Oscar-Winning Actress Diane Keaton Dead at 79

On Saturday, People reported that the star — who appeared in numerous films during her career — had passed away at 79 in California. Keaton’s cause of death was not revealed, with People noting that her family is asking for privacy.

Keaton — who was born as Diane Hall — had an illustrious career that spanned over five decades, starring in Annie Hall, Father of the Bride, The Godfather, and more. Her career began on Broadway in the 60s in the musical Hair, before she starred in Woody Allen’s production, Play It Again Sam, with Keaton receiving a Tony nomination for her performance.

While Keaton made her film debut the next year in Lovers and Other Strangers, her breakout role was in 1972 in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather, in which she played the girlfriend of Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone.

In the years that followed, Keaton frequently collaborated with Allen, including in the film adaptation of Play It Again, Sam, Manhattan, Sleeper, Love and Death, and Annie Hall. For her performance in the titular role in 1977’s Annie Hall, Heaton won the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Keaton went on to star in many films in the subsequent decades, including many comedies and romcoms, including The First Wives Club, The Family Stone, and Book Club, and her five collaborations with Nancy Meyers, which included Something’s Gotta Give, Father of the Bride, and Baby Boom.

Following the sad news of Keaton’s passing, reactions began pouring in, with stars across Hollywood paying tribute to the legendary actress.

Bette Midler — who famously starred alongside Keaton in 1996’s The First Wives Club — mourned her late co-star’s death on Instagram, writing, “The brilliant, beautiful, extraordinary Diane Keaton has died. I cannot tell you how unbearably sad this makes me. She was hilarious, a complete original, and completely without guile, or any of the competitiveness one would have expected from such a star. What you saw was who she was…oh, la, lala!”

My Big Fat Greek Wedding actress Nia Vardalos reposted the black and white photo of Keaton Midler shared, and wrote, “Grace. Style. Talent. Above all, a comedy gal who set the bar high for all of us who came after. Rest in peace sweet and funny Diane Keaton.”

Octavia Butler also shared a tribute on Instagram, calling Keaton a “true original,” adding that Keaton “wasn’t just an actress: she was a force. a woman who showed us that being yourself is the most powerful thing you can be.”

“From Annie Hall to Something’s Gotta Give, she made every role unforgettable. But beyond the screen, she brought joy, laughter, and style that was all her own. Thank you, Diane, for reminding us that authenticity never goes out of fashion. 🤍,” she added.

Viola Davis expressed that she was devastated by the news, writing, “No!! No!!! No!! God, not yet, NO!!! Man… you defined womanhood. The pathos, humor, levity, your ever-present youthfulness and vulnerability — you tattooed your SOUL into every role, making it impossible to imagine anyone else inhabiting them. You were undeniably, unapologetically YOU!!! Loved you. Man… rest well. God bless your family, and I know angels are flying you home. 💔💔💔.”

A handful of stars expressed their shock and sadness at Keaton’s death in the comments section of People’s Instagram post reporting her passing.

“Heartbroken 💔,” Sarah Hyland commented, while Olivia Munn shared three broken heart emojis.