Award'' at the ]. Connelly commented, "She's a great girl, a great comedian and an extraordinary life story to dwell on". Godley joked that the award was going to be her tombstone.<ref>{{cite news |date=31 March 2023 |title=Janey Godley Wins Inaugural Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award |url=https://www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com/janey-godley-wins-inaugural-sir-billy-connolly-spirit-of-glasgow-award/ |work=Glasgow Comedy Festival |access-date=3 November 2024}}</ref> She was awarded an honorary doctorate from the ] on 31 October 2024.<ref>{{cite news |date=31 October 2024 |title=Comedian Janey Godley given honorary doctorate in hospice bed |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy91r7lp8lo |access-date=1 November 2024 |work=BBC News}}</ref>


==Political activism== ==Political activism==
Godley advocated for ], and condemned violence against women, urging that women's voices be taken seriously: "Every time you bring it up, they'll say it happens to men too. We're not allowed to talk about it."<ref name=Holyrood/> In ''Janey: The Woman That Won't Shut Up'', Godley revealed knowing "many female comics" who suffered abuse by "certain men in the industry," who are protected by comedy promoters.<ref>{{cite news |date=4 May 2024 |title=Stand-up comic Janey Godley says she was left feeling 'anxious and isolated' by fellow comics |url=https://www.scotsman.com/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/janey-godley-on-being-banned-mocked-humiliated-and-told-off-for-swearing-trying-to-break-into-scottish-comedy-4616166 |newspaper=The Scotsman |access-date=3 November 2024}}</ref> Godley was a strong advocate for the ], actively supporting protections for the international transgender community, a stance that had led to her receiving death threats.<ref>{{cite news |date=29 September 2024 |title=Janey Godley sends defiant message to transphobic trolls 'in the last stages of her life' |url=https://metro.co.uk/2024/09/29/janey-godley-hits-back-trolls-amid-end-of-life-care-21698614/amp/ |access-date=1 November 2024 |work=Metro}}</ref> She was also a supporter of ].<ref name="jc4pm">{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/comedian-janey-godley-on-tour-to-make-jeremy-corbyn-prime-minister-admits-to-being-an-snp-member-a6852336.html|title=Janey Godley: Comedian on tour to make Jeremy Corbyn Prime Minister admits to being an SNP member |date=3 February 2016 |newspaper=The Independent|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-GB}}</ref> Initially a supporter of the Conservatives in her youth, once going so far as to meet ] at a Scottish Conservative Party Conference in Perth,<ref>{{cite book |last=Godley |first=Janey |title=Handstands in the dark : a true story of growing up and survival |date=2005 |publisher=Ebury Publishing |location=London |isbn=978-1-4481-1754-3}}</ref> she later became a supporter of the ] and toured the UK in February 2016 in support of ] leader ].<ref name="jc4pm" /> Godley went viral later that year after being pictured standing outside ]'s ] holding a sign stating "Trump is a Cunt", having been prevented from approaching her subject by ] (who did not, however, stop her displaying the sign),<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thenational.scot/news/14896567.Comedian_Janey_Godley_plans_Glasgow_Against_Trump_rally_in_George_Square/|title=Comedian Janey Godley plans Glasgow Against Trump rally in George Square|website=The National|date=19 October 2016 |language=en|access-date=19 February 2017}}</ref> and organised a protest in Glasgow just prior to ], for which she received rape threats through ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/glaswegian-comedian-janey-godley-threatened-12136634|title=Glaswegian Janey Godley threatened with rape after George Square Trump protest|last=Gilbert|first=Julie|date=6 November 2016|website=Glasgow Live}}</ref>
Godley was a strong advocate for the ], actively supporting protections for the international transgender community, a stance that had led to her receiving death threats.{{cn|date=November 2024}} She was also a supporter of ].<ref name="jc4pm">{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/comedian-janey-godley-on-tour-to-make-jeremy-corbyn-prime-minister-admits-to-being-an-snp-member-a6852336.html|title=Janey Godley: Comedian on tour to make Jeremy Corbyn Prime Minister admits to being an SNP member
|date=3 February 2016|newspaper=The Independent|access-date=19 February 2017|language=en-GB}}</ref> Initially a supporter of the Conservatives in her youth, once going so far as to meet ] at a Scottish Conservative Party Conference in Perth,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Godley |first1=Janey |title=Handstands in the dark : a true story of growing up and survival |date=2005 |publisher=Ebury Publishing |location=London |isbn=978-1-4481-1754-3}}</ref> she later became a supporter of the ] and toured the UK in February 2016 in support of ] leader ].<ref name="jc4pm" />

Godley went viral that year after being pictured standing outside ]'s ] holding a sign stating "Trump is a Cunt", having been prevented from approaching her subject by ] (who did not, however, stop her displaying the sign),<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thenational.scot/news/14896567.Comedian_Janey_Godley_plans_Glasgow_Against_Trump_rally_in_George_Square/|title=Comedian Janey Godley plans Glasgow Against Trump rally in George Square|website=The National|date=19 October 2016 |language=en|access-date=19 February 2017}}</ref> and organised a protest in Glasgow just prior to ], for which she received rape threats through ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/glaswegian-comedian-janey-godley-threatened-12136634|title=Glaswegian Janey Godley threatened with rape after George Square Trump protest|last=Gilbert|first=Julie|date=6 November 2016|newspaper=glasgowlive|access-date=19 February 2017}}</ref>


==Personal life== ==Personal life==
Godley married Sean Storrie in 1980.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/15442369.ashley-storrie-on-being-the-daughter-of-a-comedy-legend-and-taking-her-on-at-her-own-game/|title='I'm rebelling against my upbringing': Ashley Storrie on being the daughter of a comedy legend|website=HeraldScotland|date=30 July 2017 }}</ref> Storrie, who is on the ]{{cn|date=November 2024}} was born into a Glasgow ] family.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/mum-was-murdered-and-my-laws-are-gangsters-2463817|title = Mum was murdered and my in-laws are gangsters}}</ref> Their daughter, ] (born 1986), who also has autism spectrum disorder, is a stand-up comedian and ] presenter.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Donaldson |first1=Brian |url=https://list.co.uk/news/10027/interview-ashley-storrie-i-have-been-known-to-go-a-bit-tonto|title=Interview: Ashley Storrie – 'I have been known to go a bit Tonto'|date=8 June 2016|newspaper=]|access-date=29 September 2024|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hinds |first1=Alice |title=Comedian Ashley Storrie on why playing an autistic young woman in her first dramatic role has helped her open up about her own diagnosis |url=https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/comedian-ashley-storrie/ |access-date=25 August 2021 |work=] |date=30 May 2021}}</ref> Godley married Sean Storrie in 1980.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/15442369.ashley-storrie-on-being-the-daughter-of-a-comedy-legend-and-taking-her-on-at-her-own-game/|title='I'm rebelling against my upbringing': Ashley Storrie on being the daughter of a comedy legend|website=HeraldScotland|date=30 July 2017}}</ref> Storrie, who is on the ],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://medium.com/@janeygodley_42972/living-with-a-man-who-has-aspergers-b015c02f3798|title=Living with a Man who has Autism|date=5 June 2021}}</ref> was born into a Glasgow ] family.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/mum-was-murdered-and-my-laws-are-gangsters-2463817|title=Mum was murdered and my in-laws are gangsters}}</ref> Their daughter, ] (born 1986), who also has autism spectrum disorder, is a stand-up comedian and ] presenter.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Donaldson |first=Brian |url=https://list.co.uk/news/10027/interview-ashley-storrie-i-have-been-known-to-go-a-bit-tonto|title=Interview: Ashley Storrie – 'I have been known to go a bit Tonto'|date=8 June 2016|newspaper=]|access-date=29 September 2024|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hinds |first=Alice |title=Comedian Ashley Storrie on why playing an autistic young woman in her first dramatic role has helped her open up about her own diagnosis |url=https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/comedian-ashley-storrie/ |access-date=25 August 2021 |newspaper=] |date=30 May 2021}}</ref>


Godley ran a ] in ], with her husband and his family for 14 years during the 1980s and 1990s.<ref name="Herald">{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Martin |title=Royal Society of Edinburgh acclaims Janey Godley's medicine for helping curb Covid-19 spread |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/18936564.royal-society-edinburgh-acclaims-janey-godleys-medicine-helping-stop-covid-19-spread/ |access-date=11 December 2020 |work=The Herald |agency=Newsquest Media Group |publisher=Herald and Times Group |date=11 December 2020}}</ref> In 1982, when Godley was 21, her mother died after drowning in the ]. Godley believed that her mother was murdered by her mother's boyfriend, who she claimed was violent. He was never charged by police for Annie Currie's death despite calls from her family for an investigation.<ref name="guardian19" /> On 31 December 2010, her brother Mij Currie died from a drug-related illness.<ref>{{cite news |last1=English |first1=Paul |title=Janey Godley is an artist at the peak of her vocal powers |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/janey-godley-is-an-artist-at-the-peak-of-her-vocal-powers-hzmjwdsvv |access-date=25 August 2021 |work=The TImes |date=27 December 2020 |language=en}}</ref> Godley ran a ] in ], with her husband and his family for 14 years during the 1980s and 1990s.<ref name="Herald">{{cite news |last=Williams |first=Martin |title=Royal Society of Edinburgh acclaims Janey Godley's medicine for helping curb COVID-19 spread |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/18936564.royal-society-edinburgh-acclaims-janey-godleys-medicine-helping-stop-covid-19-spread/ |access-date=11 December 2020 |newspaper=The Herald |agency=Newsquest Media Group |publisher=Herald and Times Group |date=11 December 2020}}</ref> In 1982, when Godley was 21, her mother died after drowning in the ]. Godley believed that her mother was murdered by her boyfriend, who she claimed was violent. He was never charged by police for Annie Currie's death despite calls from her family for an investigation.<ref name="guardian19" /> On 31 December 2010, her brother Mij Currie died from a drug-related illness.<ref>{{cite news |last=English |first=Paul |title=Janey Godley is an artist at the peak of her vocal powers |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/janey-godley-is-an-artist-at-the-peak-of-her-vocal-powers-hzmjwdsvv |access-date=25 August 2021 |work=The TImes |date=27 December 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Godley |first=Janey |title=My brother's death announced on FACEBOOK |url=https://medium.com/@janeygodley_42972/we-found-out-in-he-died-on-facebook-af71378fe9b1 |website=Medium |access-date=25 August 2021 |language=en |date=31 December 2016}}</ref>


===Illness and death=== ==Illness and death==
In November 2021, Godley announced via Twitter the cancellation of the last weekend of her tour, explaining that she had been diagnosed with ] and was being treated in hospital,<ref>{{Cite news|date=19 November 2021|title=Comedian Janey Godley reveals she has ovarian cancer|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-59344461|access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Janey Godley: Scottish comedian reveals she has ovarian cancer and cancels final tour dates|url=https://news.sky.com/story/janey-godley-scottish-comedian-reveals-she-has-ovarian-cancer-and-cancels-final-tour-dates-12472246|access-date=19 November 2021|website=Sky News|language=en}}</ref> and underwent a full ] in January 2022. In June that year, she announced that she was cancer-free. In December, she announced that her cancer had returned and that she would need further ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Janey Godley tells fans that her cancer has returned |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/comedy/news/janey-godley-cancer-back-b2244893.html?amp |website=The Independent |access-date=14 December 2022 |language=en |date=14 December 2022}}</ref> After her cancer spread, she began to receive ] and moved into a ] in September 2024.<ref name="End">{{Cite web |last=Franklin |first=Beth |date=25 September 2024 |title=Janey Godley receiving 'end-of-life' care after cancer spreads |url=https://news.stv.tv/entertainment/janey-godley-announces-devastating-news-she-is-receiving-end-of-life-care-after-cancer-spreads |access-date=2 November 2024 |website=STV News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 September 2024 |title=Comedian Janey Godley receiving end-of-life care |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd7xv79dp0jo |access-date=25 September 2024 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> She was awarded an honorary doctorate from the ] on 31 October 2024.<ref>{{cite news |date=31 October 2024 |title=Comedian Janey Godley given honorary doctorate in hospice bed |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy91r7lp8lo |access-date=1 November 2024 |work=BBC News}}</ref> In November 2021, Godley announced via Twitter the cancellation of the last weekend of her tour, explaining that she had been diagnosed with ] and was being treated in hospital.<ref>{{Cite news|date=19 November 2021|title=Comedian Janey Godley reveals she has ovarian cancer|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-59344461|access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Janey Godley: Scottish comedian reveals she has ovarian cancer and cancels final tour dates|url=https://news.sky.com/story/janey-godley-scottish-comedian-reveals-she-has-ovarian-cancer-and-cancels-final-tour-dates-12472246|access-date=19 November 2021|website=Sky News|language=en}}</ref> In January 2022, Godley underwent a full ]. In June 2022, she announced that she was cancer-free, but in December 2022, she announced that her cancer had returned and that she would need further ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Janey Godley tells fans that her cancer has returned |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/comedy/news/janey-godley-cancer-back-b2244893.html?amp |newspaper=The Independent |access-date=14 December 2022 |language=en |date=14 December 2022}}</ref> After her cancer spread, Godley began to receive ] and she moved into a ] in September 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Franklin |first=Beth |date=25 September 2024 |title=Janey Godley receiving 'end-of-life' care after cancer spreads |url=https://news.stv.tv/entertainment/janey-godley-announces-devastating-news-she-is-receiving-end-of-life-care-after-cancer-spreads |access-date=2 November 2024 |website=STV News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 September 2024 |title=Comedian Janey Godley receiving end-of-life care |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd7xv79dp0jo |access-date=25 September 2024 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>


Godley died at the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow, on 2 November 2024, aged 63. Former Scottish ] ] paid tribute to her.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 November 2024 |title=Scottish comedian Janey Godley dies aged 63 |url=https://news.sky.com/story/scottish-comedian-janey-godley-dies-aged-63-13246433 |access-date=2 November 2024 |website=Sky News}}</ref> Godley died aged 63, on 2 November 2024, at the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in ]. Former ] ] paid tribute, calling her "a force of nature" and credited Godley's humorous messages during the COVID-19 pandemic with reaching a wider audience and helping save lives.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 November 2024 |title=Scottish comedian Janey Godley dies aged 63 |url=https://news.sky.com/story/scottish-comedian-janey-godley-dies-aged-63-13246433 |access-date=2 November 2024 |website=Sky News}}</ref>


==Books== ==Books==

Revision as of 06:05, 6 November 2024

Scottish actor, writer and comedian (1961–2024)

Janey Godley
Godley in 2013
BornJane Godley Currie
(1961-01-20)20 January 1961
Campsie, Scotland
Died2 November 2024(2024-11-02) (aged 63)
Glasgow, Scotland
Other namesJane Godley Storrie
Janey Currie
Janey Storrie
Occupations
  • Comedian
  • actress
  • writer
Years active1994–2024
Spouse Sean Storrie ​(m. 1980)​
ChildrenAshley Storrie
Websitejaneygodley.com

Janey Godley (born Jane Godley Currie; 20 January 1961 – 2 November 2024) was a Scottish stand-up comedian, actress, writer, television personality and political activist.

Godley grew up in Glasgow's East End, enduring a difficult home life and abuse. She ran a pub in Glasgow with her husband for 14 years and began her stand-up career in 1994. Godley won multiple awards for her work, including the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award and was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Glasgow. She published her autobiography Handstands in the Dark in 2005. A supporter of women's rights, Scottish Independence and transgender rights, Godley was also widely known for her views about Donald Trump. She died of ovarian cancer in 2024, aged 63.

Early life

Godley was born in Campsie, East Dunbartonshire, on 20 January 1961. The youngest of four children born to Annie and Jim Currie, she was raised on Kenmore Street in Shettleston, a district in the East End of Glasgow, and attended Eastbank Academy. Living in poverty, which was rife in the East End during that time, Godley left school at 16 with no qualifications. Her parents were alcoholics and her mother was also addicted to tranquilisers. Her uncle molested her and her sister for a number of years during their childhoods, crimes for which he was charged in 1993, being sentenced to two years in prison in 1996.

Career

Godley began her stand-up career in 1994 using her middle name as both the Storrie and Currie families had disappointed her and changed her name from Jane Godley Storrie to Janey Godley the following year. She won an award for the "Best Show Concept" at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival in 2002 and the "Spirit of the Festival" in 2006. She published her autobiography Handstands in the Dark in 2005. In 2006, she was a finalist for the Edinburgh Evening Times' "Scotswoman of the Year" award. In 2002, 2006, 2008, and 2009, she was nominated as "Best International Guest" by the New Zealand Comedy Guild. Her TV appearances include River City, Sam Delaney's News Thing, The Alex Salmond Show, Have I Got News for You, and Traces, and she appeared in the film Wild Rose. Godley often made spoof voice-overs of videos.

In 2020, Godley wrote and starred in a series of short films titled Alone, about a recently widowed housewife whose abusive husband has died of COVID-19, as part of the National Theatre of Scotland's Scenes for Survival webseries. In December 2020, the Royal Society of Edinburgh commended Godley's voice-overs of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's COVID-19 briefings for helping engage the public with the warnings. That year, she won the Scots Language Award's Speaker of the Year Award. In September 2021, resurfaced tweets from 2011 led MSP Douglas Lumsden to question Godley's casting in Beauty and the Beast. The tweets included offensive remarks related to the Chernobyl disaster, disabilities, and racial insults. Godley apologised for the tweets. In 2023, she won the inaugural Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival. Connelly commented, "She's a great girl, a great comedian and an extraordinary life story to dwell on". Godley joked that the award was going to be her tombstone. She was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Glasgow on 31 October 2024.

Political activism

Godley advocated for women's rights, and condemned violence against women, urging that women's voices be taken seriously: "Every time you bring it up, they'll say it happens to men too. We're not allowed to talk about it." In Janey: The Woman That Won't Shut Up, Godley revealed knowing "many female comics" who suffered abuse by "certain men in the industry," who are protected by comedy promoters. Godley was a strong advocate for the transgender rights movement, actively supporting protections for the international transgender community, a stance that had led to her receiving death threats. She was also a supporter of Scottish independence. Initially a supporter of the Conservatives in her youth, once going so far as to meet Margaret Thatcher at a Scottish Conservative Party Conference in Perth, she later became a supporter of the Scottish National Party and toured the UK in February 2016 in support of Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn. Godley went viral later that year after being pictured standing outside Donald Trump's Turnberry Golf resort holding a sign stating "Trump is a Cunt", having been prevented from approaching her subject by Police Scotland (who did not, however, stop her displaying the sign), and organised a protest in Glasgow just prior to the election of Trump as president, for which she received rape threats through Twitter.

Personal life

Godley married Sean Storrie in 1980. Storrie, who is on the autistic spectrum, was born into a Glasgow gangster family. Their daughter, Ashley Storrie (born 1986), who also has autism spectrum disorder, is a stand-up comedian and BBC Radio Scotland presenter.

Godley ran a public house in Calton, Glasgow, with her husband and his family for 14 years during the 1980s and 1990s. In 1982, when Godley was 21, her mother died after drowning in the River Clyde. Godley believed that her mother was murdered by her boyfriend, who she claimed was violent. He was never charged by police for Annie Currie's death despite calls from her family for an investigation. On 31 December 2010, her brother Mij Currie died from a drug-related illness.

Illness and death

In November 2021, Godley announced via Twitter the cancellation of the last weekend of her tour, explaining that she had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and was being treated in hospital. In January 2022, Godley underwent a full hysterectomy. In June 2022, she announced that she was cancer-free, but in December 2022, she announced that her cancer had returned and that she would need further chemotherapy. After her cancer spread, Godley began to receive palliative care and she moved into a hospice in September 2024.

Godley died aged 63, on 2 November 2024, at the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow. Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon paid tribute, calling her "a force of nature" and credited Godley's humorous messages during the COVID-19 pandemic with reaching a wider audience and helping save lives.

Books

References

  1. Healy, Rachael (2 November 2024). "Scottish comedian Janey Godley dies aged 63". The Observer. ISSN 0029-7712. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  2. ^ "Janey Godley, comedian reviews". Chortle: The UK Comedy Guide. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  3. ^ Brooks, Libby (19 August 2019). "'I joked about my life – Ma's murder, child abuse, gangsters': how Janey Godley became the queen of comedy". The Guardian. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
  4. "Next to Godley". The Scotsman. 15 July 2006. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  5. ^ Wilson, Louise (5 May 2021). "Black comedy: Interview with Janey Godley". Holyrood. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  6. "Prison term for uncle marks an end to the ordeal women had kept to themselves; Abused sisters' 30-year secret". The Herald. 5 November 1996. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
  7. Glover, Gillian. "Working in a rough Glasgow pub gave Janey Godley the front to make a success of stand-up comedy – and put dark memories of a troubled childhood behind her, says Gillian Glover". www.janeygodley.com. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  8. "My Dad Said "Was I a good dad?"". 6 June 2016.
  9. "Handstands in the Dark listing at Random House". Retrieved 14 February 2016.
  10. Robertson, Linda (18 October 2006). "Last chance to vote for Scotswoman of the Year". Evening Times. Retrieved 19 February 2017.
  11. "Janey Godley". Scottish Comedy Agency. Retrieved 19 February 2017.
  12. "Janey Godley". IMDb.
  13. Aiken, Gregor (16 November 2018). "Brexit breakdown as Prime Minister dwells on Snapchat group with Arlene Foster and Nicola Sturgeon".
  14. "Janey Godley – Loud and Live, The Soup Pot Sessions". Glasgow Life.
  15. "Scenes For Survival – Alone Part II". nationaltheatrescotland.com. 30 July 2020. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  16. ^ Williams, Martin (11 December 2020). "Royal Society of Edinburgh acclaims Janey Godley's medicine for helping curb COVID-19 spread". The Herald. Herald and Times Group. Newsquest Media Group. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
  17. Ferguson, Brian (24 October 2020). "Comedy star Janey Godley named 'Scots Speaker of the Year'". The Scotsman. JPI Media. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  18. Hannan, Martin (26 October 2020). "Janey Godley and Stuart Paterson muckle winners o' Scots awards". The National. NewsQuest. NewsQuest Media Group Ltd. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  19. Brooks, Libby (9 September 2021). "Janey Godley dropped from Scottish Covid ads after 'unacceptable' tweets". The Guardian. Retrieved 9 September 2021.
  20. Webster, Lauren (8 September 2021). "Tory MSP writes to theatre with 'concerns' over Janey Godley's panto role". The National. Newsquest Media Group. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
  21. Cochrane, Angus (8 September 2021). "Janey Godley apologises for 'horridly offensive' historic tweets". The National. Newsquest Media Group. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
  22. "Janey Godley Wins Inaugural Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award". Glasgow Comedy Festival. 31 March 2023. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  23. "Comedian Janey Godley given honorary doctorate in hospice bed". BBC News. 31 October 2024. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  24. "Stand-up comic Janey Godley says she was left feeling 'anxious and isolated' by fellow comics". The Scotsman. 4 May 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  25. "Janey Godley sends defiant message to transphobic trolls 'in the last stages of her life'". Metro. 29 September 2024. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  26. ^ "Janey Godley: Comedian on tour to make Jeremy Corbyn Prime Minister admits to being an SNP member". The Independent. 3 February 2016. Retrieved 19 February 2017.
  27. Godley, Janey (2005). Handstands in the dark : a true story of growing up and survival. London: Ebury Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4481-1754-3.
  28. "Comedian Janey Godley plans Glasgow Against Trump rally in George Square". The National. 19 October 2016. Retrieved 19 February 2017.
  29. Gilbert, Julie (6 November 2016). "Glaswegian Janey Godley threatened with rape after George Square Trump protest". Glasgow Live.
  30. "'I'm rebelling against my upbringing': Ashley Storrie on being the daughter of a comedy legend". HeraldScotland. 30 July 2017.
  31. "Living with a Man who has Autism". 5 June 2021.
  32. "Mum was murdered and my in-laws are gangsters".
  33. Donaldson, Brian (8 June 2016). "Interview: Ashley Storrie – 'I have been known to go a bit Tonto'". The List. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  34. Hinds, Alice (30 May 2021). "Comedian Ashley Storrie on why playing an autistic young woman in her first dramatic role has helped her open up about her own diagnosis". The Sunday Post. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  35. English, Paul (27 December 2020). "Janey Godley is an artist at the peak of her vocal powers". The TImes. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  36. Godley, Janey (31 December 2016). "My brother's death announced on FACEBOOK". Medium. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  37. "Comedian Janey Godley reveals she has ovarian cancer". BBC News. 19 November 2021. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  38. "Janey Godley: Scottish comedian reveals she has ovarian cancer and cancels final tour dates". Sky News. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  39. "Janey Godley tells fans that her cancer has returned". The Independent. 14 December 2022. Retrieved 14 December 2022.
  40. Franklin, Beth (25 September 2024). "Janey Godley receiving 'end-of-life' care after cancer spreads". STV News. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  41. "Comedian Janey Godley receiving end-of-life care". BBC News. 25 September 2024. Retrieved 25 September 2024.
  42. "Scottish comedian Janey Godley dies aged 63". Sky News. 2 November 2024. Retrieved 2 November 2024.

External links

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