Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton, known for her timeless performances and effortless style, has died at the age of 79.
The Annie Hall and Godfather star’s family confirmed her death on Saturday, October 11, asking for privacy “as they grieved their immense loss.”
A friend told People that Keaton’s health had “declined very suddenly, which was heartbreaking for everyone who loved her.”
The source described her illness as “unexpected” and said her family had chosen to keep the battle private.
Keaton was reportedly surrounded by her “closest family” during her final days.
“Even longtime friends weren’t fully aware of what was happening,” the source added.
The actress had quietly withdrawn from public life, no longer seen on her familiar daily walks with her dog – a change that neighbours had noticed.
Concern deepened when, in March, Keaton listed her “dream home” in Los Angeles for $29 million. The decision surprised those close to her, as she had often said she wanted to stay there permanently.
Her cause of death has not yet been revealed. However, Keaton had spoken openly in the past about a previous battle with cancer.
The Godfather actress was first diagnosed with skin cancer at 21.
“It’s a family history,” she told The Los Angeles Times in 2015.
“I remember my Auntie Martha had skin cancer so bad they removed her nose. My father had basal skin cancer, and my brother had it. It’s tricky with this skin cancer. That’s why you’ve got to put the sunblock on.”
Decades later, she was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma – the second most common form of skin cancer, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation. The Times reported it took two surgeries to remove the cancer.
News of Keaton’s death prompted an outpouring of grief and admiration from across Hollywood, with friends and former collaborators celebrating her talent, authenticity and warmth.
Bette Midler wrote on Instagram, “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!”
Goldie Hawn posted, “How do we say goodbye? What words can come to mind when your heart is broken? You never liked praise, so humble, but now you can’t tell me to ‘shut up’ honey. There was, and will be, no one like you.”
“Loved!” – Steven Martin posted on X.
Countless other stars shared kind words about Keaton.
Francis Ford Coppola
“I saw her in the film Lovers and Other Strangers and knew I had to have her play Kay in The Godfather (which she told me she based on my wife Ellie) and her wonderful work in Annie Hall while simultaneously setting a new fashion trend. Everything about Diane was creativity personified.” – on Instagram.
Martin, who co-starred with Keaton in Father of the Bride, also shared an interview clip where Martin Short asked Keaton who was sexier, him or Martin. Her reply, “I mean, you’re both idiots.”
Carly Simon wrote on Instagram, “Diane had a warmth and wit that drew you in, and a courage in her work that left you in awe. I’ve always believed she was one of the greatest actors ever to grace the screen. Losing her feels deeply personal. I’ll miss her light, her laughter, and the connection we shared.”
Simon said they were “almost like sisters.”
Cynthia Nixon
“When I was a kid, Diane Keaton was my absolute idol. I loved her acting. I loved her vibe. I loved her everything.” – on Instagram.
Nixon said working with her on Five Flights Up was “a dream come true.”
Mandy Moore
“They say don’t meet your heros but I got to work with one of mine and even call her ‘mom’ for a few months. An honor of a lifetime. What an incandescent human Di is and was.” – on Instagram.
Octavia Spencer
“Thank you, Diane, for reminding us that authenticity never goes out of fashion.” – on Instagram.
Ben Stiller
“One of the greatest film actors ever. An icon of style, humor and comedy. Brilliant. What a person.” – on X.
Kimberly Williams-Paisley
“Diane, working with you will always be one of the highlights of my life. You are one of a kind, and it was thrilling to be in your orbit for a time. Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, your talent, and above all, your laughter.” – on Instagram.
Mary Steenburgen
“Diane was magic. There was no one, nor will there ever be, anyone like her. I loved her and felt blessed to be her friend. My love to her family. What a wonder she was.” – in a statement.
Candice Bergen
“Diane was a true artist – tremendously gifted and uniquely talented in so many disciplines yet also modest and wonderfully eccentric. I will miss her terribly.” – in a statement.
Jane Fonda
“Unique is what she was. And, though she didn’t know it or wouldn’t admit it, man she was a fine actress!” – on Instagram.
Viola Davis
“No!! No!!! No!! God, not yet, NO!!! Man … 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.” – on Instagram.
Reese Witherspoon
“From Annie Hall to The Godfather to Something’s Gotta Give, she is just incredible and indelible and truly an original person. So for Diane, watch one of her movies and wear a really cool, interesting outfit, black and white. Take a cool picture and just live your dream. Just be your unique, interesting self, I think Diane would be really happy.” — speaking at Hello Sunshine’s Shine Away event in LA.
Leonardo DiCaprio
“Diane Keaton was one of a kind. Brilliant, funny and unapologetically herself. A legend, an icon and a truly kind human being.” – on Instagram.
Nia Vardalos
“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. Repost photo from the page of my pal, icon.” – on Instagram.
Zac Posen
“Diane Keaton is gone, and though I only knew her through the light she gave on screen, I’ll miss that light deeply.” – on Instagram.
Images: Shuttersotck
