Dr. Jane Goodall Interview: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

For our series People Who Think Good, John Oliver sits down for a banana with Dr. Jane Goodall, one of the world's foremost experts in chimpanzees.
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[@dannytheman1313]

You can tell there were moments where she was fighting the urge not to crack up, she really is a wonderful person.

[@TheSnoopy1750]

She knows what these shows are all about and she's got a good sense of humor. She's been on Colbert's show too.

[@dannytheman1313]

***** Oh without question she knows what shows she's on, and no doubt she was asked to play it 100% straight, but you can tell that there were times where she wanted to bust out laughing.

[@jNoSocks]

***** We can only hope they upload the outtakes, one day! She's awesome.

[@ms.rstake_1211]

yup

[@orangejuice7964]

She is a very nice person indeed

[@SuperiorSaiyajinRoze]

I've met Jane Goodall, I asked her about this, and she said "It took almost all of my power to keep my composure during the first half of that interview."

[@nefelitsakiridi]

Did she mean she wanted to laugh or that she was annoyed? sorry for the late comment, just really curious

[@harrr53]

@@nefelitsakiridi She was completely in on the joke.

[@ophelias4172]

Well, how the hell are we supposed to expect her not to laugh at Poothrow?

[@jeaniee.6283]

I dont think I could keep my composure just meeting her..

[@diddliewinks3486]

This woman is the definition of class.

[@elonramsay2406]

496 likes and no reply? Humans have bcm dumb

[@devkergirl2025]

Imagine if her and Michelle Obama met.

[@jeaniee.6283]

Exactly.

[@Misantroph0_Twitter_YouTube]

DiddlieWinks cause she’s british that’s why.

[@badlaamaurukehu]

Unlike Oliver.

[@Shenruss]

John: I find that hard to believe. Jane: Then we shall disagree, for the rest of our lives... My God, this was the funniest British conversation ever.

[@badlaamaurukehu]

Oliver is a pretentious prick.

[@peace4myheart]

She is one of those genuinely, beautiful people that you don't often find these days.

[@ufphk]

Look harder, there's a few around

[@xdeser2949]

I mean, I know she's completely in on the joke... but she seems like the most polite and patient person lol

[@Vrig]

Was thinking the same, we have much to learn.

[@mahrenballs]

I realize that you wrote it 5 years ago (and that I'm apparently just a tad late to the party) but thank you because your comment is more or less the same one that I was just coming here to make. What I was going to say.. and I guess that I'm still saying anyway lol.. is that I really like John Oliver but on interviews like these I really hope they are "in on it" because it would really be annoying if not, and to be honest even though I get and appreciate the kind of humor he's going for, I wish this one could've just been a normal interview because it was really interesting hearing her insight so it felt like it kept getting interrupted. Anyway maybe that's just me though and either way it seems like she has a great sense of humor and that she'd be an incredibly interesting person to talk to.

[@MrHousecup]

"I don't like you." But in spite of herself, I think she was having a great time!

[@thomaswillard6267]

I don't think she was literally literally saying "I don't like John Oliver" I think she was saying "I'm not sharing because I don't like you" She was role playing.

[@badlaamaurukehu]

@@thomaswillard6267 There's no effort needed in unliking Oliver anyway...

[@morsmordre3]

@@badlaamaurukehu Rubbed the wrong way are we

[@masahige2344]

I find it fascinating how such small moments as "I'm going to pick someone like Hitler, because he's gone" reveal Jane's overall insight into human affairs.

[@criskp6861]

What do you mean ?

[@blueplague5911]

It implies that there are various people alive today that she could have filled that blank with but that she found it in poor taste or even disadvantageous to name them considering their probable stance. So.. She named someone similar that posed no threat and is generally/openly despised on what we can assume is an equivalent scale.

[@cakeules]

@@blueplague5911 very well said

[@harrr53]

@@blueplague5911 Exactly. I love kind of classy intelligence. She was saying something essentially brutal though.

[@vinrevael]

The fact that he can make Jane Goodall do a comic skit alone is award-worthy.

[@AwPheebs]

I've named my hamster Poothrow Hitler

[@jakep1979]

+AwPheebs Be careful he might ride that hamster wheel like a Nazi!

[@user-mn3iq2cs9n]

+jakep1979 You have to buy it a Volkswagen hamster wheel.

[@mast6209]

her straight face trough this make it hi(t)larious...

[@reactormeltdown]

You can tell she was trying hard not to. They're all in on it ;-)

[@DawahBroAustria]

I don't believe she was on it tho

[@kitpalmer1583]

you are incorrect Dawah Bro

[@davidliaotn]

"I don't like you." Literally the gold of the whole conversation. Cracked up so hard.

[@anapanasati1970]

"Some people need poo thrown at them." -Jane Goodall

[@yaboicolleen]

the fact that she didn't have an undergrad degree when she first started her research is giving me hope that I'll be able to do something meaningful without a degree either

[@muhdihsan4748]

Of course she was destined for this series. Her name literally had good in it. And her actions too.

[@Shenruss]

+Muhd Ihsan and she was a hot geek back in the day. Amd I the only one who thinks she was pretty? it can't just be me!

[@JennyLeeShee]

I had the very great pleasure of meeting Dr. Jane in June. She has a wonderful sense of humour and it shows in this video. Thank you John Oliver and team for this lovely hilarity! I've just changed my evil cat's name to Poothrow Hitler.

[@poothrowhitler5465]

I take offence

[@JennyLeeShee]

:)

[@NellieKAdaba]

My mother met her too, about 4 years ago at the UN. I love Jane Goodall for over a decade.

[@tylergrutbo766]

John Oliver barely gave a serious interview with snowden. We all need to sit down and have a few laughs no matter the person

[@motivatedandmedicated4368]

This is why John Oliver and John Stewart are amazing..they take people who seem larger than life ,who are some of the most influential and brilliant people in the world... And they show them how stupid the rest of us are. .lol. .. But most of all they show the rest of us, that they are just as human as the rest of us...and they enjoy to laugh.

[@GodBoredWas]

I suddenly like Dr.Jane Goodall more than I did in the past. Thanks John :)

[@r4-drz84]

holy sh*t she has a sense of humor lol

[@Boborbot]

Now thats an epic grandma.

[@entropyad]

And ten thousand user names were born. Prepare to see on every message board every iteration imaginable of "PoothrowHitler"

[@poothrowhitler5465]

I take offence

[@Teencat]

This will forever be one of my favourite interviews.

[@ZankuroMinazuki]

One of the all time best interviews, EVER, especially with a world renowned and hugely respected scientist.

[@socialmoon]

Dr. Jane Goodall is one of my biggest inspirations. :) Lovely to see this light-hearted, yet informative interview where she's clearly enjoying herself.

[@2legit64]

This is hysterical. Dr. Goodall was a good sport for doing this. I don't know if I've ever seen her laugh so kudos to John Oliver.

[@011KiKi]

She is amazing. I love her.

[@thomassomeone4868]

"I'm not giving you any, I don't like you." I am crying!

[@jcace13]

I love it when these genius scientists can be such a good sport for a bumbling Englishman xD

[@rishabhgoray225]

Stephen Hawkings was savage

[@robo2000nitro]

Hahaha absolutely lost it during the vocalisations.

[@TheRedHorseman1208]

Anyone wanna hear a banana-based chemistry pun? K

[@firesnakearies]

Good joke! Had to give it an electrolike!

[@christanprice5720]

I see what you did there lol.

[@frevuz1667]

Captain here (for any of you not so interested in chemistry), K is potassium, bananas have potassium.

[@QuasarRiceMints]

Bananas are known for being rich in potassium.

[@SilverMiraii]

I feel proud of myself for understanding that joke, yes I have succeeded in life.

[@averagememeenjoyer7241]

I completely lost it with John's begging her. Amazing!

[@elliebeaudry1072]

I was actually able to attend one of Jane Goodall's speeches and it was incredibly inspiring how spoke about pursuing her dreams despite everyone kind of rooting against her back then.

[@lizatanzawa7910]

Thanks for this brilliant insightful interview! Discouraging chimp pets, wry comments on scientific method, personal back story, and how to speak chimp! And thanks for showcasing Ms. Goodall's superb comic talents and exquisite timing! Oo-ooh Ooooh, John&crew!

[@motzkeksalarm]

„I don‘t like you.“ This woman rocks! 😂

[@ginaheartscupcakes]

I love how dignified Goodall is. Even when she was eating the banana the way she did.

[@violentXcupcakes]

she has such a calm voice, what an adorable woman

[@Grimzkhul]

She seems like a such a sweet woman! Good to see she's doing well.

[@keyfamily]

Goodall is brilliant and with a good sense of humor too!

[@MminaMaclang]

This is G R E A T . Dr. Goodall seems so sweet, and what a trooper. She has such good humor. I am super starstruck that she and Hawking have been on the Great Minds series. We want more!! HAHA.

[@beberoo]

Oops... I was supposed to be working quietly in my office. But I totally LOL'd at Dr. Goodall's "I don't like you".

[@1CivilRightsActivist]

Jane Goodall is so stoic and proud. I love her! "Poothrow Hitler" just cracked me up! :-)

[@LungsOutJem]

Dr. Goodall is such an amazing person.

[@jaydentownsend5402]

She so put hats on them, and many, just by that instant smirking reaction.

[@UltraPrimal]

What an awesome lady Dr. Jane Goodall is! Such a good sport.

[@jackmeriustacktheretrix2335]

Damn that bana looked aPEELing, no...okay...I know it's used a lot but no one said it

[@GoreINHUMANREMNANTS]

Dude. C'mon.

[@GoreINHUMANREMNANTS]

Damn man C'moooon! Dad jokes everywhere! Made me laugh and instantly made me think of my dad haha

[@yattaguru]

Dammit these banana puns are so bad I'm gonna split.

[@firesnakearies]

There should be a BAN an Anymore 'banana' puns.

[@TheLunarLegend]

No need to get bent out of shAPE.

[@CarlsrestTV]

You're the best. Very funny and interesting.

[@tovaportmann]

This is my new favorite. This is literally, the greatest interview of all time.

[@mr.jaymanalastas3073]

Thank you, Jane. I'm chasing a deadline, so of course, I watched videos. I love you. I will do everything I can to help.

[@Ashar121]

Wow she really was a good looking lady when she was younger. Still quite dignified in her older years.

[@VDMiau]

She is a genius, good looking or not

[@Ashar121]

***** i knew somebody would say that. However I did not make any comment one way or another about her intellect. Also, I think the term genius is thrown around way too casually nowadays.

[@VDMiau]

Ashar Saleem It's a fact that even women in science and politics are hugely judged by their appearance - even in irrelevant contexts and much more than men are. Why not just appreciate the contribution of the person? And I don't think in her case the term genius is "thrown around too casually"

[@Ashar121]

***** why not just allow the compliment I gave her to stand on its own without turning this into a debate against society's sexist practices? Why does everything have to turn into a "women are victimized" conversation? Sometimes comments are just that, comments. They don't have any political agenda or mysoginistic views behind them and should be treated as such. And with regard to genius, you are perfectly entitled to your opinion. As am I.

[@VDMiau]

Ashar Saleem Simply because you are not the only person with such a behavior, there are tons of studies showing that this is the case, and also because this in fact as consequences for women in science, for the progress in science and for our perception of science. So why not instead of denying that your views are also part of a societal context, being a bit selfcritical? And ps, calling out sexism does not mean that I see women as victims, just as calling out racism doesnt mean I see foreigners as victims...but I will speak out wherever needed, just such as here

[@MOLLYDOLLIGHT]

Dr. Goodall!!! I don't know If you read KZbin comments, but you have been such an inspiration to me all my life. Funny, when I was in elementary school, I made an oral report and dressed up like you. I even wore a similar olive green shirt!

[@livinginvancouverbc2247]

I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. Brilliant interview.

[@tarobarf]

i love this woman

[@pragatisupakar4858]

John Oliver makes it look so easy... big fan !!

[@sidkul2k]

Such a warm, lighthearted video =D Loved the Ooh bit. I hate sharing food! I'm totally using that

[@MsArlene100]

We love this interview wow Dr Jane is great and she really handled John really really well Just love it!! great interveiw

[@info145]

April 3rd 2015: Happy birthday, Jane Goodall. Only 81 years old... Thanks for all your hard work. "What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make."

[@3DxPOD]

I think she can analyze humans on such a basic level because of her interactions with chimps for so many years that she has the ability to read people very well.

[@watchafunnyone]

this made me happy.

[@saeonix]

Your comment made me happy

[@cutestuffs971]

Awww, let's keep the kindness thread going!

[@sanaabedi7544]

You all seem like beautiful people

[@saeonix]

Sana Abedi Awwww, you're beautiful too

[@elisat1754]

that's adorable

[@waylons4444]

great sense of humour ! great interview! what a champ she is! and a good sport

[@BoStanfordify]

What a delightful woman

[@Pseudoplaydo]

From Jane Goodall to Edward Snowden.

[@barthslung]

I was actually expecting a real interview

[@acdc14terrace]

Same

[@ThePhiloctopus]

Perhaps you were disarmed by the humour, but this was bitingly sharp and insightful.

[@ZhangtheGreat]

+Barth Slung You won't find "real" interviews with John Oliver. He's a comedian, and his guests know before agreeing to sit down with him that these would be comic interviews.

[@wendys9500]

+ThePhiloctopus That was sarcastic, right? I literally cringed the whole interview; the bit about chimp butlers was so face-palm inducing.

[@JustNatax3]

Yep. And you can bet she was all right with the goofs and was agreeing to play along all serious. Just like Stephen Hawking could work out his hilarious sassy answers. But it's a comedy bit with wonderful smart people. Isn't it great when those who gave serious interviews their whole life, can sit down and have a chuckle once in a while?

[@TCt83067695]

Such elegance and grace in the way she speaks.love her!

[@TheSkrsna]

Who even disliked this video! She's awesome.

[@romant142]

Krissation she's the best!

[@orangejuice7964]

No, she just wants diamonds

[@TheLegendaryRaptor]

this is 'BRILLENT'

[@orangejuice7964]

like diamonds

[@laziwastaken]

@@orangejuice7964 I see what you did there

[@andiamador7156]

This was wonderful. I loved it. You both were great. Thanks.

[@Jegekim]

These interviews are just the best.

[@watdafxup85]

Bless this Dr's heart..

[@loner1878]

If Jane Goodall told me she didn't like me I would start crying and never stop.

[@SourBitters]

The OTG, one true grandma.

[@donfolstar]

What unimaginable darkness lies in the hearts of those who thumbs downed this video?

[@Kelssinho]

That was a really fun and funny interview :)

[@egogeo851]

Fun and funny? Not that i disagree, but is twice enough?

[@laloveisbad88]

THIS IS FUCKING HILARIOUS 😂😂😂 REAL TEARS IN MY EYES THOUGH

[@BucketOfFuk]

Hmmm,the comment section is a big melting point. On one side "This is funny! It's nice to see Jane's humorous side" and on the other "John is such an ass. He is disrespectful and did not respect her at all." I apologize but I'll side with the former because, you are watching a comedy channel after all. It's supposed to lighthearted.

[@BucketOfFuk]

thevampirefrog06 I think it was because she said "I don't like you" and people took it qoute litterally.

[@onkelpappkov2666]

The people who lack object permanence and think you're actually Superman when you wear a Superman suit. "Hello, is me. I are Adolf Hitler. From 1939. Hue." "It is him! He just admitted it! It is literally Hitler!" Sounds funny but I've met people of that sort. They can be lovely and very kind, you just cannot confuse them with irony and other more complex forms of communication. They need very clear guidance. It can be frustrating to work with mentally retarded people but they can also be very warm and loving as long as you "talk easy" with them.

[@darlingnikki1353]

My favorite "thing" in life - the great apes. I idolize Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey et. al. Thank you Ms Goodall for enriching my life with your groundbreaking work. I revere this woman! 👏👏👏 😊 💙

[@charliedos]

We need more of this.

[@MissJustSayin]

Two of my favourite people! I love this so much

[@gingergamergirl98]

I love this so much

[@chi-kuangfo868]

I like this piece A LOT!

[@shahriar1159]

Another nice interview John, loved it

[@suechurchill7128]

I love that she played along with the interview.

[@veerannaluke]

amazing interview

[@agunemon]

I love her voice!!!

[@TheaBerdie]

Fabulous! I wish I'd seen this years ago! 🤣🤣🤣

[@lemonielala3080]

Oh I love this interview so much❤

[@maddinewman3392]

Aw I remember watching dr Jane on my VHS When I was s child!! Oh how nostalgic !

[@ffsf739]

This was amazing! Love these two!!

[@ryanj6862]

Lol Jane Goodall doesn't BS around ,,,good stuff!

[@mollie41000]

This was wonderful.

[@setsuro.splice]

LOL! what a delightful interview!

[@goldenhorn15]

Pure class!

[@zdrajcawielki1457]

That chimp dialogue is just so omg pure, wholesome awsomeness :D

[@fearbox2227]

Best interview ever!

[@TheDiplomancer]

Dr. Jane Goodall is such a treasure.

[@darkinstinctful123]

she seems like an amazing human being ^_^

[@ernestoflores1057]

Seriously mesmerizing

[@robotjack2193]

That was freaking fantastic.

[@intellectracoon]

great interview

[@bellevie.b]

beautiful amazing woman, it was extraordinary to see her and talk to her in person when she came to the city I live in ♥ much ♥ Jane!!! you are an inspiration to us all! your beautiful soul shines through!