Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning star known for her roles in iconic films like “Annie Hall,” “The Godfather,” and “Father of the Bride,” has passed away at the age of 79. Her vibrant personality and unique acting style distinguished her as one of the most remarkable performers of her time.
According to People Magazine, she died in California surrounded by family, as reported by a family spokesperson. Details surrounding her passing were not immediately disclosed, and Keaton’s representatives did not respond right away to inquiries from The Associated Press.
The news of her passing elicited shock globally. Actress Bette Midler, who starred with Keaton in “The First Wives Club,” remarked on Instagram, “She was hilarious, completely original, and devoid of any guile or competitiveness expected from a star. What you saw was who she was… oh, la, lala!”
Keaton was a trailblazing actress whose performances made films timeless. From her memorable “La-dee-da” lines in “Annie Hall,” adorned in her signature look of a necktie and bowler hat, to her poignant portrayal of Kay Adams in “The Godfather,” she carved a distinct niche in cinema history. Her rise to fame during the 1970s, particularly through collaborations with Woody Allen, showcased her remarkable talent, which continued to resonate with audiences for decades, especially through her work with filmmaker Nancy Meyers.
Throughout her career, Keaton played various memorable roles, including a businesswoman who unexpectedly becomes a mother in “Baby Boom,” the mother of the bride in the beloved “Father of the Bride” remake, and a recently single woman in “The First Wives Club.” In “Something’s Gotta Give,” she took on the role of a divorced playwright entangled with Jack Nicholson’s character.
She earned her first Academy Award for “Annie Hall” and received three additional nominations for her performances in “Reds,” “Marvin’s Room,” and “Something’s Gotta Give.” During her Oscar acceptance speech in 1978, she humorously remarked, “This is something.” Born Diane Hall in January 1946 in Los Angeles, she would later adopt her mother’s maiden name as her stage name when pursuing acting in Manhattan.
Throughout her career, Keaton built strong collaborations with notable filmmakers and co-stars, including Al Pacino, Warren Beatty, and Nancy Meyers. She was recognized with an AFI Life Achievement Award in 2017, and in 2022, she celebrated her legacy with a hand and footprint ceremony outside the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, reflecting on her journey with gratitude for being part of the film industry.
