Hollywood Mourns the Loss of Legendary Actress Diane Keaton, Dead at 79

The world has lost one of its most beloved and iconic stars. Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning actress whose wit, warmth, and individuality defined generations of cinema, has died at the age of 79.

A family spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE that Keaton passed away in California, asking for privacy as loved ones grieve the loss of a woman who changed both Hollywood and fashion forever.

 From Los Angeles Dreamer to Hollywood Legend

Born Diane Hall in Los Angeles in 1946, she was the eldest of four children. Her father was a civil engineer, while her mother — a talented homemaker — encouraged Diane’s creative pursuits. After performing in high school plays, Keaton briefly studied drama in college before moving to New York City in 1964 to chase her dreams on stage.

She took her mother’s maiden name, Keaton, after discovering that another actress had already registered under her birth name with the Actors’ Equity Association.

In 1968, Keaton landed her first big break as an understudy in Broadway’s Hair. But behind her rising success, she battled bulimia, later describing it as a secret illness that consumed years of her life. Through therapy and determination, she recovered — stronger and more self-aware than ever.

Her resilience would soon pay off.

 Breakthrough Roles and the Birth of an Icon

In 1969, Keaton starred in Woody Allen’s Broadway play Play It Again, Sam, earning a Tony nomination. Just a year later, she made her film debut in Lovers and Other Strangers, but it was Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather that catapulted her to worldwide fame in 1972.

As Kay Adams, the devoted yet conflicted wife of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), Keaton delivered one of cinema’s most enduring performances — reprising the role in The Godfather Part II (1974) and Part III (1990).

“I think the kindest thing someone’s ever done for me,” she once told PEOPLE, “is that I got cast in The Godfather — and I didn’t even read the book. I had no idea what I was walking into.”

By the mid-1970s, Keaton had become Hollywood’s favorite leading lady — smart, offbeat, and irresistibly original.

 “Annie Hall” and an Oscar for the Ages

In 1977, Keaton starred in Woody Allen’s Annie Hall, a role that earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress and cemented her place in film history. Her quirky menswear-inspired wardrobe — vests, ties, wide-brimmed hats — became a global fashion trend, reflecting both the character and Keaton herself.

Annie Hall wasn’t just a romantic comedy; it was a cultural phenomenon, and Keaton became the face of its timeless charm.

 A Career of Depth, Style, and Heart

Over the decades, Keaton delivered a string of unforgettable performances in films such as Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977), Reds (1981), Baby Boom (1987), Father of the Bride (1991), Something’s Gotta Give (2003), The First Wives Club (1996), and Book Club (2018).

She collaborated often with Nancy Meyers, creating modern classics that celebrated love, independence, and resilience — especially for women over 40. Her performance in Something’s Gotta Give earned her another Oscar nomination, while her comedic timing and emotional depth continued to inspire generations of actresses.

When asked in 2020 which project meant the most to her, Keaton said,

“Honestly, you can think it’s sappy, but I love the Father of the Bride movies. They were so touching.”

 Beyond the Screen

Keaton was never afraid to show her quirks. She became a beloved figure on social media, where she shared glimpses of her home, family, and signature humor with millions of followers. She also directed films, including the 1987 documentary Heaven and Hanging Up (2000), and even appeared in Justin Bieber’s 2021 music video for “Ghost.”

Despite her fame, she remained refreshingly grounded. In a 2019 interview with PEOPLE, she said:

“Without acting, I would have been a misfit. Getting older hasn’t made me wiser — just more curious.”

 Motherhood and Independence

Keaton never married, proudly embracing her independence in a world that often expected women to conform.

“I’m really glad I didn’t get married,” she said in 2019. “I’m an oddball. I never wanted to be a wife. No.”

She adopted two children — daughter Dexter in 1996 and son Duke in 2001 — whom she described as the greatest joy of her life.

“Motherhood wasn’t an urge I couldn’t resist; it was a thought I’d had for a long time,” she told Ladies’ Home Journal. “So I plunged in.”

A Timeless Legacy

With her trademark hat, sharp wit, and unmatched spirit, Diane Keaton redefined what it meant to be a Hollywood woman — authentic, independent, and endlessly inspiring.

Her films remain a testament to her versatility and her ability to bring humanity, humor, and heart to every role she played.

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

💔 Rest in peace, Diane Keaton (1946–2025) — a true original who made the world brighter, one unforgettable performance at a time. 🎬🤍