Jane Goodall and her famous last words

Jane Goodall is one of those people we wish there were more of in the world.   Most of us live in urban environments with our pet dogs and cats, but mostly separated from nature.   We forget we are part of nature.

The concept of "Famous Last Words" is to interview notable people to not be aired until after their death.  Originated in Denmark.  Very personal.  This is really the first episode to be aired.

 

In the interview she is very conscious that when her audience sees the film she is already dead.  Most of it is her story and opinions.  To some the idea might seem morbid, but Jane seemed appreciative of the opportunity.

The interviewer, Brad Falchuk, also the publisher had learned she liked a shot of whiskey to warm up and so they both enjoyed some whiskey together.  He was very good at putting her on ease to express herself freely.  The cameras were mobile and most important not visible.

As a youngster she had a strong curiosity about animals including worms.  Most mothers would be upset with their daughter handling worms, but Jane was encouraged to express her fondness for animals.

She was one of three women chosen by Louis Leakey to study primates in their natural surroundings.   Although she did not have a Bachelor's degree she was admitted for a Ph.D at Cambridge.

When she first arrived in Africa she was soon alone and not sure where the chimpanzees were to be found.  She was not bored, but found other creatures to observe.  One such study was of dung beetles who perform a task that helps balance nature.  She did meet up with some chimpanzees and had to earn their trust.  As she got more comfortable she was able to observe their similarities to humans.  Chimpanzees were able to make tools, go on organized war parties against other chimps, could pass on information to future generations and were emotionally complex. 

Her first husband, Hugo von Lawick  was a photographer assigned to take still shots and film of her with the chimps.  They became attached and married and had one son Hugo.  She related in her last words interview that her son took the divorce very hard.  After an education in England Hugo preferred to build boats in Tanzania.

Her second husband was Derek Bryceson who had been a director of a natural foundation.  They were married until he died of cancer five years later leaving her a widow for the rest of her life.

Opinions might have been carefully expressed in public, but here she strongly lets us know she does not like Donald Trump.  One can only hope that more people will respect her views than that of Donald Trump.  Elon Musk and Putin were also singled out as vile people.

Some phrases she used were "Your life matters", "Don't lose hope" (she felt the world was in terrible shape) and we are all "part of nature."  When asked how she saw her purpose she replied "

This photo has a personal connection for me.  I met Bruce Lawes at a horse show where he was exhibiting a really visually dynamic realistic painting of a horse.  I have followed him partly through his former agent, Glenda Fordham a Facebook friend.  I had seen this photo earlier and can imagine he took the pains to get the painting as realistic and memorable as possible.

She died in her sleep in Los Angeles on October 1, 2025 and the film was released only a few days later.  The film can be seen in full on Netflix.  Her last words can be found here on Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfLKHY52ERc

The film was based on a Danish series "Det Sidse Ord" in 2020.