Gloria Steinem, the influential feminist leader, shared her final reflections in a Netflix interview series shortly before her passing. The activist died on September 2, 2026, at the age of 92 in New York City. She was filmed for the Netflix special in February 2025, during what would be her final public appearance.
In that interview, Steinem spoke about the importance of individuality and how media can bring people together even without meeting face to face, according to theblast.com. She encouraged viewers to share their own experiences, saying that personal stories help connect people across differences. Steinem emphasized that everyone should pursue what they love while staying true to who they are.
She also addressed the idea that feminism has evolved beyond a single face or leader, noting her own role was more about longevity than being central. The interview explored themes like family, writing, reality television, and global equality. She reflected on the challenges within feminism, including her complicated relationship with Betty Friedan.
She admitted that this tension helped her understand how group dynamics can make criticism easier to manage. Steinem expressed hope for the future of social movements, even though much work remained to be done. She said she wanted people to remember her as a human being who left kindness in everything she touched.
Brad Falchuk, the executive producer of the Netflix series Famous Last Words, described the conversation as deeply personal and focused on connection, equality, race, gender, and peace, according to a report from Yahoo News. Falchuk praised Steinem for encouraging others to keep pushing forward even in her final moments. After her death, the public learned that Steinem had been surrounded by loved ones in her final hours.
Her legacy was celebrated as a lifelong commitment to equality and justice. She was remembered for her curiosity, humor, independence, and ability to make people feel heard. In her later years, Steinem hosted gatherings called “Talking Circles” in her home, bringing together people for conversation and connection.
These events will continue after her death, honoring her wish to keep her home as a space for social justice and community. Fans were encouraged to light candles in her memory or donate flowers to her foundation instead. Meghan Markle and Jameela Jamil among others paid tribute to Steinem following her death, NPR reported.
Markle recalled working with Steinem on voter outreach and private conversations, noting how Steinem had also spent holidays with her family. She shared that she still wore a bracelet Steinem gave her and highlighted the activist’s message about people being connected rather than ranked. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also paid tribute to Steinem, calling her a trailblazer who made opportunities possible for others.
Clinton noted that Steinem helped open doors in areas like sports and law, including the passage of Title IX and Roe v. Wade. Other notable figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Paris Hilton, Stacey Abrams, and Billie Jean King also shared messages honoring her. Many of these tributes came from personal experiences, showing how Steinem’s influence extended beyond activism into everyday life.
The interview series Famous Last Words is based on a Danish format called Det Sidste Ord. The final episode featured Steinem alongside other notable figures like Jane Goodall and Eric Dane.
IMAGE: Gloria Steinem at news conference, Women’s Action Alliance.. Photo: Warren K. Leffler / Wikimedia, taken 1972-01-12, Public domain