Leonardo DiCaprio’s Last Message to Jane Goodall Was ‘You Are My Hero’: ‘She Inspired Millions to Care, to Act and to Hope’

Leonardo DiCaprio is paying tribute to Jane Goodall, the legendary primatologist and environmentalist, who passed away at the age of 91.

Goodall, who died on Wednesday while in Los Angeles to give a talk at UCLA, leaves behind a remarkable legacy of conservation, research, and global inspiration.

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Tribute to Jane Goodall

DiCaprio, a longtime advocate for environmental protection and close friend of Goodall, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram:

“Today we have lost a true hero for the planet, an inspiration to millions, and a dear friend. Jane Goodall devoted her life to protecting our planet and giving a voice to the wild animals and the ecosystems they inhabit.”

He continued, honoring her groundbreaking work in Tanzania:

“Her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees transformed our understanding of how our closest relatives live, socialize, and think — reminding us that we are deeply connected not only to chimpanzees and the other great apes, but to all life.”

A Legacy That Will Live On

For decades, Jane Goodall traveled the world, inspiring generations with her message of hope, responsibility, and action. She often spoke to young people, urging them to believe in their power to make a difference.

DiCaprio emphasized this in his tribute:
Leonardo DiCaprio's Last Message to Jane Goodall: 'You Are My Hero'

“She inspired millions to care, to act, and to hope. She never stopped. My last message to Jane was simple: ‘You are my hero.’ Now, we all must carry the torch for her in protecting our one shared home.”

Honoring Jane Goodall’s Life and Work

The actor also asked people to honor Goodall’s legacy by supporting the Jane Goodall Institute and other conservation organizations that she cared deeply about.

In 2024, it was announced that DiCaprio’s production company, Appian Way, would produce a feature biopic about Goodall’s life for Disney, with Eleanor Catton writing the screenplay. This would mark the first time an actress portrays Jane Goodall on film.