Oscar-Winning Actress Diane Keaton Dies At 79

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Legendary Diane Keaton has passed away.

She was 79.

Keaton is famous for her roles in “Annie Hall,” which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress, “Reds,” “Marvin’s Room,” and “Something’s Gotta Give.”

She died in California, her family confirmed.

Variety has more:

Her more recent feature roles included “Book Club” and its sequel, “Poms” and her last role onscreen in 2024’s “Summer Camp,” co-starring with Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard.

After establishing herself on Broadway in 1969 as Allen’s co-star in his comedy hit “Play It Again, Sam” (during which the performers became romantically involved), Keaton made an impression in Hollywood as Kay Adams, the tormented girlfriend and then spouse of mobster Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather” (1972) and “The Godfather Part II” (1974).

But it was as Allen’s frequent co-star and onscreen comedic foil – even after their life as a couple was over – that Keaton made her deepest impression. After reprising her role in “Play It Again, Sam” in Herbert Ross’ 1972 screen adaptation, she appeared with the diminutive comic in his sci-fi comedy “Sleeper” (1973) and his spoof of Russian literature “Love and Death” (1975).

However, it was the role of Annie Hall, the loopy, charming girlfriend of comic Alvy Singer (Allen) in the unconventionally structured feature, which truly launched her into the top echelon of screen actresses, scoring Oscars for best picture, best director and best original screenplay in the process. Keaton, who had served as the model for her character, also emerged as a style icon (for her off-kilter fashion sense) and an immediate influence on other young actresses.

“Oscar-winning star of Annie Hall, brilliant in the Godfather and Father of the Bride movies. One of Hollywood’s greatest actresses, and a delightful lady. Sad news,” Piers Morgan commented.

The New York Post shared:

The vivacious icon was equally known for her off-screen presence, beloved for her whimsical sense of humor and her signature style, wearing tuxedos, turtlenecks, bowler hats and black-rimmed eyeglasses.

Keaton, who was also a writer, director, photographer, and singer, was additionally famed for her relationships with a string of Hollywood stars including Al Pacino, Warren Beatty, and Woody Allen.

She is survived by her two children, Dexter, 29, and Duke, 25.

The actress last posted to her public Instagram on April 11, sharing a photo with her Golden Retriever, Reggie.

Born in Los Angeles, Keaton made her film debut in 1970 in “Lovers and Other Strangers.”

In 1972, she became a household name with a star turn as Kay Adams-Corleone in “The Godfather,” starring opposite Marlon Brando and Al Pacino, the latter of whom she had an on-off relationship with for several years.

That same year, Keaton appeared opposite Woody Allen in “Play It Again, Sam.” The pair briefly dated, before the relationship turned platonic.

However, it was the start of a decades-long collaboration — and lifelong friendship — between the pair, who worked on eight films together, including “Annie Hall,” for which Keaton won both an Oscar and a Golden Globe in 1978.

Other acclaimed Allen films the actress appeared in include “Interiors,” “Manhattan,” and “Radio Days.”



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