Hers was the ultimate post-Millennial tale. Jade Goody (who died at age 27 early Sunday after a public battle with cervical cancer) started out as a dental nurse but soon stumbled upon a new career, the one she was truly born to have: reality TV star.
The Brit’s brash manner rubbed some people the wrong way — namely the ones crammed into tight quarters with her on several overseas versions of Big Brother — and struck others as refreshing and honest — namely the ones who found her altercations (and her ignorance) good voyeuristic fun. She first divided audiences on the 2002 season of British Big Brother. She didn’t win, but she emerged with something even better — enough name recognition to snag exercise video, book, and perfume deals. She kept herself in the spotlight (and then some) with a 2007 appearance on a celeb version of Brother during which her clashes with Indian actress Shilpa Shetty resulted in charges of racism. What was next? What else but a grave public apology and a stint on India’s version of Brother in 2008.
Her story’s final painfully ironic twist came just a few days into that filming, when she got news of her cancer diagnosis via phone in a wrenching on-camera scene. But she didn’t shrink away from public view even in her own tragedy: She filmed a documentary series about her struggle with the disease and gave footage of her wedding to boyfriend Jack Tweed to Britain’s Living TV in March. The upshot? What British media has dubbed the "Jade Goody effect," an increase in cervical cancer screenings thanks to the publicity surrounding her. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown even paid tribute to her upon news of her death, calling her "a courageous woman."
Here, some of her more memorable moments.
On 2002′s Big Brother:
Getting her cancer diagnosis:
Her wedding speech:
jade rest in peace. you were a wonderful mother and you gave loads of love to those dear to you. your wee boys will never forget you. wish there had been a miricale.
Her racism was “refreshing and honest”? Why is this woman famous? Because she is one of those ready-made media-annointed celebrities with no talent whatsoever, force-fed on us, and we are expected to salute and respect her when she dies? I think not.
Jesus, with all this publicity you’d think it’s the second coming of Princess Diana. People, this Jade chick is some nobody that hit the reality TV jackpot by being unlikeable in life and likeable on her deathbed. She’s Paris Hilton without money. Let’s move on please.
Trying to figure out why this person is being revered. She was a loud mouth, trash talking, ignorant Yob, and racist person that the media made “famous”. Her only legacy is that of “Queen of Trashydom!”
I find it incredulous that people persist in calling jade a ‘Racist’ when her closest friend and confidante is indeed black (Kevin Adams). R.I.P Jade, in a better place at last xxxx
I take it that all the horrid comments came from people with no children!! Those poor kids have lost their mum, I take my hat off to her with all the media attraction, I would have done the same for my kids, RIP Jade, God Bless XX
im 27 like jade and i have a 2 year old daughter the pain jade must of went through knowing what she was leaving behind dont bare thinking about, but she put her kids first like any good mother would. RIP jade i will always remember you for being honest speaking the truth and just being normal being you.xxxxx
What a beautiful soul,and what beautiful sons she had I think she had a great life and Kevin Adams Wow!
You left us on a Sunday…so the Angels were calling you may you rest in PEACE….I LOVED YOU!!!!!
To all your friends and Special Men in your life….what a beautiful Wedding Thanks for letting me come…..Now rest little one!
God bless you Jade, to be kept in gods care, no more pain. You will live on through your boys, your legacy i am sure will stay with us ‘ordinary’ people. xx
fiveagainstone & Tom – if you have nothing nice to say – dont say anything at all…….maybe if you were lucky enough to have children, you would applaud Jade for what she has done for her children, rather than criticise her.
Ok, it’s very sad that she died, but what exactly has this woman done to deserve so much attention.
Ok, it’s very sad that she died, but what exactly has this woman done to deserve so much attention.
I didn’t know of her or the show she was on, but I’m shocked at some of the mean, cruel remarks made about her. She was a daugter, friend, and a mother and I’m sorry for her family. Imagine how they must feel reading these remarks! GOD BLESS YOU JADE AND YOUR FAMILY. There will always be mean spitful people in this world, but now Jade is in a better place.
Im sickened by sick comments appearing on sites.For gods sake Jade was only 27 she had two beautiful boys and was just trying to make the best out of life.She was immensley brave and courageous throughout her battle of this awful disease. Rest in peace Jade and good on u for all ur strength u ve shown RIPxxxx
After reading some of the uglier remarks such what did she do? She taught people how to die with grace and dignity!