by Emma Svoboda
Dr. Jane Goodall lived a legacy, with more than 60 years of conservationism and activism that inspired many scientists of all ages. Her study of chimpanzees in Gombe, Tanzania changed the way the behaviors of animals are viewed. She earned many awards for her achievements, she was made a Dame and awarded the United Nations Messenger of Peace, the United States Presidential Medal of Freedom, and many more.
In the new Netflix series Famous Last Words, Emmy Award-winner Brad Falchuk sat down for a deeply personal and touching conversation with Dr. Goodall on her legacy. This conversation was recorded in March 2025, with the contents of the interview only known to Falchuk and Dr. Goodall. It was captured via remotely operated cameras and equipment, so that the moment would be truly confidential and unedited until after the passing of Dr. Goodall. The documentary was edited and released within two days after her passing.
The two enter the room, along with her stuffed monkey named Mr. H, and sit down to discuss her life from her childhood all the way to her last thoughts to give to humanity. Falchuk gives her a biographical introduction as she interjects memories and stories of what started and makes up her legacy.
Dr. Goodall discusses her mother’s impact on her start studying animals, her experience starting out as Dr. Louis Leakey’s secretary, her chimpanzees, and her life as a whole. She tells her stories as both Jane and “the icon.” Falchuk eventually leaves the room for Dr. Goodall to leave her final message to the world in privacy, a touching statement securing her legacy in her own hands. Her message is one of hope and meaning, a true summary of what her legacy teaches the world.
The documentary serves as a unique way for Dr. Jane Goodall to secure her legacy the way she wished it to be told and a platform for her to continue spreading her message. Famous Last Words: Dr. Jane Goodall is available to watch on Netflix.
