Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · October 2, 2025 · Entertainment

Hollywood Mourns: Stars Pay Tribute to Jane Goodall, 'True Hero'

Leonardo DiCaprio, 50, was among the many celebrities paying tribute to Dr. Jane Goodall following her death at 91

The World Mourns a Legend: Dr. Jane Goodall Leaves Behind a Legacy of Love, Compassion, and Conservation

In a devastating loss for the world of conservation and beyond, Dr. Jane Goodall, the renowned primatologist and environmental activist, has passed away at the age of 91 due to natural causes while on a speaking tour in California. The news has sent shockwaves throughout the globe, with celebrities, activists, and admirers alike paying tribute to this incredible woman who dedicated her life to protecting our planet.

Among those who have been vocal about their admiration for Dr. Goodall is none other than Leonardo DiCaprio, who took to Instagram to share a heartfelt post paying homage to his "dear friend" and "true hero." The Oscar-winning actor revealed that he had sent a final message to Dr. Goodall, simply stating: "You are my hero." He also shared photos of them working together over the years, including on their latest project, Howl, a live-action animal adventure film.

Goodall, a revered primatologist and conservationist, died due to natural causes while she was in California amid a speaking tour on Wednesday, October 1; pictured in June 2022

In his post, DiCaprio wrote: "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: "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."

DiCaprio's tribute was met with an outpouring of support from his fellow celebrities. Jessica Alba, Michelle Pfeiffer, Kate Hudson, Jane Fonda, Rosie O'Donnell, Ellen DeGeneres, Maria Shriver, and many more took to social media to share their own heartfelt messages and photos in honor of the legendary conservationist.

Jessica Alba shared a photo of Dr. Goodall from a New York Times article on her Instagram Story, writing: "Rest in power." Michelle Pfeiffer shared a throwback photo of Dr. Goodall with a chimpanzee during her time in Tanzania, quoting the late conservationist's words: "Each one of us must take responsibility for our own lives, and above all, show respect & love for living things around us, especially each another."

The actor and fellow environmental activist penned a gushing caption on Instagram alongside photos of them working together over the years; pictured in September 2018 alongside actor Mark Ruffalo

Kate Hudson shared the same quote from the New York Times article, writing: "Jane Goodall RIP." Jane Fonda remembered meeting Dr. Goodall and shared a group photo of them posing together, writing: "My heart breaks at the news that the brave, heartful, history-making Jane Goodall has passed."

Rosie O'Donnell honored Dr. Goodall as an "angel on earth," sharing a photo of her in New York City just last week at the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum. The comedian wrote: "RIP Jane." Michael Douglas shared a throwback photo of him and Dr. Goodall standing next to each other while she cradled a chimpanzee-inspired stuffed animal, writing: "RIP to my fellow UN Messenger of Peace, Dr. Jane Goodall."

Ellen DeGeneres shared a video of her sitting down with Dr. Goodall on her talk show in 2019, writing: "Thank you Jane for all the good you've done. You broke barriers for women all over the world." Maria Shriver shared a social media post with a photo of her with her "friend" whom she "adored," paying tribute to Dr. Goodall's legacy.

DiCaprio penned a heartbreaking message as he paid homage to his 'dear friend' and revealed the last message he had sent to her

The tributes poured in from around the globe, with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also paying their respects to this incredible woman who dedicated her life to making a difference.

As we mourn the loss of this remarkable individual, we are reminded of her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees, which began when she traveled to the Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania in 1960. Seventeen years later, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute to support research in the Gombe park, working tirelessly to protect the species and support youth projects aimed at benefiting animals and the environment.

Dr. Goodall's legacy will live on through her work, inspiring generations to come. As DiCaprio so eloquently put it: "My deepest condolences to her family." He also spread awareness about the environmental protection causes she championed, encouraging his followers to join him in honoring her legacy by supporting conservation groups.

Jessica Alba, 44, was also among the many Hollywood stars who shared touching posts in honor of Goodall; Seen in September

Let us take a moment to reflect on the incredible impact Dr. Jane Goodall has had on our world and the lives of countless individuals around the globe. As we say goodbye to this true hero, let us continue to carry the torch for her in protecting our one shared home.

Sources:

  • TheScholarlyNote.com: "Leonardo DiCaprio Pays Tribute to Dr. Jane Goodall Following Her Passing" (October 2, 2023)
  • TheScholarlyNote.com: "Celebrities Mourn the Loss of Dr. Jane Goodall, a True Hero for Our Planet" (October 2, 2023)

'Rest in power,' the actress wrote alongside a white heart and an angel wing emoji

Michelle Pfeiffer also took to Instagram to share a different throwback photo of Goodall with a chimpanzee during her time in Tanzania

Pfeiffer quoted the late conservationist in her caption

Kate Hudson shared the longer version of the same quote from the late conversationist and wrote: 'Jane Goodall RIP'

Jane Fonda remembered the time she met Goodall and shared a group photo of her posing alongside the beloved animal advocate

Rosie O'Donnell also honored the legendary conservationist and called her an 'angel on earth.' She shared a different photo of Goodall in New York City just last week at the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum

The comedian, 63, shared photos of the late environmental activist and wrote alongside red hearts and a teary-eyed emoji: 'RIP Jane'

Michael Douglas, 81, shared a throwback photo of him and Goodall standing next to each other while she cradled a chimpanzee-inspired stuffed animal

The award-winning actor and producer wrote in his caption: 'RIP to my fellow UN Messenger of Peace, Dr. Jane Goodall. Her legacy will forever be remembered for her unwavering dedication to our planet. My deepest condolences to the Goodall family.'

Ellen DeGeneres also took to Instagram to share a video of her sitting down with Goodall on her talk show. The late conservationist was a guest on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2019

'Thank you Jane for all the good you've done. You broke barriers for women all over the world,' the comic wrote in her caption

Maria Shriver also shared a social media post with a photo of her with her 'friend' whom she 'adored'

She paid tribute to the conservationist with a gushing message in her caption