Diane Keaton, Oscar-Winning Actress, Dies at 79
Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning actress known for her unforgettable roles in Annie Hall, The Godfather series, and the Book Club films, has passed away at 79. Her career spanned decades, leaving a lasting mark on Hollywood with her mix of charm, wit, and emotional depth.
Rise to Fame
Keaton broke into Hollywood in the 1970s as Kay Adams-Corleone in The Godfather films, playing opposite Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone. She became a household name while balancing dramatic and comedic roles—from Woody Allen’s Manhattan and Sleeper to 1980s hits like Baby Boom and 1990s favorites like Father of the Bride.
Her career-defining role came in 1977 with Annie Hall, which earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. She also received Oscar nominations for Reds, Marvin’s Room, and Something’s Gotta Give.
Early Life
Born Diane Hall on January 5, 1946, in Los Angeles, she later changed her last name to Keaton for professional reasons. She was the eldest of four children. Her mother, a homemaker with acting dreams, even competed in a pageant titled “Mrs. Los Angeles.”
Keaton studied drama at Santa Ana College and briefly at USC before moving to New York to train at the Neighborhood Playhouse. She made her Broadway debut in Hair and later starred in Woody Allen’s Play It Again, Sam, beginning a decades-long collaboration with the director.
Career Highlights
The Godfather (1972) and The Godfather Part II (1974) – Kay Adams-Corleone
Sleeper (1973) and Manhattan (1979) – Woody Allen comedies
Annie Hall (1977) – Academy Award for Best Actress
Reds (1981) – Oscar nomination
Baby Boom (1987), Father of the Bride (1991), Something’s Gotta Give (2003) – comedy hits
Recent roles in Book Club (2018), Mack & Rita (2022), and Summer Camp (2024)
She also directed films, including Hanging Up, and authored memoirs such as Then Again and Brother & Sister, where she explored family life and her brother Randy’s mental health struggles.
Personal Life
Keaton never married but adopted two children in her 50s: daughter Dexter, 29, and son Duke, 25. She often expressed gratitude for a career that allowed her to stay creatively active and connected with audiences of all ages.
Legacy
Diane Keaton’s blend of vulnerability, charm, and talent made her a Hollywood icon. From groundbreaking comedies to unforgettable dramas, her influence on film will be remembered for generations.
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