Diane Keaton,the Academy Award-winning actress celebrated for her iconic roles in films like “Annie Hall“ and “The Godfather,” has died at the age of 79. The news marks the end of a prolific career spanning six decades, leaving a void in the world of cinema and mourning among fans worldwide.
Keaton’s passing revives recognition for a career defined by versatility and a uniquely quirky screen presence.Her influence extends beyond her numerous awards, inspiring generations of actors and filmmakers. The film industry and her devoted audience now reflect on a legacy of memorable performances and a lasting impact on American culture.
Born Diane Hall on January 5, 1946, in Los Angeles, she adopted the stage name Diane Keaton early in her career. She rose to prominence in the early 1970s, gaining recognition for her role in Francis Ford coppola’s ”The Godfather” (1972) and its sequel, “The Godfather Part II” (1974).
Though, it was her collaboration with Woody Allen that cemented her status as a cinematic icon. “Annie Hall” (1977), in which she played the titular character, earned her an Academy award for Best Actress and remains a landmark achievement in film history. She would go on to star in several other Allen films, including “Sleeper” (1973), “Love and Death” (1975), and ”Manhattan” (1979).
Keaton’s range extended far beyond Allen’s work. She showcased her comedic timing in films like “Something’s Gotta Give” (2003) and “As of Winn-Dixie” (2005), and demonstrated dramatic depth in “Marvin’s Room” (1996), earning her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Throughout her career, Keaton received numerous accolades, including a second Academy Award nomination for “Something’s Gotta Give” and an AFI Life Achievement Award in 2017. At the AFI ceremony, she described the honor as “the wedding I never had, or the big gathering I never had, or the retirement party I never had, or all these things that I always avoided – the big bash,” adding, “It’s really a big event for me and I’m really, deeply grateful.”
In 2022,Keaton left her mark on Hollywood history with a hand and footprint ceremony outside the TCL chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. Reflecting on her career at the event, she stated, “I don’t think about my film legacy… I’m just lucky to have been here at all in any way, shape or form. I’m just lucky. I don’t see myself anything other than that.”
She is survived by her children, Dexter, Duke, and Wilder. Details regarding memorial services have not yet been announced.
AP national writer Hillel Italie in New York contributed to this report.