Diane Keaton Dies at 79, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Iconic Performances
LOS ANGELES – Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning actress known for her quirky charm and indelible roles in films like “Annie Hall” and “Something’s Gotta Give,” has died at the age of 79. News of her death sent shockwaves through Hollywood on Saturday afternoon, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fellow actors and fans.
Keaton’s career spanned decades, establishing her as a cinematic icon celebrated for her unconventional style and relatable portrayals of complex women. She earned critical acclaim and a devoted following through a diverse body of work, seamlessly transitioning between comedic and dramatic roles. Beyond acting, Keaton was a multihyphenate talent, venturing into directing, singing, writing, and even interior design.
Among her moast celebrated films are “The Family Stone” (2005), “Becuase I Said So” (2007), and “Book Club” (2018). Her last film role was in the comedy “Summer Camp,” released last year. Keaton also directed the 2000 comedy “Hanging up,” featuring Meg Ryan, Lisa Kudrow, and Walter Matthau in his final screen appearance. The screenplay was penned by Delia and Nora Ephron,the writers of “You’ve Got Mail.”
Keaton’s talents extended beyond the screen. She released a holiday song,”First Christmas,” last year and published several coffee table books,including “The House That Pinterest Built” in 2017,reflecting her passion for architecture,photography,and interior design. She also launched her own wine label and penned two bestselling memoirs, “Then Again” (2011) and ”Brother & Sister” (2020).
In 2017, the American Film Institute honored Keaton with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her significant contributions to the art of filmmaking. During the ceremony, Meryl Streep lauded Keaton, stating, “She has given us so much happiness,” acknowledging her glittering career.
“First Wives Club” co-star Bette Midler was among the first to publicly mourn Keaton’s passing, writing on Threads: “The brilliant, gorgeous, extraordinary Diane Keaton has died. I cannot tell you how unbearably sad this makes me.” Midler continued, “She was hilarious, a complete original, and completely without guile, or any of the competitiveness one woudl have expected from such a star. what you saw was who she was…oh, la, lala!”
