Leonardo DiCaprio is paying his final respects to someone who shaped both his life and his worldview. The actor spoke at Jane Goodallâs funeral in Washington, D.C., offering a heartfelt eulogy that celebrated her legacy and their decades-long friendship.
âItâs a privilege to stand here today honoring a person of such immense magnitude, an extraordinary woman who changed not only the world, but so many of us in it, my good friend Jane Goodall,â DiCaprio began.
The actor reflected on her influence, her passion for protecting the planet, and the personal friendship they shared over many years. Goodall, the world-renowned primatologist and environmental advocate, died of natural causes on October 1 at age 91.
‘She Led With Hope, Always’
DiCaprio spoke at length about Goodallâs unwavering optimism, recalling how she faced environmental challenges with resolve instead of fear.
âWhen most of us think about environmental issues, we tend to dwell on destruction and loss,â he said. Goodall, he added, âled with hope, always.â
âShe never lingered in despair. She focused on what could be done. She reminded us that change begins with compassion, and that our humanity is our greatest tool.â
DiCaprio remembered her as âgentle, curious, funny, witty, and absolutely unstoppable,â a combination of qualities that inspired people across the world and defined the impact she leaves behind.
A Friendship Built on Shared Purpose
DiCaprio also reflected on their decades-long friendship, remembering the countless conversations they shared away from the spotlight. He spoke about the late nights spent talking at conferences, panels, and private gatherings, moments that brought them closer both personally and professionally.
âWe got to cross paths in so many different places, and every single time, weâd end up tucked away in a corner talking late into the night about politics, biodiversity, and our shared hope that the next generation might do better than we have done,â he said.
Both DiCaprio and Goodall served as United Nations Messengers of Peace and worked together on numerous environmental initiatives. He praised her as someone who lived her values every day, calling her dedication and consistency a rare gift in a world that often looks away.
Goodallâs Legacy Lives On
After Goodallâs passing, DiCaprio also shared a moving tribute on social media, writing that she âdevoted her life to protecting our planet and giving a voice to the wild animals and the ecosystems they inhabit.â
The Jane Goodall Institute, which she founded in 1977, described her as a visionary whose discoveries reshaped science and whose advocacy inspired generations.
âDr. Goodallâs life and work not only made an indelible mark on our understanding of chimpanzees and other species, but also of humankind and the environments we all share,â the organization said.
DiCaprio closed his eulogy with one of Goodallâs guiding beliefs:
âJane often said, âEvery day that we live, we can make an impact on the planet.â May ours be an impact of hope for her, for all living things, and for the generations to come.â
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