Who Was Jane Goodall’s Husband? Getting to Know Her Family After Her Death at 91

Jane Goodall, the renowned anthropologist and primatologist, died on Wednesday, October 1, at the age of 91. According to NBC News, she passed away from natural causes.

Goodall was best known for her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees, analyzing their behavior and social lives. She also worked with multiple animal rights organizations and founded the Jane Goodall Institute, which confirmed her passing in a statement on Instagram.

“She was in California as part of her speaking tour in the United States. Dr. Goodall’s discoveries as an ethologist revolutionized science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world,” the tribute read.

Born in London, England, Goodall enrolled at the University of Cambridge, where she earned a doctoral degree. Her research began after anthropologist Louis Leakey approached her to study chimpanzees. Her work demonstrated the similarities between chimpanzee and human behavior, transforming global perspectives on the emotional and social complexity of animals.

Goodall’s research not only revolutionized ethology but also encouraged more women to pursue STEM fields — science, technology, engineering, and math. Her institute today has around 25 branches worldwide. Alongside her fieldwork, she authored several books detailing her discoveries.

In a 2021 interview with The Associated Press, Goodall reflected on her bond with nature, saying:
“It’s almost like an out-of-body experience when suddenly you hear different sounds and you smell different smells and you’re actually part of this amazing tapestry of life.”

Goodall married twice in her lifetime. Her first marriage was to Baron Hugo van Lawick, a photographer and filmmaker assigned by National Geographic to document her work. The couple had a son, Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick. Speaking on the Call Her Daddy podcast in May 2025, she recalled meeting Baron for the first time and admitted she initially worried his presence might disturb the chimpanzees.

The two separated in 1974 as Goodall remained committed to her research in Gombe, while Baron pursued film projects in Serengeti. About a year later, she married Derek Bryceson, who served as the director of Tanzania’s national parks. Their marriage ended in 1980 following his death.

In a 2020 interview with People magazine, Goodall revealed that she never married again, saying she did not meet the “right person” and did not need a husband, as she had many friends.

Goodall is survived by her son, Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick, and three grandchildren, Merlin, Angel, and Nick.

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