Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton, celebrated for her distinctive style and unforgettable roles in 'Annie Hall,' 'The Godfather' films, and 'Father of the Bride,' has passed away at 79, leaving Hollywood and fans worldwide in shock.
Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton, renowned for her quirky charm, vibrant manner, and profound talent in films like 'Annie Hall,' 'The Godfather' series, and 'Father of the Bride,' has died at 79. A family member confirmed she passed away in California with loved ones, with People magazine first reporting her sudden health decline. The unexpected news sent shockwaves globally, prompting heartfelt tributes from industry giants such as Francis Ford Coppola, Bette Midler, and Leonardo DiCaprio, who praised her intelligence, originality, and unique spirit. Born Diane Hall in Los Angeles in January 1946, Keaton moved to New York after dropping out of college to pursue acting, adopting her mother’s maiden name. She studied under Sanford Meisner and overcame personal struggles, including battling bulimia in her 20s. Her career began on stage, earning a Tony nomination for Woody Allen's 'Play It Again, Sam,' before her big breakthrough film role as Kay Adams in Francis Ford Coppola’s 'The Godfather' (1972). The 1970s saw a prolific collaboration with Woody Allen, leading to iconic roles in films such as 'Sleeper,' 'Manhattan,' and her Oscar-winning performance in 'Annie Hall' (1977), which solidified her status as a singular talent and fashion icon. Keaton continued to captivate audiences for decades, notably through a long-standing partnership with filmmaker Nancy Meyers, starring in beloved films like 'Baby Boom,' 'Father of the Bride,' 'The First Wives Club,' and 'Something’s Gotta Give,' for which she received her last of four Oscar nominations. She was also nominated for 'Reds' and 'Marvin's Room.' While she had high-profile romantic relationships with Woody Allen, Al Pacino, and Warren Beatty, she never married, choosing instead to adopt two children in her 50s. Beyond acting, Keaton occasionally directed, with works including an episode of 'Twin Peaks' and the film 'Hanging Up,' and authored several books, including memoirs 'Then Again' and 'Let’s Just Say It Wasn’t Pretty.' Her illustrious career was recognized with an AFI Life Achievement Award in 2017 and a hand and footprint ceremony outside the TCL Chinese Theatre in 2022. Keaton remained humble about her legacy, stating she was simply fortunate to have been part of the industry.