(KTLA) — Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning actress noted for her extensive career and memorable performances in movies like “The Godfather,” “Annie Hall,” and “Father of the Bride,” has passed away at the age of 79 in California, as reported.
A family spokesperson confirmed her death to People and said loved ones have asked for privacy. Further details were not immediately available.
Keaton garnered fame in the 1970s through her role as Kay Adams in the “Godfather” series. Her performance in Woody Allen’s “Annie Hall” won her the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her distinctive voice, sharp wit, and unique menswear-inspired fashion made her a standout in Hollywood, securing her position as a renowned leading lady.
Her impressive career featured leading roles in films such as “The First Wives Club,” “Something’s Gotta Give,” “Baby Boom,” and the “Book Club” series, among others. Alongside acting, she directed and produced various projects. Keaton also remained active on social media, often offering personal insights to her followers.
Keaton’s final film role was in last year’s comedy “Summer Camp,” alongside fellow veterans Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard.
Born as Diane Hall in Los Angeles in 1946, she chose her mother’s surname, Keaton, as her stage name. She was never married and is survived by her two children, Dexter and Duke.
Hollywood reacts
Bette Midler, Keaton’s co-star in “First Wives Club,” expressed her sorrow in an Instagram post on Saturday, stating: “The brilliant, beautiful, extraordinary Diane Keaton has died. The sadness I feel is unbearable. She was hilarious, a true original, and lacked the guile or competitiveness you’d expect from such a star. She was exactly who she appeared to be… oh, la, lala!”
Steve Martin, who acted with Keaton in the “Father of the Bride” movies, shared a photo excerpt from an Interview magazine featuring a quote from Diane. In a conversation with Keaton, actor Martin Short, a mutual friend, jokingly inquired, “Who’s sexier, me or Steve Martin?” Keaton humorously replied, “I mean, you’re both idiots.” Martin commented on Instagram, noting that this quote perfectly captured their playful relationship with Diane.
Pop star and actor Mandy Moore, who played Keaton’s daughter in the 2007 romcom “Because I Said So,” said in an Instagram Story, simply: “God, I love her. Legend. Forever.” Another of Keaton’s on-screen daughters, Juliette Lewis (1999’s “The Other Sister”) also shared a video of Keaton in a Story, with a caption reading: “Singular one-of-a-kind magic.” Finally, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, who played Keaton’s daughter in the “Father of the Bride” films, wrote via Instagram on Saturday: “Diane, working with you will always be one of the highlights of my life. You are one of a kind, and it was thrilling to be in your orbit for a time. Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, your talent, and above all, your laughter.”
