Writer Gloria Steinem

Famous Last Words is a posthumous documentary interview series on Netflix, based on the acclaimed Danish format Det Sidste Ord ("The Last Word"). Cultural icons and influential figures sit down for an in-depth, reflective interview under the strict agreement that the footage will only air after their death.

Some months back, Richard and I saw the moving and thoughtful program on Jane Goodall. Last night, we watched the episode featuring Gloria Steinem, and it was riveting to witness her humanity and intelligence as she responded to questions and discussed personal experiences from her long and interesting life.

In her closing remarks, alone in the studio, she emphasized the camera directly, describing the power of media to connect unique individuals, foster mutual respect, and sustain global democracy. I bolted for a pen and pad to capture this quote—her last message to the next generations— while it was fresh in my mind:

“Tell your own story,” she said. “The most important thing we can do for each other is to know each other through our stories.”