The beloved primatologist and conservationist died on Wednesday at the age of 91
Leonardo DiCaprio, who developed a bond with celebrated primatologist Jane Goodall over the years, remembered her legacy in a tribute and urged others to continue her conservation efforts.
“Today we have lost a true hero for the planet, an inspiration to millions, and a dear friend,” wrote DiCaprio on social media following the death of Goodall on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, at the age of 91. “Jane Goodall devoted her life to protecting our planet and giving a voice to the wild animals and the ecosystems they inhabit. Her groundbreaking research on Chimpanzees in Tanzania 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.”
The Oscar-winning actor highlighted Goodall’s “tireless energy” throughout the decades “awakening generations to the wonder of the natural world.” DiCaprio added, “She spoke directly to the next generation, instilling hope, responsibility, and the belief that every individual can make a difference.”
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DiCaprio has been a fierce advocate for combating climate change, using his Academy Awards victory speech in 2016 for his performance in The Revenant to call climate change “the most urgent threat facing our entire species.”
In his remembrance to Goodall, DiCaprio invited those looking to honor her legacy to support the Jane Goodall Institute and shared that his last message to her was, “You are my hero.” He ended his tribute with a call to “carry the torch for her in protecting our one shared home.”
