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He recalled one of those heavy security spells on the way to Paris with Jane Goodall for an environmental award presented by the United Nations for many years ago, a memory that has ever seared itself into his heart. The actor proceeded to give his thoughts on the immortal primatologist and commented that against security warnings and the cancellation of other presenters, they stood firm for their cause. Baldwin’s narration can definitely count as one of the rare incidents revealing real pressures to which celebrity activists are subject during international tensions.
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The actor spoke of his arrival in Paris during a heightened military presence following the 2015 nightclub shooting, even right before the assembly for the COP 21 climate-related conference. What was supposed to be a small contingent of American artists and activists presenting the UN Equator Prize had virtually thinned to two persons: Baldwin and Goodall. Almost all of the other presenters canceled their appearances.
Baldwin wrote, “My producers Charles McNeill and Joe Corcoran informed me that most of the other presenters had cancelled. That left me and Jane Goodall to carry on.”
His simple closing, “May God bless and keep you, Jane,” served as a tribute to Goodall and testament to the joint experience they shared in those tense circumstances. The post generated an outpouring of adulation for Goodall’s legacy, many taking it upon themselves to share how this conservationist changed their lives.
One user reminisced on how Goodall impacted her when she was young: “She was my idol when I was young and growing up. What an incredible woman—I recommend reading her books. I’ve read most of them.” This sentiment was echoed throughout many of the comments, with another saying, “She was one of the few female role models who truly inspired me as a kid—I am so grateful for what she gave us.”
An account from someone with ties to Goodall’s work in Tanzania encapsulates the sort of very personal connection many felt toward her: “I was born and raised in Tanzania and I hope Jane is laid to rest there where she started her work and where she called home. My father’s boss at the Ministry of Agriculture was her husband Brycson. A wonderful compassionate woman, the world needs more of people like Jane Goodall.”
Not all of the comments were strictly paying tributes to Jane Goodall; some acknowledged the importance of Baldwin’s role in the narrative. “Lucky u to have made it into her orbit,” one noted. Such acknowledgment of the actor’s environmental activism—so often overshadowed by his film career—exposed an otherwise hidden aspect of Baldwin’s public life.
These comments bore the emotional weight of Goodall’s passing, one declaring, “OMG I COULD CRY. All the good humans are passing on,” and another stating plainly, “We’ve lost a beautiful bright light.” The responses emphasize just how intensely personal the connection many felt toward the scientist was—far beyond common celebrity fandom.
The cast-critical comment implying that Baldwin had “inserted yourself into the narrative” quickly summoned a defensive response. “Come on, he simply mentioned how he crossed her path,” defended one commenter. Another continued, “Don’t you think it’s a really common thing when someone passes away that people who have met fondly recall their own experience with them? It’s such a normal thing.” This conversation highlighted how the very fine line of personal tributes can wobble between sharing meaningful connections and perceived self-promotion.
By far, most continued to praise Goodall’s extraordinary life and legacy. Commenters called her “an INTELLECTUAL LEADER of time,” “a queen amongst us all,” and “a warrior,” mostly focusing on how behaviors, caring, and especially empathy will live on.
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Baldwin’s recounting of that strange camaraderie on that land in Paris of theirs, with other people having turned away, at last stood as an apt homage to Goodall’s character. To recall the scientist through the shared experience of walking through difficult engagements focused a newfound light on those very qualities for which she was most admired: commitment, courage, and absolute dedication to her cause. Together with all the replies, the posting drafted a portrait of a woman whose reach far exceeded just scientific endeavor across time and space into the lives of people via her kind work in animal conservation and human connection. In his personal life, Alec Baldwin often shares moments with his wife Hilaria Baldwin, who recently announced a new Dancing with the Stars partnership. The family also experienced a personal loss when Hilaria Baldwin mourned the loss of her beloved family dog.
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