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At Dr. Jane Goodall's funeral in Washington, D.C., Leonardo DiCaprio gave a touching tribute
He remembered sharing late-night conversations with the conservationist as they discussed their hopes for future generations
He also shared one of his favorite moments from their time together
As the world bid afinal farewell to Dr. Jane Goodallat her memorial service in Washington, D.C.,Leonardo DiCapriodelivered a moving tribute to their friendship — and shared mission.
"Most people knew her as Jane Goodall, the icon, the legend," DiCaprio said at the service at the Washington National Cathedral on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
"But the Jane I was fortunate enough to get to know was gentle, curious, funny, witty and absolutely unstoppable," theOne Battle After Anotherstar and outspoken environmentalist, 51, continued. "She could light up a room with her stories and somehow inspire everyone she met to believe that they individually could do better."
The actor recalled spending time with her at conferences and friends' homes, where they'd "end up tucked away in a corner" as they discussed biodiversity, politics and their hopes for future generations.
One of DiCaprio's most treasured memories occurred when he first posed for a photo with the conservationist.
"I looked straight into the camera," he remembered. "When I looked to my left, Jane was looking directly at me."
When DiCaprio questioned Goodall's chosen angle, she told him that was the way she preferred to pose for photographs. "Because for her, it was never about the image itself," DiCaprio said. "It was about that shared connection. And that small moment said everything to me about who she was: an enlightened Homo sapien."
Earlier this month, on Wednesday, Oct. 1, Goodall'snamesake institute announcedthat she died in California during a speaking tour. She was 91.
The animal welfare advocate became known as the world's foremost expert on chimpanzees after spending decades studying them in the wild in Tanzania's Gombe Stream National Park. She is survived by her son, Hugo, and three grandchildren, two of whomgave moving statementsat the service.
While at the podium, DiCaprio praised the "extraordinary woman" who changed the world through her tireless environmental advocacy. Even at the end of her life, Goodallcontinued to travel 300 days a year.
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DiCaprio said that though it's easy to "dwell on destruction and loss" — himself included — his "good friend" led with hope.
"She never lingered in despair. She focused on what could be done," DiCaprio said. "She reminded us that change begins with compassion and that our humanity is our greatest tool."
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Now, he is taking comfort in the conversations, adventures and whiskeys they shared.
"May we all honor her by carrying forward that same fierce belief that we can do better," he concluded, "that we must do better, and that we have a responsibility to protect this beautiful natural world we all share."
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