Leonardo DiCaprio and Billie Eilish have led tributes to primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall, who passed away on Wednesday (October 1), aged 91.
The British environmental activist was legendary in the field of chimpanzee research, beginning in the 1950s. She is seen as a trailblazer both for the understanding of the species as well as female representation in the field of animal research.
A post by the Jane Goodall Institute stated her death was from natural causes.
DiCaprio, a passionate environmental campaigner, posted an image of Goodall on his Instagram account, writing: “Today we have lost a true hero for the planet, an inspiration to millions, and a dear friend.”
The message concluded: “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.”
Billie Eilish echoed those sentiments on her Instagram stories, writing: “Until the end, Dr. Jane Goodall continued to use her voice for those who didn’t have one.
“This is what true heroism looks like. Thank you Jane for leading the way and caring so selflessly about our planet and all creatures big and small.”
Tributes also came from talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, posting a clip of Goodall on her show and writing: “Thank you Jane for all the good you’ve done. You broke barriers for women all over the world.”
Meanwhile, fellow host Jon Stewart simply wrote: “Jane Goodall was just the best…damn.”
Jane Goodall was just the best…damn.
— Jon Stewart (@jonstewart) October 1, 2025
In the world of politics, former US President Barack Obama wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Jane Goodall had a remarkable ability to inspire us to connect with the natural wonders of our world, and her groundbreaking work on primates and the importance of conservation opened doors for generations of women in science. Michelle and I are thinking of all those who loved and admired her.”
Jane Goodall had a remarkable ability to inspire us to connect with the natural wonders of our world, and her groundbreaking work on primates and the importance of conservation opened doors for generations of women in science. Michelle and I are thinking of all those who loved…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 1, 2025
Dr. Jane Goodall is survived by her son Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick, and her three grandchildren, Merlin, Angel, and Nick.
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