Legendary Actress Diane Keaton Dead at 79
Hollywood is mourning the loss of one of its most influential and beloved icons. Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning actress celebrated for her unforgettable performances in The Godfather films and the 1977 classic Annie Hall, has died at the age of 79 in California, according to TMZ.
A statement from her family confirmed that Keaton passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. “Diane brought light, laughter, and originality to every room she entered. Her spirit and artistry will live on forever through her films,” the family said.
Born in Los Angeles in 1946, Keaton began her acting career on stage before transitioning to film in the early 1970s. Her portrayal of Kay Adams-Corleone in The Godfather and its sequels established her as one of the most gifted actresses of her generation. But it was her performance as the free-spirited, quirky Annie Hall in Woody Allen’s romantic comedy that made her a household name — earning her the Academy Award for Best Actress and redefining the image of the modern woman on screen.
With her trademark wit, intelligence, and androgynous fashion sense — oversized blazers, ties, and wide-brimmed hats — Keaton became a cultural icon, influencing both film and fashion for generations to come.
Her career spanned more than five decades, with standout performances in Reds, Baby Boom, Father of the Bride, The First Wives Club, and Something’s Gotta Give, which earned her yet another Oscar nomination. Keaton’s ability to move effortlessly between comedy and drama made her one of Hollywood’s most versatile and respected talents.
Beyond acting, Keaton was also an accomplished director, producer, photographer, and author, known for her sharp humor and deep love of architecture and art. Despite her fame, she remained famously private, focusing her life around her two adopted children, Dexter and Duke.
Tributes from fellow actors and filmmakers poured in within hours of the announcement. Meryl Streep called her “fearless, funny, and one of the great originals,” while Al Pacino, her Godfather co-star, said, “She was one of a kind — the real heart of every story she touched.”
Fans around the world have taken to social media to share their favorite Keaton moments — from her unforgettable “la-di-da” line in Annie Hall to her emotional scenes opposite Jack Nicholson in Something’s Gotta Give.
With her unmistakable laugh, fearless individuality, and timeless body of work, Diane Keaton leaves behind a legacy that few in Hollywood could ever match.
As one fan wrote, “She didn’t just play roles — she changed them. She taught us all that being different is what makes you unforgettable.”