The globally renowned primatologist, ethologist and conservationist Jane Goodall died of natural causes at age 91 on Oct. 1. Soon after, Netflix revealed an interview with the British scientist filmed in March 2025 to be released after her death, kicking off a new series called Famous Last Words.
In the episode, Goodall shared aspects of her life with Brad Falchuk, the series’ host, and reflected on her journey from an inquisitive child living in England to a scientist who redefined humanity. The footage had never been viewed by anyone until after her death — even the cameras were operated remotely to ensure strict confidentiality.
Goodall spoke on her troublesome marriages in the interview and humorously suggested that some world leaders be placed on one of Elon Musk’s spaceships and sent to outer space. Despite her old age, Goodall was anything but senile and recalled her story in detail, from the months she spent in the jungle with chimpanzees to her career advocating for a more sustainable world.
Goodall’s life was nothing short of extraordinary. In 1960, the then-26-year-old Goodall was recruited by archaeologist Louis Leakey to study chimpanzees in Tanzania in hopes of learning more about human origins and evolution.
Even though Goodall lacked formal training, she made a groundbreaking discovery while conducting fieldwork — she observed a chimp “fishing” termites out of a nest with a twig. Until that point, it was believed only humans could make and use tools, prompting Leakey to announce, “Now we must redefine tool, redefine man, or accept chimpanzees as human.”
Her research continued to humanize mankind’s closest living relative despite the pushback from contemporary academics. For example, Goodall once saw a young chimp die of depression shortly after the death of his mother, dispelling the myth that grief is a uniquely human experience.
Goodall’s research also challenged fundamental ideas about science. By assigning names and even empathizing with the chimps she studied, she showed that research does not have to be cold and impersonal in order to produce enlightening insights.
Goodall entered the jungle a scientist and left an activist. She later founded the Jane Goodall Institute, an organization dedicated to protecting great apes and their habitats, as well as Roots & Shoots, a global program that encourages youths to work on local issues.
Over decades, Goodall has spoken about conservation in UNESCO headquarters, universities and even on Stephen Colbert’s show, but her posthumous interview is the most stirring of them all. Toward the end of the episode, Falchuk exited the studio and Goodall directly addressed the viewers as she delivered her last message to the world.
“I want to make sure that you all understand that each and every one of you has a role to play. You may not know it. You may not find it. But your life matters, and you are here for a reason, and I just hope that that reason will become apparent as you live through your life,” she said.
“You have it in your power to make a difference. Don’t give up. There is a future for you. Do your best while you’re still on this beautiful planet Earth that I look down upon from where I am now. God bless you all.”
The full episode of Famous Last Words: Dr. Jane Goodall is currently streaming on Netflix.
