LOS ANGELES (AP) — Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning star known for her roles in iconic films such as ‘Annie Hall,’ ‘The Godfather’ trilogy, and ‘Father of the Bride,’ has passed away at the age of 79. Reports indicate that she died in California surrounded by her loved ones, as confirmed by a family spokesperson. Further details about her passing have not yet been disclosed, and representatives for Keaton did not respond to inquiries from The Associated Press.
The news of her death has reverberated across the globe, eliciting shock and sorrow from fans and fellow artists alike. Diane Keaton was a unique and vibrant figure in the film industry, known for her quirkiness and emotional depth. She brought to life enduring characters, notably her memorable role as the endearing Annie Hall whose distinct mannerisms and iconic style—including neckties, bowler hats, vests, and khakis—captured the hearts of audiences. Additionally, her portrayal of Kay Adams in ‘The Godfather,’ the tragic woman who becomes entwined with the infamous Corleone family, cemented her status as a legendary actress.
Keaton's rise to stardom began in the 1970s with several memorable performances, many in collaboration with Woody Allen. However, her talent and charm proved to be timeless as she continued to captivate new generations of viewers. This was especially true through her partnership with filmmaker Nancy Meyers, with whom she worked on a number of successful films.
Some key films in her later career included her role in ‘Baby Boom’ as a career woman who unexpectedly becomes a mother, her portrayal of the mother of the bride in the beloved remake of ‘Father of the Bride,’ and her performance as a newly single woman in ‘First Wives Club.’ She also starred alongside Jack Nicholson in ‘Something’s Gotta Give,’ playing a divorced playwright who finds herself entangled with a music executive.
Diane Keaton’s storied career was marked by numerous accolades, including her first Oscar win for ‘Annie Hall.’ Over the years, she received additional nominations for her performances in ‘Reds,’ ‘Marvin's Room,’ and ‘Something’s Gotta Give.’ When she accepted her Academy Award in 1978, Keaton delivered a humorous remark, saying, “This is something,” which exemplified her distinctive charm and personality.
Born Diane Hall in January 1946 in Los Angeles, California, she was raised in a family not connected to the film industry. Her mother was a homemaker and photographer, while her father worked in real estate and civil engineering. Keaton’s passion for theater and music emerged during her school years in Santa Ana, California. After a year of college, she decided to pursue her dreams in Manhattan, adopting her mother’s maiden name, Keaton, due to an existing member of Actors' Equity already having the name Diane Hall.
Keaton's career began on the stage, where she was an understudy in the Broadway production of ‘Hair’ and later starred in Woody Allen's ‘Play It Again, Sam’ in 1968, which earned her a Tony nomination. She made her film debut in the 1970 romantic comedy ‘Lovers and Other Strangers,’ but it was her casting in Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘The Godfather’ that became her major breakthrough, propelling her to international stardom and solidifying her place in cinema history.
