Who is Derek Bryceson? Jane Goodall’s Husband and His Role in Her Life

The world mourned the death of Dr. Jane Goodall, who passed away at the age of 91. Known as the leading expert on chimpanzees, Goodall’s life was not only about groundbreaking science but also about the two men she married. Her husbands — photographer Baron Hugo van Lawick and Tanzanian politician Derek Bryceson — both played important roles in shaping her journey.

Jane Goodall’s First Husband: Baron Hugo van Lawick

Jane Goodall met Dutch photographer and filmmaker Baron Hugo van Lawick in 1962. He was sent by National Geographic to document her early work in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania. At first, Goodall was reluctant to have him around, fearing the chimps might be disturbed.

But van Lawick’s passion for animals and photography soon won her over. The two married in 1964 and welcomed a son, Hugo Eric Louis, known as “Grub.” Their marriage lasted a decade before ending in 1974. Goodall later explained that his career took him to the Serengeti, while she remained committed to Gombe. The couple drifted apart but always respected each other’s work.

Who Was Derek Bryceson?

Derek Bryceson was Goodall’s second husband. He was a member of Tanzania’s National Assembly and later became the director of the Tanzanian national parks system. Born in 1920 in South Africa, Bryceson had a strong presence in both politics and conservation.

When Goodall first heard about him, she admitted being “scared” because of his reputation for being strict. But in 1972, when she lobbied for Gombe to become a national park, she met him personally and found him supportive.

In 1975, after both had divorced their former spouses, Goodall and Bryceson married. Their marriage was full of quiet companionship. They enjoyed simple pleasures, such as dining together and spending time by Lake Tanganyika. Bryceson once said his dream life would be living year-round in Gombe, far away from the city.

A Tragic Ending

Their time together was short. In 1980, just five years into their marriage, Bryceson died of cancer. Goodall later said his death was devastating but also emphasized that without him, Gombe might not exist today. As the director of Tanzania’s national parks, he provided crucial protection for her research site.

Life After Marriage

After Bryceson’s death, Goodall chose not to remarry. In a 2020 interview, she explained that her life was already full through her friendships, her research, and her mission to protect wildlife. “I didn’t need a husband,” she said, reflecting on how both marriages shaped her life.