Washington DC, October 12
Hollywood legend Diane Keaton, best known for her iconic roles in Annie Hall and The Godfather films, has died at the age of 79, PEOPLE confirmed.
"There are no further details available at this time, and her family has asked for privacy in this moment of great sadness," a spokesperson told PEOPLE.
The Los Angeles Fire Department told PEOPLE that they responded to her home early that morning and took a 79-year-old woman to a local hospital.
Born Diane Hall in Los Angeles in 1946, Keaton was the oldest of four children. Her father was a civil engineer, and her mother, who stayed at home, inspired Keaton's creative side. "She sang. She played the piano. She was beautiful. She was my advocate," Keaton once told PEOPLE.
Keaton started acting in school plays and later studied drama in college before dropping out to move to New York. She adopted her mother's maiden name, Keaton, when she began her career in theater.
Her first major break came with 'The Godfather' (1972), in which she played Kay Adams opposite Al Pacino. She went on to reprise the role in 'The Godfather Part II' and 'The Godfather Part III.' In 1977, Keaton won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Woody Allen's Annie Hall.
Over the decades, she became one of Hollywood's most respected stars, appearing in beloved films like 'The First Wives Club,' 'Father of the Bride,' 'Baby Boom,' and 'Something's Gotta Give,' which earned her another Oscar nomination. She often worked with directors Woody Allen, Francis Ford Coppola, and Nancy Meyers.
Keaton also directed several projects, including the 1987 documentary 'Heaven' and the feature film 'Hanging Up' in 2000. In recent years, she appeared in 'Book Club' and its sequel, as well as Justin Bieber's 2021 music video for 'Ghost.'
Though she never married, Keaton was romantically linked to Warren Beatty, Al Pacino, and Woody Allen. She adopted two children, daughter Dexter in 1996 and son Duke in 2001, who survive her.
— ANI
Reader Comments
What a phenomenal actress! Her performance in The Godfather series was outstanding. She brought such grace and strength to Kay Adams. Hollywood has lost a true icon.
While I admired her acting, I do wish the article had focused more on her directorial work and less on her personal relationships. She was so much more than just the women in famous men's lives.
Remember watching Father of the Bride with my family during Diwali celebrations. Her comic timing was brilliant! She made us laugh and cry in so many films. Condolences to her children and loved ones.
Her career spanned over 50 years - from The Godfather to appearing in Justin Bieber's music video! That's the mark of a truly versatile artist who evolved with the times.
So sad to hear this news. She was such an inspiration for working women - successful in her career, adopted children as a single mother, and lived life on her own terms. True feminist icon! 💪
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