Woody Allen Mourns Diane Keaton, Recounts Decades-Long Bond
Los Angeles – Filmmaker Woody Allen has penned a tribute too actor Diane Keaton following her recent death, describing a world diminished by her absence and highlighting a relationship that spanned both on and off screen.Keaton, whose passing was reported after a period of declining health unknown to many of her friends, was 77.
Keaton and Allen collaborated on a string of iconic films including Annie Hall (1977), Sleeper (1973), Play It Again, Sam (1972), and Manhattan (1979).Allen’s essay, published following Keaton’s death, recalls cherished moments beyond their professional lives, such as a Thanksgiving spent playing poker with her family. He wrote, “A few days ago the world was a place that included Diane Keaton. Now it’s a world that does not. So, it’s a drearier world. Still,there are her movies. And her great laugh still echoes in my head.”
Their connection extended beyond creative partnership into a significant personal relationship. allen described Keaton as his “north star” in his 2020 memoir, the person whose opinion he valued most. Keaton herself reflected on their bond in a 2023 interview with The Guardian, stating, “He was so amazing.It always was really special to be with Woody. He was great. He was everything, and he remains [so] to me. He gave me everything. He really did. Woody made it loose.That helped me enormously.” Allen acknowledged their eventual parting, suggesting only “God and Freud might be able to figure out” the reasons.
Keaton remained a public supporter of Allen following the resurfacing of a 1992 allegation of abuse made by Dylan Farrow, his adopted daughter. The allegation was investigated and dismissed by two official bodies,with no charges filed. Keaton stated during the #MeToo movement, “Woody Allen is my friend and I continue to believe him. It might be of interest to take a look at the 60 Minutes interview from 1992 and see what you think.”
In 2017, Allen notably broke his self-imposed aversion to awards shows to present Keaton with the AFI Life Achievement Award, praising her as “a great, great inspiration” and stating, “Much of what I’ve accomplished in my life I owe, for sure, to her.”
