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Hollywood is mourning the loss of one of its most distinctive and beloved stars, Diane Keaton, who has died at the age of 79.
A family spokesperson confirmed the heartbreaking news to People, revealing that the Academy Award-winning actress passed away in California. Her family has asked for privacy as they grieve, with no further details currently available about the cause of death or funeral arrangements.
Diane Keaton’s passing marks the end of an era. With her signature wit, quirky charm, and effortlessly chic style, she redefined what it meant to be a leading lady in Hollywood. Over more than five decades, Keaton built a career that balanced artistic credibility with mainstream success, earning her a place among the greats of American cinema.
Born in Los Angeles in 1946, Keaton first captured the attention of audiences with her role as Kay Adams in The Godfather trilogy, a performance that introduced her understated magnetism to the world. But it was her turn as the neurotic, loveable Annie in Woody Allen’s 1977 masterpiece Annie Hall that truly cemented her as a cultural icon. The role not only earned her an Oscar for Best Actress but also changed the landscape of fashion and film, with her eclectic menswear-inspired wardrobe sparking a global style movement.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Keaton remained a fixture on screen, starring in beloved classics such as Baby Boom, Father of the Bride, The First Wives Club, and Something’s Gotta Give, the latter earning her another Oscar nomination. Her ability to portray complex, relatable women with humour and heart made her one of the most enduring figures in Hollywood history.
Diane Keaton at the 1978 Academy Awards, where she won for Annie Hall. Beside her were the film’s producer, Charles H. Joffe (left), and presenter Jack Nicholson, who would later become her co-star - Credit: Associated Press
In more recent years, she enjoyed a new wave of popularity with audiences through Book Club and its sequel, Book Club: The Next Chapter, charming fans once again with her trademark warmth and wit.
Following news of her death, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry.
Her First Wives Club co-star Bette Midler shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, writing:
“The brilliant, beautiful, extraordinary Diane Keaton has died. I cannot tell you how unbearably sad this makes me. She was hilarious and completely without guile or competitiveness. What you saw was who she was… oh, la, lala!”
Steve Martin, who starred alongside Keaton in Father of the Bride and its sequel, posted a simple yet powerful tribute on X, sharing a black and white photo of the actress with the caption:
“Loved.”
Comedian and actress Amy Sedaris posted a clip from Annie Hall with the words, “Heartbreaking. A true original. Artist. Beautiful. Spirit in the sky.”
Filmmaker Paul Feig also paid his respects, writing,
“I was so honoured to call Diane Keaton a friend. She was an amazingly kind and creative person who also just happened to be a Hollywood legend. She has been taken from us far too soon. We will miss you, Diane.”
Actress Elizabeth Banks added,
“She was beloved in her industry. Every one of us idolizes her. Her influence on culture, fashion, art, and women can’t be overstated. She was a delight. I am proud I have a career that allowed me to meet her and breathe her air.”
Diane Keaton’s passing leaves a void in Hollywood, one that can never truly be filled. With her unmatched blend of humour, vulnerability, and authenticity, she became not just a movie star, but a role model for generations of performers.
As tributes continue to flood social media, one thing is clear: Diane Keaton’s spirit, laughter, and legacy will live on forever in film history, and in the hearts of all who loved her.