Diane Keaton, the legendary actress starring in films like “The Godfather” trilogy, “Annie Hall” and “First Wives Club,” passed away on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the age of 79.
A death certificate procured by People determined the cause of death to be pneumonia. According to a report from CNN, the Los Angeles Fire Department received a call from the Oscar-winning actress’s residence that same morning, and paramedics immediately transported her to the hospital.
The family had requested privacy in the hours following the media surge to process their grief. They encouraged fans to donate to animal shelters and food banks — two causes which she strongly advocated for.
Keaton is remembered as a trailblazer in Hollywood. Born in Los Angeles in 1946, her first claim to fame was in the Broadway musical “Hair” (1968). Her career gained momentum when she was cast in the acclaimed gangster drama “The Godfather” trilogy, alongside Al Pacino, in 1972. In the films, she played the girlfriend and later wife of Michael Corleone, portrayed by Pacino. Their on-screen romance manifested in real life, resulting in her and Pacino dating off and on again until 1990.
Pacino spoke to Deadline on Oct. 16, sharing a message regarding Keaton’s untimely passing. He expressed his thoughts and emotions after having some time to sort through memories of the times they shared.
“Diane was my partner, my friend, someone who brought me happiness and on more than one occasion influenced the direction of my life,” Pacino said. “Though over thirty years has passed since we were together, the memories remain vivid, and with her passing, they have returned with a force that is both painful and moving.”
Apart from her presence in “The Godfather,” Keaton’s most famous role was as Annie Hall in Woody Allen’s romantic-comedy drama “Annie Hall.” The pair shared a decade-long romantic and creatively collaborative relationship, with Keaton appearing in a total of eight movies directed by Allen.
He wrote an emotional tribute to Keaton in an essay for The Free Press, sharing memories and his long-standing love for her.
“Keaton had huge talent for comedies and drama, but she could also dance and sing with feeling,” Allen wrote. “She also wrote books and did photography, made collages, decorated homes, and directed films. Finally, she was a million laughs to be around.”
His words stand as a testament to all of the accomplishments in her five-decade career. Beyond film, she was multifaceted and touched many with her great interests. Keaton was not just an actress: she was a writer, photographer and a passionate lover of architecture.
Keaton was also a mother to Dexter Keaton, 27, and Duke Keaton, 22, whom she had adopted later in life.
Dexter Keaton shared a Mother’s Day Instagram post back in 2014, writing, “Happy Mother’s Day to my amazing momma! I’m so thankful to have been adopted by such a strong, beautiful, and talented woman. I couldn’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me. I love you!”
Throughout her life, Keaton showed women time and again that they didn’t have to live the way society told them to. This was underscored in her striking wardrobe statements, which were carefree, quirky and androgynous. Her personal style in the ‘70s paved the way for women to break away from societal norms and to use fashion as a form of self-expression, instead of adhering to traditional expectations.
Unlike many celebrities and actresses, Keaton’s style was an extension of her inner self, and many became inspired to view fashion through her perspective. Her style aged as gracefully as she did — every freckle, wrinkle and gray hair a mark of character.
