Legendary Actress Diane Keaton Dies at 79

Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning actress whose quirky charm and iconic menswear-inspired style made her a beloved fixture in Hollywood for over five decades, has died. She was 79.

People confirmed Keaton passed away in California. A family spokesperson stated that loved ones are asking for privacy at this time. No further details have been released regarding the cause of death.

Keaton, born Diane Hall in Los Angeles in 1946, was a defining figure in American film. Her career took off in the 1970s with a string of unforgettable roles, starting with The Godfather trilogy, in which she starred as Kay Adams opposite Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone. She famously admitted to auditioning for the film without reading the script or the bestselling novel it was based on, a bit of Hollywood legend that somehow made perfect sense for Keaton’s effortlessly offbeat persona.

Her real breakthrough came in 1977 with Annie Hall, directed by longtime collaborator Woody Allen. The role won Keaton an Academy Award for Best Actress and cemented her place in pop culture history, not just for her performance, but for the film’s fashion influence, inspired by Keaton’s own wardrobe.

Over the years, Keaton carved out a singular career path that balanced romantic comedies, dramas, and family films. She starred in hits like Father of the Bride, The First Wives Club, Something’s Gotta Give, and more recently, the Book Club franchise. Her work with directors like Francis Ford Coppola, Allen, and Nancy Meyers showcased her versatility, wit, and vulnerability always with a dash of neurotic charm.

Off-screen, Keaton was unapologetically herself. She never married, adopted two children, and shared glimpses of her life through a delightfully candid Instagram presence. In a 2019 interview with People, she reflected on aging and fame with characteristic honesty: “Getting older hasn’t made me wiser. Without acting I would have been a misfit.”

Diane Keaton is survived by her children, Dexter and Duke.

Hollywood is quieter today without her voice, her hats, and that perfectly awkward laugh. As fans and fellow actors pay tribute, one thing is certain, Diane Keaton did it her way.