Leonardo DiCaprio Says Jane Goodall “Led With Hope” While Paying Tribute at Memorial Service

Leonardo DiCaprio on Wednesday paid tribute to fellow environmental advocate Jane Goodall during a memorial service for the late primatologist and conservationist at the Washington National Cathedral.

“When most of us think about environmental issues, we tend to dwell on destruction and loss, and I’ll admit it’s something I’ve always struggled with myself. But Jane led with hope. Always,” DiCaprio said in remembering his friendship and work with Goodall, who died on Oct. 1 from natural causes.

“She 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,” the Oscar winner and longtime environmentalist added during a service that was livestreamed.

Goodall during her lifetime devoted herself to her work as a conservationist, her groundbreaking chimpanzee field research and globe-spanning environmental advocacy.

“Yes, she could be clear-eyed, even blunt about the greed and relentless consumption of our species. But beneath that fierce honesty was an unwavering faith that every voice matters, that we are all connected to the living world, and that each of us can make a difference,” DiCaprio said of Goodall.

He recalled taking a photo with Goodall at one point in their joint work. In her later years, Goodall devoted herself to education and advocacy on humanitarian causes and protecting the natural world. 

“I looked straight into the camera. When I looked to my left, Jane was looking directly at me. She told me that that’s the way she preferred to take her photos, because for her it was never about the image itself. It was about that shared connection and that small moment said everything to me about who she was, an enlightened Homo Sapien,” DiCaprio added.  

Dubbed “the greenest guy in Hollywood,” DiCaprio as part of his conservation work has has made investments in a vegan meat company and donated millions to help wildlife conservation and fight against climate change. DiCaprio has also invested in Allbirds, a sustainable shoe brand. For all of his efforts, the United Nations honored him with the title of Messenger of Peace on Climate Change.