Jane Goodall on Donald Trump, Elon Musk and hope in Netflix’s new posthumous interview series

Netflix has launched a new posthumous interview series titled Famous Last Words, based on a Danish format that sees notable figures share a final message before the episode is released after their death.

The inaugural episode follows the death of celebrated primatologist and environmental activist Dr. Jane Goodall. Goodall died last week aged 91 and was known for her pioneering work in chimpanzee research and the foundation of the Jane Goodall Institute – a global non-profit wildlife and environment conservation organisation.  

In the episode, which was recorded “under strict confidentiality” in March with producer Brad Falchuk, Goodall shares candid thoughts on her work, spirituality, regrets and even people she doesn't like.  

“Absolutely, there are people I don’t like, and I would like to put them on one of (Elon) Musk’s spaceships and send them all off to the planet he’s sure he’s going to discover,” Goodall tells Falchuk.  

Who’s on the spaceship? “Along with Musk would be Trump and some of Trump’s real supporters. And then I would put Putin in there, and I would put President Xi. I’d certainly put Netanyahu in there and his far-right government. Put them all on that spaceship and send them off.” 

Goodall, who was an authority on the aggressiveness of alpha male adults, had never been shy on criticising Trump.  

In a 2022 interview with MSNBC, she said Trump exhibited “the same sort of behavior as a male chimpanzee will show when he’s competing for dominance with another.” She added: “They’re upright, they swagger, they project themselves as really more large and aggressive than they may actually be in order to intimidate their rivals.” 

Goodall had also criticized Trump’s decision to pull the US out of the Paris climate accord, describing the move as “immensely depressing.” 

In the Netflix episode, she shares that she believes “that most people are decent” and in a post-interview address to camera, ends with a message of hope and encouragement.  

“I want you to understand that we are part of the natural world. And even today, when the planet is dark, there still is hope. Don’t lose hope. If you lose hope, you become apathetic and do nothing,” she said. “And if you want to save what is still beautiful in this world – if you want to save the planet for the future generations, your grandchildren, their grandchildren – then think about the actions you take each day. Because, multiplied a million, a billion times, even small actions will make for great change.” 

“You have it in your power to make a difference. Don’t give up. There is a future for you. Do your best while you’re still on this beautiful Planet Earth that I look down upon from where I am now.” 

If you can watch the first episode of Famous Last Words and not tear up at watching the final words of a hero for Planet Earth, a true force for good, you’re made of stronger stuff than we are.

Jane Goodall’s episode is available to stream now. It is essential viewing.

RIP Jane Goodall 1934 - 2025